Special Q&A for Reservation Holders w/ Slate Auto CEO

[Daemoch]

Roll bar is a DOT safety requirement they cant negotiate around so they can offer/add seating (see the 1987 YJ Jeep wrangler for reference). A panel truck top doesn't add the seating (and so not the shoulder straps) so doesn't require the roll bar. In the interest of keeping it all as simple and as cheap as possible, I can absolutely see why they only offer the two options.

I'd be willing to bet either they or a 3rd party will quickly make one available though.

 

[KevinRS]

I'd bet that more options will show up before the Slate even ships. There are items that have been mentioned that haven't shown up on the maker, and they are asking for 3rd parties to contact them to make accessories that will be shown and sold through the Slate site. Most stuff that doesn't need safety testing like the rollbars will be 3rd party.

 

[sodamo]

SUV kit with the seat removed was my original plan, but I wrote specifically to ask if the seat could be removed from the SUV kit, and they told me it could not "for safety reasons." Then they said the Cargo Kit might be what I was looking for; I asked if it included the roll bar, and they said no.

(Sorry, I can't post it verbatim. It was a live online chat, not email. I hadn't discovered these forums yet and didn't know how many others had the same questions I have or might have saved it.)

Their answer to me

Hello David, Thank you for reaching out. When adding the SUV conversion kit, you will be able to have that and remove the seats if you wish. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we can help you with. Thank you!

 

[sodamo]

Unfortunately, I think many of us will be disappointed with the “cargo kit.” Yes, it may be available without seats and roll bar, but “windows“ will be solid panels (no glass). Totally different look which doesn’t appeal to me. Just like all other true cargo vans (think Nissan NV). Nice for commercial business or fleets with a logo /wrap, not so much for personal use.

Agreed, my dogs prefer windows.

 

[E90400K]

The Slate smart phone app will need to include integrated navigation for in-trip recharging so the traction battery can be preconditioned based on the location of the target charging station.

 

[cadblu]

I'd bet that more options will show up before the Slate even ships. There are items that have been mentioned that haven't shown up on the maker, and they are asking for 3rd parties to contact them to make accessories that will be shown and sold through the Slate site. Most stuff that doesn't need safety testing like the rollbars will be 3rd party.

Speaking of safety testing, I wonder if the results of all the crash safety testing will be a available prior to launch. I understand that the truck is being designed to achieve a 5 star rating, but will this be known before ordering opens up? I’m going to present this in the Q&A.

 

[AZFox]

Speaking of safety testing, I wonder if the results of all the crash safety testing will be a available prior to launch.

Without a doubt it will.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's legally mandatory.

 

[cadblu]

Without a doubt it will.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's legally mandatory.

I don’t believe it’s legally required since there are many vehicles out there without any crash ratings on the Monroney label. I’ve bought a bunch of cars and SUVs over the years that show crash ratings “not available.” I understand crash safety testing takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months on new vehicles.

Case in point: do you believe that Slate will delay the launch if testing isn’t completed by Fall 2026? My prediction is “no.”

 

[AZFox]

I don’t believe it’s legally required since there are many vehicles out there without any crash ratings on the Monroney label. I’ve bought a bunch of cars and SUVs over the years that show crash ratings “not available.” I understand crash safety testing takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months on new vehicles.

Interesting. According to the following AI Slop testing is required but a publicly available rating isn't.

Yes, every new vehicle sold in the U.S. must meet minimum federal safety standards, which includes undergoing internal crash testing. However, a publicly available crash-test rating is not required before a vehicle can be sold.
consumerreports.org
HowStuffWorks

 

[KevinRS]

From an interview I had found when searching a few days ago, the plan is to have the production equipment installed by the end of the year, and be producing test certification vehicles early in 2026. That fits with a timeline to have testing done by launch a year from now.

 

[cadblu]

Interesting. According to the following AI Slop testing is required but a publicly available rating isn't.

Yes, every new vehicle sold in the U.S. must meet minimum federal safety standards, which includes undergoing internal crash testing. However, a publicly available crash-test rating is not required before a vehicle can be sold.
consumerreports.org
HowStuffWorks

This just begs the question; Why would any OEM not wish to disclose a 5 star crash safety rating on their vehicle? If the rating is “not available“ or missing from the window sticker I suspect it means an average or subpar crash and rollover rating. And by the way, the Maverick is not rated.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

That was a 2022 window sticker. Here is a 2025 Maverick sticker. Same ratings apply to the 2022, as there were literally no changes to the safety systems. Looks like a mix of 4 and 5 starts.

I imagine nobody on this site really cares about Maverick safety ratings, but I just thought the previous window sticker begged clarification.

.