The Slate App & Menu System: Hope, Fears, Announcements, Demos

[danielt1263]

I'm an iOS Developer. I've been writing apps for some 16 years and have been involved in over 30 of them (usually sole developer, but I've also worked on corporate stuff in Fortune 50 companies).

It has occurred to me that they have "released" (as in allowed the public to see) several iterations of the actual truck so far, but have not shown off any version of the app, unless you count the one at the April 2025 reveal event where it was nothing more than a slide show. This worries me.

Good quality apps are developed through iterations, yet no iteration has ever been shown at any event to date that I know of. Is this correct? Has anybody seen the app yet?

There is a truism about app development: "Quality, Time, Features: Pick Two". My hope is that they understand that it's better to release a high quality app on time that has limited features, than to release a feature laden app on time which is of poor quality, but so often, in many businesses sectors, companies choose the latter.

They have said that we will be able to control certain features of the truck through the app, but have not said what those are.
They have said the app will help us find charging locations. Several such apps already exist and are likely better than anything Slate could have developed over the past year.
They have said the app will show trouble codes.
They have said the app will advertise Repair Pal locations.
They have demonstrated nothing. To date, it's pure vaporware.

Then there's the "app" menu in the truck itself.

We have had one "gorilla" demo of the menu system from someone who managed to access it during an event, but nothing official at all. That menu had Charging, Tire Pressure, Parking Break, and a Diagnostic mode. From that we know the driver can set a charge limit (either 100% or 80%), reset the tire pressure sensors, and turn the auto-parking break on/off...

What are your hopes and fears? What have you seen or heard announced, or demoed?

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I'm an iOS Developer. I've been writing apps for some 16 years and have been involved in over 30 of them (usually sole developer, but I've also worked on corporate stuff in Fortune 50 companies).

It has occurred to me that they have "released" (as in allowed the public to see) several iterations of the actual truck so far, but have not shown off any version of the app, unless you count the one at the April 2025 reveal event where it was nothing more than a slide show. This worries me.

Good quality apps are developed through iterations, yet no iteration has ever been shown at any event to date that I know of. Is this correct? Has anybody seen the app yet?

There is a truism about app development: "Quality, Time, Features: Pick Two". My hope is that they understand that it's better to release a high quality app on time that has limited features, than to release a feature laden app on time which is of poor quality, but so often, in many businesses sectors, companies choose the latter.

They have said that we will be able to control certain features of the truck through the app, but have not said what those are.
They have said the app will help us find charging locations. Several such apps already exist and are likely better than anything Slate could have developed over the past year.
They have said the app will show trouble codes.
They have said the app will advertise Repair Pal locations.
They have demonstrated nothing. To date, it's pure vaporware.

Then there's the "app" menu in the truck itself.

We have had one "gorilla" demo of the menu system from someone who managed to access it during an event, but nothing official at all. That menu had Charging, Tire Pressure, Parking Break, and a Diagnostic mode. From that we know the driver can set a charge limit (either 100% or 80%), reset the tire pressure sensors, and turn the auto-parking break on/off...

What are your hopes and fears? What have you seen or heard announced, or demoed?

I used to be an IT nerd 20-30 years ago, full disclosure. My son is now (full stack, yada yada).

Surprisingly, the software on a relatively simple truck vs Rivian/BMW/Tesla/Ford doesn’t worry me as much as the decisions they are making for mechanical usability.

I think that is your point. Is the lack of exposure of software a blind spot, or is it already buttoned up and easy to mod?

Ugh…stay tuned?

 

[danielt1263]

I will say that because the truck should be fully capable without the app, I'm not too worried about us having not seen it, but I am a little worried that they will mis-manage the release, and end up with egg on their faces. The quality of the app will, in many people's minds, reflect the quality of the truck.

The menu system, on the other hand, should be getting much more exposure than it has so far. Slate hasn't even officially announced its existence.

 

[EV Trek]

Since nobody has a truck yet to test the app on, what good would it do to release it to the public this soon? Not like we could help work any bugs out of it. Let the engineers, software developers and those that are running test vehicles find the flaws in it before the public gets ahold of a actual truck.

 

[tubes]

I'm not too worried because you don't need the app to drive the truck. I suspect some features may come on line later.

As for the decision to throw everything at it or not for first release: who knows? Slate has had a habit of trying to be simple. Let's hope that translates. Like you, I'd rather have a small set of features that work rather than a smorgasbord of crap. Also of note: they have said some things and had to rescind them later (power windows, etc.), so just because they said it would integrate certain features, it may not right away.

They may also be working with a third party. They probably should. Maybe you.

Keep in mind that they have to offer this for both iOS and Android. It complicates things a bit. As an android user, I've been shut out of various things of interest. It is an extremely shortsighted view of the world and disappoints me if companies do that.

 

[danielt1263]

Since nobody has a truck yet to test the app on, what good would it do to release it to the public this soon? Not like we could help work any bugs out of it. Let the engineers, software developers and those that are running test vehicles find the flaws in it before the public gets ahold of a actual truck.

Lots of people have gotten to sit in a truck, see the features of the truck, and now even drive the truck around the block. I'm not saying put the app into the App/Play stores, but to have not even shown off what they have so far?

 

[danielt1263]

I'm not too worried because you don't need the app to drive the truck. I suspect some features may come on line later.

As for the decision to throw everything at it or not for first release: who knows? Slate has had a habit of trying to be simple. Let's hope that translates.

Strong Agree when it comes to the Slate App, but not the on Truck menu system. That should be getting exposure. IMO

They may also be working with a third party. They probably should. Maybe you.

Keep in mind that they have to offer this for both iOS and Android. It complicates things a bit. As an android user, I've been shut out of various things of interest. It is an extremely shortsighted view of the world and disappoints me if companies do that.

That's the main reason I chose not to apply when the jobs were available. I strongly suspect they are going to release a hybrid app rather than custom iOS/Android native apps.

 

[tubes]

Lots of people have gotten to sit in a truck, see the features of the truck, and now even drive the truck around the block. I'm not saying put the app into the App/Play stores, but to have not even shown off what they have so far?

I hear what you are saying, and you also come with a unique viewpoint as a developer.

I personally don't care about the app (ok, maybe to read trouble codes), so maybe that's why I haven't thought of it. It is all part of that back-to-basics feel of a Slate that we don't need to worry about the app.

However, like I said, your point is well taken. Other people will find this to be extremely important and even a deal breaker. I have a hard time understanding that perspective, but I respect that it exists.

 

[sidneyhornblower]

What are your hopes and fears? What have you seen or heard announced, or demoed?

Seen/heard nothing about the app, but to sort of answer your question posed above, I'd hope the app would do the following (in no particular order):

- Tell me where I can charge the truck when I'm out and about and direct me there.
> Bonus points if it tells me how the charger is set up for payments (I'd prefer credit card swipe) and how many stations it has and whether they're currently working or not.

- Tell me where the nearest Repair Pal shop is located
> Bonus points if it shows me Repair Pal shops rated to work on the Slate

- Show me any trouble codes and/or give me a rundown of all the sensor data
> Bonus points if sensor data can be exported or saved in some common format (CSV, JSON) so that I can track it over time if I really want to nerd out.

- If I need roadside assistance, put me in touch with that service and allow whoever is on the other end to communicate with me in real time. This will go a long way towards making me less anxious about Slate, and it's easy to screw this up. My car insurance company includes "free" roadside assistance, which I've attempted to use twice in ten years. I say attempted because the assistance was absolutely useless. The first time, I managed to reach someone whose only goal was to walk me through their checklist. I gave up and just googled a wrecker service myself. The second time, the roadside assistance never connected me with anyone, either via phone, text, internet, nothing. It simply failed. If Slate's app does nothing else, it should connect with someone who will actually show up and help if my Slate somehow strands me on the side of the road somewhere.

 

[kotaKat]

I guess this is the second time I've seen diagnostics mentioned on the cluster. First one was seeing the "Test mode key" in the cold weather testing video.

I'll be curious to see how much access we get to Slate's "centralized zonal compute platform"*.

*also from https://www.autoline.tv/automotive-insight/slate-a-masterclass-in-automotive-frugality/

Rather than building a complex infotainment system, Slate’s centralized zonal compute platform relies on a simple USB port and a dashboard mount for the customer’s phone. It handles over-the-air (OTA) updates, was developed entirely in-house, and Slate has no intention of selling the software to anyone else.

 

[adele]

I just hope it’s widely compatible for whatever phones, tablets, or other devices people want to use in their trucks. Obviously iOS and Android, but then someone might bring in a Linux tablet, or a KaiOS phone, or some really old device, or screens in odd shapes and sizes. They can never please everyone but I hope they put some effort into it.

 

[danielt1263]

I guess this is the second time I've seen diagnostics mentioned on the cluster. First one was seeing the "Test mode key" in the cold weather testing video.

I'll be curious to see how much access we get to Slate's "centralized zonal compute platform"*.

*also from https://www.autoline.tv/automotive-insight/slate-a-masterclass-in-automotive-frugality/

I've asked about them publishing an API for the connection (even if it was read only). The response I got back was pretty standard.

Hey Daniel,

Thanks so much for taking the time to submit your question.

We don't have details announced yet on whether there will be a publicly available API for third-party app development. There will be a Slate app, but we haven't finalized the specifics on its features, functionality, or whether it will support third-party integration through an API. That said, third-party integration would align well with Slate's DIY and customization philosophy. We'll have more information on the app and developer access as we get closer to production.

If you haven't already, we'd recommend logging into your Slate account and adding your mailing address so you're first to know when we share details about the Slate app and any developer resources.

And as always, feel free to reach out at 833-447-5283 or just reply to this email anytime you have more questions. We're here to keep the conversation going.

Thanks again for your interest in Slate!

STEPHEN

SENIOR SLATE AGENT | SLATE

833.HI.SLATE

 

[E90400K]

Since one of the main attractions of this truck is the purposeful lack of infotainment built in, I could give a rat's ass about the app. Being the theme is to get back to a small 1970's/1980's ICE pickup truck format (which had no apps - or even smart phones), I don't see why anyone should be concerned.

I get it the app engineer in you is curious about the Slate app, but isn't that missing the whole point? If the apps sucks, so be it, and to what standard does it suck? The truck is an EV so it needs an app for charging, which shouldn't be too difficult to conjure up. The diagnostic code stuff should be easy as well since Slate built the electrical architecture for their truck. I'd say all that engineering is in the can by now and the last push is to setup and start the production. And to get the accessories business built out.

My 2-cents.

 

[DaveHathaway]

Having never had an EV, I’m not sure what people are referring to as an app? Something to look at as they drive? Something as absolutely useless as the Ford app I have for my Ranger?

It seems people want to duplicate much of what Android Auto / Google Maps does, or even my phone to call roadside assistance (I have AAA). I hook up an ODB to modify the firmware so as to set DRL options and to turn off the stop/start feature. I did that 4 years ago and never since.

So is this app used while driving, while maintaining, or ?

 

[Moe]

The small display on my Segway e-scooter shows speed, cruise control setting, driving mode, turn indicators, state of charge, miles remaining, regeneration IIRC, some other indicators I can’t remember, and turn by turn navigation (one year free trial then subscription). It’s also part of the Apple Find My network.

The app is awesome, Bluetooth controlling pretty much every function and setting, including the charge level and schedule, downloading sound effects, horn audio, map tiles, and updates to the scooter. It can also make the phone a digital key with walk away locking and alarm arming.

I would hope the Slate does at least that much but I do expect the navigation to be displayed on the phone. I don’t plan on buying the cellular telematics module and doing remote anything beyond Bluetooth range, but some do.
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