phidauex
Member
- First Name
- Sam
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2025
- Threads
- 0
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 6
- Location
- Boulder, CO
- Vehicles
- 2021 Mach E AWD, 1997 Tacoma ExCab
Haha, bladed keys seem to have triggered us - no one really seems to like them.
I'm also thinking about one of the other elements of making an inexpensive vehicle - the cheapest and most reliable part will be the one that is made in the highest quantities over the longest period of time. There is probably a south korean auto parts company that makes a few standard variants of electronic door actuators with a key fob reader and cheap backup tumbler, and they make a hundred billion of them per year and have for 20 years. That is probably a better part choice than anything that seems simpler, but is in reality an uncommon or bespoke part.
If the Slate literally came with the exact same fob that my 2006 Prius has I'd be perfectly satisfied with that.
I'm also thinking about one of the other elements of making an inexpensive vehicle - the cheapest and most reliable part will be the one that is made in the highest quantities over the longest period of time. There is probably a south korean auto parts company that makes a few standard variants of electronic door actuators with a key fob reader and cheap backup tumbler, and they make a hundred billion of them per year and have for 20 years. That is probably a better part choice than anything that seems simpler, but is in reality an uncommon or bespoke part.
If the Slate literally came with the exact same fob that my 2006 Prius has I'd be perfectly satisfied with that.
