Will Slate provide an AWD Retrofit Kit for the OG Slate Truck?

[AZFox]

[I was going to say a DIY retrofit kit, but that leaves out the possibility of a kit installable by an approved technician.]

Eric Kyper says Slate Auto will have "a Slate portfolio of vehicles with additional features that may or may not fit right underneath the frunk".

Notice that he refers to vehicles in a portfolio, not additional capabilities for the OG Slate Truck.

An AWD Retrofit Kit would need to include not just a motor, but also a differential, half-shaft axles with CV joints, and whatever changes would be necessary at the hub-and-suspension ends of those axles.

If the front motor is significantly powerful you'd be expected to upgrade the brakes as well, because adding a lot of Accelerating Power without increasing Braking Power isn't a very bright idea.

Would an AWD Retrofit Kit be cool? Absolutely! Unfortunately I just don't think it's likely to happen.

 

[Letas]

I'm with you- firmly in the "we are dreaming" category. And I want AWD as much as (almost) anyone else on this forum!

Lot of people mention HV risks associated with this. I don't actually think that is nearly the most risky thing. Modern packs are well insulated, and plug in through a junction box/pcb. Unless you start unbolting the housing and exposing modules, there is no more electrical hazard than plugging in your washing machine. Just don't put your fingers in the orange part.

The real challenge is mechanical. #1, the battery plugs in on the top side, under the floorboards. So unless there is top-down access (which I HIGHLY doubt, and frankly don't think it's even legal), you wouldn't be able to plug in these additional motors without dropping the pack, which is ~1000lbs minimum, and not exactly balanced to be dropped at home.

Then comes installing everything else you mentioned. I know Slate is all about the DIY, but that is a HEFTY project with serious consequences if something is missed. I don't like to play the "liability game" but I don't think Slate would touch that liability.


That being said, there are 3rd party AWD conversion companies. Quigley is the big one I know of. Wouldn't be surprised to see them dip their toes in this down the road.