Slate CEO talks accessories, third party parts, Slate Marketplace (TechCrunch interview)

Chapman · 2025-10-30T07:19:56-0700

Not sure if anyone else saw this, but Chris Barman gives more insights into the accessory marketplace and how they plan on monetizing it. Plus they will integrate 3rd party parts into the slate customizer so we can see everything in 3D :clap:

I recommend watching the whole interview with her. Some is repeat info but she confirms some of our speculations and provides additional context.

This seems like an incredible idea. I am getting more and more excited with each nugget of info I come accross.

EDIT: The snippet I am referring to starts at around 4 hours 49 mins.

Bayfire2441 · 2025-10-30T08:24:47-0700

Chapman said:
Not sure if anyone else saw this, but Chris Barman gives more insights into the accessory marketplace and how they plan on monetizing it. Plus they will integrate 3rd party parts into the slate customizer so we can see everything in 3D I recommend watching the whole interview with her. Some is repeat info but she confirms some of our speculations and provides additional context.
This seems like an incredible idea. I am getting more and more excited with each nugget of info I come accross.

EDIT: The snippet I am referring to starts at around 4 hours 49 mins.

For anyone wanting to watch the whole thing. Chris speaks from about 4:28 to 4:58. Apart from the mentioned marketplace, I know she mentioned around 5k for the SUV kit which I have missed up to this point. When asked about licensing autonomous technology to put on the Slate, the response was no comment. Could be a nothing burger I suspect but still interesting.

Doug T · 2025-10-30T09:19:18-0700

Bayfire2441 said:
For anyone wanting to watch the whole thing. Chris speaks from about 4:28 to 4:58. Apart from the mentioned marketplace, I know she mentioned around 5k for the SUV kit which I have missed up to this point. When asked about licensing autonomous technology to put on the Slate, the response was no comment. Could be a nothing burger I suspect but still interesting.

Interesting comment: not using any Tesla patents

Bayfire2441 · 2025-10-30T09:21:39-0700

Doug T said:
Interesting comment: not using any Tesla patents

I wasn't sure how interesting that ends up being, I know nothing about what patents Tesla let's others use. But also, I could see Chris not knowing if they were using them.

Doug T · 2025-10-30T10:00:57-0700

Bayfire2441 said:
I wasn't sure how interesting that ends up being, I know nothing about what patents Tesla let's others use. But also, I could see Chris not knowing if they were using them.

It is important to Slate to avoid any patent infringement issues. The CEO would be aware of any concerns. What this says is that Slate designed this vehicle to avoid them.

For example, a famous Tesla patent that I am aware of is around the Octovalve. This may be part of the reason Slate does not use a heat pump. I am sure there are other examples.

GaRailroader · 2025-10-30T17:58:47-0700

Re:licensing autonomous technology. The fact that they don't offer lane centering it would seem that they don't have the hardware to allow software to provide inputs for steering. Perhaps down the road they could explore adding that functionality.

Bayfire2441 · 2025-10-30T18:10:24-0700

GaRailroader said:
Re:licensing autonomous technology. The fact that they don't offer lane centering it would seem that they don't have the hardware to allow software to provide inputs for steering. Perhaps down the road they could explore adding that functionality.

I mean, in theory, it will have an electronic power steering motor so it could be possible but as for the cameras, probably not. This is a basics and cost thing I suspect, maybe Comma can figure something out after launch but I wouldn't bet on it.

Mac-Tyson · 2025-10-30T19:15:14-0700

Video of just the Slate Interview:

Be sure to watch this one and like the video to support Slate and TechCrunch!

E90400K · 2025-10-31T01:31:20-0700

I'm sorry, but people want manual rollup windows and autonomous driving capability?

Really?

OldGoat · 2025-10-31T04:22:37-0700

Doug T said:
For example, a famous Tesla patent that I am aware of is around the Octovalve. This may be part of the reason Slate does not use a heat pump. I am sure there are other examples.

I don’t know Doug….according to Fletch: "It's all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads."

Letas · 2025-10-31T08:38:11-0700

E90400K said:
I'm sorry, but people want manual rollup windows and autonomous driving capability?

Really?

Slate will have to sell to multiple consumers (I'd argue thousands!) to make a profit, and each of those consumers has different wants. One may want crank windows, one may want drive assist.

ScooterAsheville · 2025-10-31T09:49:41-0700

I suppose in addition to autonomous, Slate could offer rocket assisted accelleration like the Tesla Roadster. Hmm. Yea, I'll buy that package. Especially if it shoots ten foot flames out the back. I'm sure the rocket assisted Slate will still sticker under thirty grand, right?

Slate CEO talks accessories, third party parts, Slate Marketplace (TechCrunch interview)

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