Need distant entry within the Slate Truck? You may want its $275 accent and, ultimately, a service subscription.
If you purchase a Slate Truck, you solely pay for the tech you need, and Slate is taking that concept fairly far. There isn’t any built-in infotainment system on its $24,950 Clean Slate, and even the {hardware} that permits the truck to speak by way of a mobile community is elective. Slate affords that connection as a separate $275 Telematics Module.
Slate describes it as a “plug-and-play resolution…enabling options like distant entry and battery pre-conditioning.” It is appropriate with all Slate physique types, and the value contains the module and a one-year service subscription.
You do not want the module for driving the truck. Slate says its upcoming free app is not necessary both. The Telematics Module is simply one other alternative in a truck design that could be a minimalist’s delight, permitting customers to decide in or out of apparatus that many more moderen autos embody by default.
What the Slate Telematics Module really does
It is essential to know the distinction between Slate’s app and its Telematics Module. Slate advised SAE Media that the bottom truck has no modem. The app will present cost standing and battery well being, assist drivers discover charging stations, and assist service-related features. The module provides a mobile path between the cellphone and truck, which is what makes distant entry doable.
Essentially the most sensible confirmed use is perhaps battery pre-conditioning. An EV battery performs in a different way in chilly climate, and pre-conditioning can heat the battery earlier than driving. The power to try this remotely could also be essential for somebody who leaves their Slate outdoors throughout the winter months (particularly if the truck is plugged in).
The time period “distant entry” is much less clear. Slate hasn’t specified whether or not that phrase covers distant locking and unlocking, automobile location, cabin local weather controls or detailed diagnostics. The corporate additionally hasn’t defined how its battery pre-conditioning function works or if distant entry contains cabin heating and cooling.
The module’s {hardware} might be put in by the proprietor. Slate charges the job as intermediate, states that commonplace instruments will suffice, and estimates that set up ought to take between half-hour and two hours.
Who’s the Telematics Module for?
The Telematics Module makes probably the most sense for homeowners who wish to entry their Slate remotely. For those who’re drawn to this minimalist truck, partly, as a result of it lacks connected-car {hardware}, the added price of a modem won’t be interesting.
There’s one other price to regulate. The $275 buy worth covers solely the primary 12 months of service, and Slate has not stated what connectivity will price after the primary 12 months or what options will stop to work if the proprietor would not renew.
This setup is uncommon in contrast with mainstream linked autos. Ford mentions a 5G modem within the 2026 Maverick and states that after the modem is activated, it would unlock free app options comparable to distant lock and unlock, distant begin and automobile info. Rivian contains cellular app distant instructions comparable to lock and unlock as commonplace, however fees individually for extra superior linked options.
Connectivity additionally raises a privateness query. Slate advised SAE Media that it has no plans to promote driver knowledge. The elective module will allow the truck to alternate info, although Slate hasn’t specified what knowledge the module will ship or retailer.
The Clean Slate prices $24,950 plus a $1,450 vacation spot payment, and pre-orders are presently restricted to U.S. residents.
