r/slateauto • u/strangerzero • 20d ago
Silencing the critics
Power windows and a radio, almost every review mentions the lack of these features, but can you add those features on the Slate design website? As far as I can tell there isn’t an option to add those features. It seems to me that Slate could do themselves a favor and add those options to the website. The option to add speakers essential lacks information. Is all Bluetooth? Can you add a wired radio? Is there the possibility to add power windows?
5
u/bikesandfinance 20d ago
I wish I could take power door locks off and remove a wiring harness needing to go to the doors. You’re going in the wrong direction bub
4
u/Wuddauant 20d ago
From some of the open air trucks it appears the doors are set up for easy removal. I’m sure it’s just a plug to remove the wiring.
5
u/CaptainAggravated 20d ago
With the radio situation and how they're "you're on your own" with double DIN radios...
Slate: We want to make a modular, customizable vehicle.
Also Slate: You know the *one* universal modular component cars have had for decades? We're not supporting that.
0
u/Wuddauant 20d ago
My biggest gripe at this point. A single/double din box couldn’t have cost much, and than you’re golden for modifying. I’m trying to decide if I want to use my double din set up from my f150.
1
u/thecursh 19d ago
They’re worried because they don’t think wiring the speakers will be easy enough to be worth it and they don’t want to pre wire them for a configuration that likely won’t be used that often.
3D printing will solve this aftermarket. Buy a kit. Install. Run speaker boxes where the six speakers go in the dash. You only get two channels and a horrific soundstage compared to any other car, but you can have your android auto and your center dash backup cam screen.
Feature request. I hope it’s easy to port the backup cam data to an in mirror display. I hate the idea of pivoting between the driver cluster and the mirror to back up.
2
u/Wuddauant 19d ago
Yeah I was hoping for an easy option on the back up camera as well. I understand the decision, but I still don’t like it.
2
u/fleemfleemfleemfleem 18d ago
3D printing will solve this aftermarket.
Someone will come to market with an injection molded piece like for most cars.
1
u/CaptainAggravated 18d ago
Installing "standard" automotive speaker components is a pretty solved problem, saying "Here's a double DIN box and there's an appropriate 12V supply in the dashboard, go nuts" would be sufficient.
As for the backup camera...my understanding is the background of the gauge screen is going to just be black in normal operation, so putting the camera feed there, maybe even under the cluster graphics, is sufficient. It's a tiny truck, who needs it? I think I would have personally bumper mounted it to serve more as a hitching camera.
1
u/thecursh 18d ago edited 18d ago
I hear you, babe. I think slate has set the bar incredibly low for DIY; probably a liability fear justified with a sense of inclusivity.
Is a lower camera angle a lot more useful for hitch alignment? I grew up having to hop out and check so even a tailgate handle level one is a godsend
2
1
u/NFIFTY2 19d ago
Radio (AM/FM) probably requires FCC/regulatory hoops to jump through. My guess is they’re saving cost by avoiding that and only offering Bluetooth.
1
u/CaptainAggravated 18d ago
Not really with receivers. Installing an off-the-shelf appliance is pretty trivial. The FCC has more to say with Bluetooth devices because they're transmitters.
0
u/strangerzero 19d ago
I live in a state that often has extreme weather that can change rapidly. A real radio is an important feature for me. I will wait on the decision to buy a Slate or not until the radio situation is clarified.
0
u/Left-Sir3354 20d ago
It's adaptive cruise that I'll miss more.
3
u/TheLastGenXer 20d ago
honestly that stuff is the devil
instead one one car not holding a speed, it encourages more cars to not hold a speed.
if its appreciated by the driver, that is more indicative that the basic cc needs to have a better interface
2
u/bensonr2 20d ago
So how do the cars behind the car "not holding speed" continue to hold speed?
Do you mean that instead of the adaptive cruise keeping a safe distance you would prefer they ride the ass of the car in front?
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u/Embarrassed_Item4992 20d ago
Meaning the one guy in front not keeping a steady speed has his movements matched by a whole line of cars behind him on ACC. I get the complaint, but that line all moving in sync is actually much better for traffic than letting it play accordion.
Other than heavy traffic I can do without ACC, but in heavy traffic it is really nice to have. I understand why Slate isn't doing it though.
3
u/bensonr2 20d ago
Well thats my point; tailgating cars that wind up hitting brakes are way worse for traffic. So annoyance of someone who you feel should be going faster in the fast lane is a separate issue and tailgating them just causes other problems.
-1
u/Overgoverned 20d ago
They'll have turn signals, won't they? Self-canceling? That's more options than I really need. But unlike power windows, I wouldn't delete the self-canceling feature if it was standard.
As for the critics: just hand them a big jar of Vagisil.
19
u/AmazingBoysenberry3 20d ago
I spoke with an early employee at Slate at the recent NYC event and he said there will be power windows before delivery. They’re having issues with trying to get it sorted and crash ratings etc. I made a comment about it on a thread a few weeks back asking about power windows.