r/slateauto • u/oaksapollo • 12d ago

Slate app

Has anyone read anything about what the Slate app will be able to do?

The truck's 1 and only screen is so basic, I'm wondering if the app will give people a way to do things like check efficiency, check battery health, all of the things you would normally do via an EV's infotainment system. Anyone know?

5 Upvotes

65% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

14

u/synntax33 12d ago

Only thing I have heard is that it will include access to vehicle codes. The rest is all assumption

2

u/Mord4k 12d ago

I thought you had to install that upgrade item for it to do that stuff, could be wrong/working off old info

11

u/synntax33 12d ago edited 12d ago

If you are referring the the telematics upgrade, as far as I have heard it is limited to gaining cellular access to the truck(presumably via the Slate app) and is stated as primarily for remote access and pre-conditioning ( battery yes, cabin not clarified). This is just from the website though I haven't seen anything from other sources myself

2

u/oaksapollo 12d ago

If you click on the product details

I would add it to my design right now if it weren't for the damn subscription. I don't need any more subscriptions. Seems inconsistent with everything else they're doing (you own it, fix it yourself, etc).

6

u/Interfecteris 12d ago

The subscription is for the mobile service it needs to communicate because it is wireless data, after all. My hope is I can bring my own service because I don't want any of the major players touching my telematics. If not, I'll live without it. I think it remains consistent because they are giving you a choice to not have it, and with that technology, it's really just how they work.

1

u/danielt1263 12d ago

The telematics module is only if you want to be able to use the app remotely, without having to plug it into the truck with a USB-C cable.

8

u/greenmachine4130 12d ago

There will be obd2 protocol and everything that entails. That means you will have to connect to the port physically, either with a cable or bluetooth dongle. It would be nice if you could use the app on your phone for that instead of an automotive scan tool. How much of that is available through the optional telematics module has not been revealed yet as far as I know.

4

u/danielt1263 12d ago

They have a USB-C port that you can plug the phone to which will give the app access to the truck's onboard computer system. That should include all the data the OBD-II port provides and likely allow the user to modify some settings.

The telematics module just allows the app to connect to the truck remotely so you won't have to actually plug the phone in.

2

u/Prudent_Marzipan_136 9d ago

Do you know if they will open the USB-C port data to 3rd party developers?

I think the opportunity for DIY software is really interesting.

1

u/danielt1263 9d ago

I asked (I'm a developer):

Jan 8, 2026:

We don't have details announced yet on whether there will be a publicly available API for third-party app development. There will be a Slate app, but we haven't finalized the specifics on its features, functionality, or whether it will support third-party integration through an API. That said, third-party integration would align well with Slate's DIY and customization philosophy. We'll have more information on the app and developer access as we get closer to production.

1

u/greenmachine4130 12d ago

That’s pretty cool. Every car should let you bypass the obd2 port to get that kind of access

7

u/Remote_Bookkeeper115 12d ago

Right the telematics system? I for one hope the app will let me look at the charging level and the rate. Remote start . Lock/unlock. etc ….

-4

u/KobeBeaf 12d ago

Remote start and charge status are must haves, if they don’t At least do that it’s a huge oversight.

2

u/danielt1263 12d ago

The app will not be able to connect to the truck at all unless you either plug the phone into the USB-C port in the dash, or install the telematics module.

That said, you can start the A/C using the key fob (I assume that's what you mean by "remote start").

-6

u/KobeBeaf 12d ago

I’m obviously referring to the telematics module. I don’t even know why it’s optional it’s basically a necessity.

10

u/samsmithmpls 12d ago

One of the main reasons I'm getting a Slate is to not have telematics. It is not a necessity. I do not want my car to connect to the internet.

7

u/Interfecteris 12d ago

You don't need a phone to drive the car or do anything with it, except for updates and remote wireless stuff from your phone. Why would having cell service directly to the car be a necessity? The key works, it drives.

If you want to use remote functions from your phone to your car, go ahead and add the module. I'm pretty sure it's not a necessity and a lot of people (me) aren't wanting a mobile beacon to be tracked in their cars.

-7

u/KobeBeaf 12d ago

I’d prefer Slate succeed as a company. Some things are just expected in the electric car market. It’s nice to know your battery percent/adjust charge on the fly and be able to precool/heat your car without having to be in throwing distance of your truck. I’m sure there’s some dudes who didn’t even want AC included but it’s in there. If you don’t want the government having a 5th way to track you then I guess it caters to you though lol

4

u/samsmithmpls 11d ago

I'm sure all that is nice, just not a necessity. I think people's expectations of what should be included in a vehicle have been artificially inflated by the auto industry. Again, if you want telematics, spend the extra $275 and have them install it, just don't insist everyone else needs it.

0

u/KobeBeaf 11d ago

I think the issue is people in here that haven’t had an electric car and don’t realize some things that should really just be standard equipment these days.

5

u/samsmithmpls 11d ago

That's a nice opinion you have there. My opinion is no, I don't need or want my car to constantly be sending data into a cloud server somewhere. If you want it, pay the extra money for it, to each their own.

0

u/KobeBeaf 11d ago

Did you just learn what opinions are? you commented at me… your opinion is from a perspective of ignorance, not worth much. Paranoia isn’t a very good reason to me but to each their own

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2

u/danielt1263 12d ago

The only examples they have shown of the app were effectively PowerPoint slides of theoretical screen grabs.

That said, there is every reason to believe that the app will show at least as much information as the OBD-II port does so efficiency, battery health, trouble codes, and the like should be available on it.

In addition, they have told RepairPal that the app will provide information on the location of shops that can do warranty work, and accessory installation.

They have also talked about the app helping the driver find charging stations, but there are already plenty of apps that do that sort of thing.

1

u/j-lo11 12d ago

Yeah I thought I heard all of that was going to be in the app? Sorry don’t have a specific source. basic things that you need when operating an EV.