Slate Auto, a company that emerged from stealth mode earlier this year, has made headlines with its compact electric pickup truck, the Slate Truck, priced under $30,000. To achieve this competitive price point, Slate has taken a unique approach, designing the truck with a minimal number of parts - just 600 - and omitting features like paint and an infotainment system.
This strategy is a departure from industry norms, even among major players like Tesla. In addressing a crucial question about repair and maintenance, Slate has partnered with RepairPal, a network of over 4,000 service centers across the US. This partnership, announced by Slate's Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder, aims to provide customers with peace of mind and empower independent service shops to offer accessorization and service.
RepairPal locations will be able to install Slate's planned accessories, such as a kit to convert the pickup truck into a crossover. Select RepairPal sites will be equipped to work on the Slate's high-voltage powertrain. In another significant development, Slate has secured access to the Tesla Supercharger network for its customers.
Given that the Slate Truck features a NACS port, no adapter will be required, making charging more convenient.
The burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry has brought forth a multitude of considerations, one of which is the realm of repair and maintenance. As EVs continue to proliferate, concerns about the standardization of repair protocols and the infrastructure supporting them have grown. A report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) highlights the need for automakers to prioritize repairability and transparency in their EV designs, citing the benefits of reduced waste and lower costs for consumers (ICCT, 2022). A key aspect of EV repair is the handling of high-voltage batteries, which require specialized training and equipment.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has developed certification programs for technicians working with EVs, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills to safely and effectively diagnose and repair these complex systems (ASE, 2020). Some manufacturers, such as Tesla, have established their own networks of authorized service providers, while others have opted for partnerships with independent repair shops.
The proliferation of EVs has also spurred innovation in the realm of repair and maintenance.
Companies like RightHand Robotics are developing advanced robotic systems designed to streamline and improve the efficiency of EV repair processes (RightHand Robotics, 2022).
Looking to read more like this: See hereEarlier this year, Slate Auto emerged from stealth mode and stunned industry watchers with the Slate Truck , a compact electric pickup it plans to ...• • • •
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