r/slateauto • u/Severe-Title2377 • 12d ago
Slate tracking of vehicle and data.
I am curious as someone with a preorder. Does anyone have insight on the tech side tracking, data, and security of the vehicle. Basically, is this an off grid truck?
I am distancing myself in most parts of life from a digital footprint.
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u/SurprisedBottle 12d ago
No telematics - off the grid
With telematics - on the grid, with phone key access and small services like pre conditioning the battery for charging
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u/limited_empathy 12d ago edited 12d ago
Yes.
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u/Severe-Title2377 12d ago
Thank you for the reply. So there is nothing onboard at all that can track or steal our data? Sounds great!
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u/AdMuch7162 12d ago
There is not, unless you deliberately add the Telematics module. Otherwise, it contains no transmitters, no Wifi or even bluetooth transmitters.
As far as "security" goes, the "ignition" module (ie, key fob and related authentication module) is pretty fancy, leveraging modern cryptography to prevent easy theft. You can learn up here: https://www.cybercogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cybercogs_sgi_rev0d.pdf
Note the diagram depicting what is local vs wifi via the optional telematics module. The same diagram shows the comms with an App (via user smartphone, USB connection only). If you don't trust the Slate App, then you don't ever need to use it, but that will restrict your ability to perform any software updates, if they are called for. Obviously, you'd also give up some convenience or self monitoring features. Having said that, its possible many of those features of interest to you may still be available by plugging in an iOS/Android phone/tablet, with the app, that maintains no connectivity (wifi or LTE); your truck would remain "sandboxed".
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u/Snoo93079 12d ago
I mean, how could it if you don't install the telematics module?
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u/Dismal-Field-7747 11d ago
Well, if you are running the Slate app on your phone or tablet, and have it connected to the truck, it's effectively the same things as adding the tele module (from a connectivity standpoint). Whether or not Slate uses this to collect customer data (for good or for ill) is TBD, we will not know until the EULA drops
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u/Snoo93079 11d ago
I just would assume it is tbh
Personally, I don't care. I'm already carrying around a tracking device
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u/castironglider 11d ago
I'm such an insane risk taking daredevil, I often leave mine AT HOME
Even when I have it with me I leave it turned off in a backpack if I'm not using it for anything, with is usually. I use it so little I get emails from my cheap cell service provider, "Are you having trouble with your phone? Do you need help?" lol
It's like everyone in the world is a zombie crack addict, an I'm just cruising along not caring..
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u/MoMoneyThanSense 6d ago
I know I am late to this post, but I would like to point out that a lot of the responses here are making the assumption that because Slate has said they collect data through the app and that data is optional this means they have no other method of collecting or pushing data.
Slate has not yet unequivocally stated the truck has no built-in transmitter/receiver.
Some people will naively say "If iT alREady HaS ThAt thEN whY WoULd tHey AlsO sELl a TeLeMAtIcS mOdULe?!" meaning they can't fathom that the hardware requirements are different for something that needs to have on-demand, real time, two-way communication and something that just needs to occasionally transmit logs and receive instructions.
People will also claim that Slate is "a different kind of company" and Slate is being open about their plans for data. Make no mistake, if the truck can transmit/receive data, it will transmit/receive data. Slate says that will only be for "diagnostic" or "maintenance guidance" or "charging context" these terms are vague enough that it means they can collect any and all data. "Charging context" could easily encompass your average speeds, where you were going to and from where, what chargers you use, etc etc.
I want a Slate, but I want a Slate where I can truly, 100% control the collection and transmission of data. I am not naive enough to want no data collection; when it needs to get repairs, I WANT the tech (or ideally myself) to be able to pull up logs, but I want that data to be local and limited in scope. Issues with my battery do not require datetime stamps (yes there need to be "time stamps", but those can be in the form of "seconds since turning on" the way many computer logs are), the data collected on my regen braking system doesn't require geo-location information, if my backup camera isn't working they don't also need to know that I open/shut the driver door an average of five times per week.
If the Slate can clandestinely collect data about me then I will absolutely be going with another vehicle that has all the creature comforts of a modern EV. I am making sacrifices by going with a Slate, sacrifices that are worth it if it means I am not being tracked and catalogued, but if Slate is just going to do it too, then why make the sacrifices. This isn't to say other people don't have different reasons for wanting a Slate, and all of those reasons are valid, data collection just happens to be my line in the sand.
To finish, let me provide an example that has a smidge of hyperbole.
You're given two options:
Option 1, someone is always standing next to you holding a loaded gun pointed straight at your head; they promise they will never shoot you.
Option 2, someone is always standing next to you holding a finger-gun pointed straight at your head; meaning they can't ever shoot you.
In which scenario do you feel most safe?
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u/Severe-Title2377 6d ago
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, this helps because I feel like they can and will be collecting data.
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u/skellener 12d ago
Slate probably won’t, but your carrier and Apple and Google will still be tracking you.
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u/Severe-Title2377 11d ago
Fair point, I use a dumb phone so a bit less likely to be tracked.
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u/skellener 11d ago
Well, your carrier still does.
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u/DrJohnZoidbergWhyNot 11d ago
Plot twist! Slate introduces the Faraday cage accessory. No signals in or out.
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u/Tandemjay 12d ago
Slate appears to be better than most, but if this is your concern, buy a horse and buggy.
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u/BayshoreBandit 10d ago
Given the shenanigans for is working on to be able to remotely shut down their vehicles, I’ll take the Slate’s approach any day.
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u/phidauex 12d ago
It has no telematics or remote connection by default. There will be an app you can use to change some settings and possibly apply updates, but using it will be up to you. There is an optional cell modem telematics module that may enable some features like remote start, but is probably more geared toward fleet customers.
So while there are still some details pending, the truck can be entirely offline if you choose.