tech
Slate Auto gets serious about privacy for its bare-bones EV pickup
With no embedded modem, the Slate Truck is the antithesis of today’s connected cars.
TL;DR
- Slate Auto is developing a minimalist electric pickup truck with a stripped-down design of only 600 parts.
- The truck features a basic interior with manual windows and no infotainment system, prioritizing privacy.
- A smartphone app manages settings and provides vehicle data when connected locally, but there is no embedded modem for remote access.
- Slate Auto states that collected data will be used to improve ownership and product experience, not sold to third parties, with privacy being a core product feature.
- This approach contrasts with the industry trend of connected cars and concerns over data collection, security, and monetization by automakers.
- Regulations in Europe require embedded modems for emergency services, while the US faces scrutiny over OEM data collection practices and potential monetization.