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I might be biased because I hang out in the slate subreddit and have been pretty attentive to The product as a whole since they announced it this spring but I t

I might be biased because I hang out in the slate subreddit and have been pretty attentive to The product as a whole since they announced it this spring but I think they're on to something assuming they can figure out how to build out the service and parts network. The vehicle itself may be a runaway sales success but if there's only or two locations in each major state where you can get it serviced, that runaway success will be extremely short-lived. In theory the simplicity means that it shouldn't be difficult to partner with any independent shop... No complicated or proprietary software theoretically means that any shop with tools and a lift can do the work. Time will tell, though. I remain optimistic and eagerly await delivery of my truck.

api 10mo ago
They seem like Framework for cars. Am also following closely.
nebula8804 10mo ago
Have they even given anyone a test drive or shown anything other than that single press car at all their events? Im starting to get worried that as we approach release expectations may fall flat. I am tired of all the youtuber just sitting in the truck and repeating the same press release.
- baby_souffle 10mo ago
  As far as I know they are hoping to do this in early 2026. So far the only vehicles they have shown off have been validation prototypes.
onionisafruit 10mo ago
Their wikipedia page says they announced “a partnership with RepairPal, a network of certified auto repair shops and dealerships across the US, to give owners access to 4000 service points from day one”. I don’t know if a “service point” is the same as a mechanic shop though.
- pavon 10mo ago
  RepairPal is just a rent seeking middleman like Angi's list. I don't see what that partnership will provide, certainly not shops that are trained to repair the truck.
  - onionisafruit 10mo ago
    I hadn’t heard of it before reading that paragraph on wikipedia, but the name combined with the wording made me suspect as much.
- TylerE 10mo ago
  That only matters if said repair shops are A: actually trained on the vehicles and B: can get parts.

api 10mo ago

They seem like Framework for cars. Am also following closely.

nebula8804 10mo ago

Have they even given anyone a test drive or shown anything other than that single press car at all their events? Im starting to get worried that as we approach release expectations may fall flat. I am tired of all the youtuber just sitting in the truck and repeating the same press release.

baby_souffle 10mo ago
As far as I know they are hoping to do this in early 2026. So far the only vehicles they have shown off have been validation prototypes.

onionisafruit 10mo ago

Their wikipedia page says they announced “a partnership with RepairPal, a network of certified auto repair shops and dealerships across the US, to give owners access to 4000 service points from day one”. I don’t know if a “service point” is the same as a mechanic shop though.

pavon 10mo ago
RepairPal is just a rent seeking middleman like Angi's list. I don't see what that partnership will provide, certainly not shops that are trained to repair the truck.
- onionisafruit 10mo ago
  I hadn’t heard of it before reading that paragraph on wikipedia, but the name combined with the wording made me suspect as much.
TylerE 10mo ago
That only matters if said repair shops are A: actually trained on the vehicles and B: can get parts.