Slate Auto's new EV pickup ditches modem for user privacy

Slate Auto has developed a new electric vehicle called the Slate Truck, which takes an unconventional approach to automotive technology by eliminating embedded modem connectivity. This design choice positions the vehicle as what Ars Technica describes as "the antithesis of today's connected cars."

The bare-bones EV pickup truck is being marketed with a serious focus on consumer privacy. Unlike most modern vehicles that come equipped with embedded modems for data transmission and connectivity features, the Slate Truck deliberately omits this hardware component.

This approach represents a significant departure from current automotive industry trends, where manufacturers increasingly incorporate internet connectivity, over-the-air updates, location tracking, and data collection capabilities into their vehicles. The absence of an embedded modem means the Slate Truck cannot transmit or receive data wirelessly, effectively preventing potential privacy concerns associated with connected car technology.

By choosing to exclude embedded connectivity, Slate Auto is targeting consumers who prioritize privacy and prefer vehicles without the data-tracking features that have become standard in modern automobiles. The company's strategy suggests there is market demand for simpler, privacy-focused alternatives to the increasingly connected vehicles offered by mainstream automakers.