In a trend that runs counter to the increasing technology in modern vehicle cabins, the startup Slate Auto has announced a unique design strategy for its new electric truck. The company aims to offer an affordable (two-door) electric truck starting at less than $25,000, focusing on simplicity and reducing the technical complexity built into the vehicle.
Design Simplicity and Reliance on 'Bring Your Own Device'
Slate Auto is moving away from the traditional infotainment systems seen in contemporary cars. The truck's dashboard is limited to a small digital screen dedicated solely to displaying speed, battery range, and the rearview camera display when reverse mode is activated. The truck also provides two USB-C ports for power only, without supporting data connection or integration with smartphone systems.
To solve the navigation issue, the company introduced what it called 'Screenless GPS', which is a traditional paper road atlas from the Rand McNally 2027 edition, coming in a spiral-bound version to facilitate use inside the cabin.
What Changes in Practice?
This approach adopts the 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) philosophy, where the company leaves users free to use their own devices (such as smartphones or tablets) to perform advanced technical tasks, instead of imposing a closed and expensive system inside the car. The provided paper atlas features several characteristics:
- Geographic Inclusivity: 154 color pages cover the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Independence: The system is vehicle-agnostic, meaning it can be used in any other car.
- Simplicity: It requires no software updates or internet connection.
However, a fundamental difference emerges between this solution and digital systems; modern digital maps are designed to be machine-readable to support autonomous driving systems and provide real-time traffic data, while the paper atlas remains a purely human tool that lacks real-time updates and live road condition information.