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Door staff@engadget.com (Husain Parvez) - 08 Nov 2026
The Telematics Module makes the most sense for owners who want to access their Slate remotely. If you're drawn to this minimalist truck, in part, because it lacks connected-car hardware, the added cost of a modem might not be appealing.
There's another cost to keep an eye on. The $275 purchase price covers only the first year of service, and Slate has not said what connectivity will cost after the first year or what features will cease to work if the owner doesn't renew.
This setup is unusual compared with mainstream connected vehicles. Ford mentions a 5G modem in the 2026 Maverick and states that once the modem is activated, it will unlock free app features such as remote lock and unlock, remote start and vehicle information. Rivian includes mobile app remote commands such as lock and unlock as standard, but charges separately for more advanced connected features.
Connectivity also raises a privacy question. Slate told SAE Media that it has no plans to sell driver data. The optional module will enable the truck to exchange information, though Slate hasn't specified what data the module will send or store.
The Blank Slate costs $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination fee, and pre-orders are currently limited to U.S. residents.
There's another cost to keep an eye on. The $275 purchase price covers only the first year of service, and Slate has not said what connectivity will cost after the first year or what features will cease to work if the owner doesn't renew.
This setup is unusual compared with mainstream connected vehicles. Ford mentions a 5G modem in the 2026 Maverick and states that once the modem is activated, it will unlock free app features such as remote lock and unlock, remote start and vehicle information. Rivian includes mobile app remote commands such as lock and unlock as standard, but charges separately for more advanced connected features.
Connectivity also raises a privacy question. Slate told SAE Media that it has no plans to sell driver data. The optional module will enable the truck to exchange information, though Slate hasn't specified what data the module will send or store.
The Blank Slate costs $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination fee, and pre-orders are currently limited to U.S. residents.