{"version":"1.1.0","producer":"fm.getcarcurious","layer":"official","episode":{"title":"Will Your Next Car Be a Blank Slate?","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/will-your-next-car-be-a-blank-slate","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400168/episodes/19428127-will-your-next-car-be-a-blank-slate.mp3","description":"Electric vehicles were supposed to make cars more affordable. So why does the average EV now cost well over $50,000?Enter Slate Auto, a brand-new American startup that's taking a completely different approach. Their first vehicle is a bare-bones, highly customizable electric pickup that starts at just $24,950. No giant touchscreen. No built-in stereo. Even crank windows are back.But is Slate Auto really the future of affordable transportation...or just another EV startup that's destined to end up like Fisker?In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down everything you need to know about Slate Auto, how its unique \"Blank Slate\" concept works, and—most importantly—the tough questions every potential buyer should be asking before putting down a deposit.In this episode:Why new cars and EVs have become so expensive The story behind Slate Auto and its founders How the Blank Slate platform works Service, maintenance, and Right to Repair Warranty coverage Could Slate become the next Fisker...or the next success story? Whether you're excited about affordable EVs or just curious what all the buzz is about, this episode goes beyond the marketing hype to answer the questions nobody else seems to be asking.Resources & Links:🚗 Slate Auto: https://www.slate.auto/Connect with The Car ChickWebsite: https://www.TheCarChick.comYou can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here. Connect with LeeAnn:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeWork with LeeAnn:Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a CarCar Buying ServiceCopyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved."},"annotations":[{"id":456460,"startTime":127.4,"endTime":135.0,"type":"company","title":"Slate Auto","url":"/glossary/slate-auto","quote":"The hottest thing to hit the automotive industry this year is an EV startup company called Slate Auto, headquartered in Troy, Michigan.","canonicalId":"company:slate-auto","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"Slate Auto is an American electric vehicle startup headquartered in Troy, Michigan, founded in 2022. The company focuses on creating highly affordable, modular, and customizable electric vehicles by utilizing a simplified manufacturing process and a direct-to-consumer sales model.","simplifiedExplanation":"A new American car company that wants to make electric cars much cheaper by selling a basic vehicle that owners can customize themselves with simple add-on parts.","sourceStartTime":127.4,"sourceEndTime":135.0}},{"id":456461,"startTime":227.32,"endTime":234.26,"type":"car","title":"Truck Slate Auto","url":"/cars/slate/slate-truck","image":"/images/cars/slate-truck-press.jpg","quote":"...o in 2025 they publicly launched a company called Slate Auto and they revealed the blank slate concept. I'm go...","canonicalId":"car:slate:truck","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"In the context of Slate Auto's 2025 'Blank Slate' concept, this refers to an innovative, modular electric truck platform designed to revolutionize commercial and utility vehicles. By utilizing a flat, adaptable chassis, the truck allows different body styles and configurations to be easily swapped or customized for specific commercial needs. This concept represents a shift toward highly adaptable, purpose-built electric work vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"This refers to a concept for a customizable electric utility vehicle designed by a company called Slate Auto. Instead of a traditional fixed design, it uses a flat base that allows different types of truck bodies to be attached depending on what the owner needs to carry. It is aimed at businesses looking for flexible, electric work vehicles.","imageAttribution":"© Slate Automotive (press media)","imageSourceUrl":"https://www.slate.auto/en/press","sourceStartTime":227.32,"sourceEndTime":234.26}},{"id":456462,"startTime":275.0,"endTime":285.0,"type":"person","title":"Chris Barman","url":"/glossary/chris-barman","quote":"The great news is that the company is not run by the founders it's run by CEO Chris Barman and she is a former Stellantis i.e. Chrysler exec with years of experience in engineering operations and manufacturing.","canonicalId":"person:chris-barman","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"Chris Barman is an automotive executive and engineer who serves as the CEO of Slate Auto. She previously held major leadership roles at Stellantis (Chrysler), bringing extensive traditional manufacturing, engineering, and operational experience to the EV startup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The boss of Slate Auto, who has many years of experience building cars for major brands like Chrysler.","sourceStartTime":275.0,"sourceEndTime":285.0}},{"id":456463,"startTime":420.0,"endTime":435.0,"type":"car","title":"Slate Blank Slate","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/A_blank_slate_%288580337328%29.jpg","quote":"So let me explain one vehicle with a price tag of just 25 grand and it's called the blank slate it's one EV platform that is technically a two-seat compact pickup truck...","canonicalId":"car:slateauto:blankslate","priority":1.0,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Slate Blank Slate is an upcoming ultra-affordable, modular electric compact pickup truck starting at $25,000. It features a bare-bones, analog-inspired design with composite body panels, a 205-mile range, and a highly customizable platform designed for DIY accessory installation.","simplifiedExplanation":"A very simple, cheap electric pickup truck that doesn't come with fancy screens or paint, allowing you to add your own parts and colors like Lego blocks.","imageAttribution":"waferboard (CC BY 2.0)","sourceStartTime":420.0,"sourceEndTime":435.0}},{"id":456464,"startTime":432.7,"endTime":440.0,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Hilux","url":"/cars/toyota/hilux","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/2015_Toyota_Hilux_2.8_G.jpg","quote":"...about the size of the old mid 80s Toyota SR5 or the old Toyota Hilux for those of you who like to look at the international market...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:hilux","priority":0.4,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Hilux is a legendary compact and mid-size pickup truck celebrated globally for its near-indestructible build quality and simple mechanical layout. First introduced in 1968, it features a body-on-frame construction and robust diesel or gasoline engines, making it the global benchmark for workhorse trucks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A famous, extremely tough Toyota pickup truck sold around the world that is known for being almost impossible to break.","imageAttribution":"Ekklesia12 (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2015_Toyota_Hilux_2.8_G.jpg","sourceStartTime":432.7,"sourceEndTime":440.0}},{"id":456465,"startTime":598.3,"endTime":604.54,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Tacoma","url":"/cars/toyota/tacoma","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/2016_Toyota_Tacoma_.jpg","quote":"...little vehicle it is small it is smaller than the Tacoma it's even two feet shorter than the little Ford M...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:tacoma","priority":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Tacoma is a highly popular midsize pickup truck renowned for its off-road capability, strong resale value, and rugged durability. Redesigned for the 2024 model year, the fourth-generation Tacoma transitioned to turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains, moving away from the previous generation's V6. It serves as a benchmark in the midsize truck segment for both work and outdoor recreation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Tacoma is a medium-sized pickup truck made by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It is designed for people who want the utility of a truck bed but in a smaller, easier-to-drive size than a massive full-size truck. It is very popular for outdoor activities like camping and off-roading.","imageAttribution":"Slapotoic (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Toyota_Tacoma_.jpg","sourceStartTime":598.3,"sourceEndTime":604.54}},{"id":456466,"startTime":604.54,"endTime":611.92,"type":"car","title":"Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/2022_Ford_Maverick_Lariat_FWD_Ecoboost.jpg","quote":"It is small it is smaller than the Tacoma it's even two feet shorter than the little Ford Maverick but you still get a five foot bed...","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Maverick is a modern compact unibody pickup truck that revived the small truck segment upon its 2022 debut. It features a standard hybrid powertrain or an optional turbocharged engine, offering exceptional fuel efficiency and everyday usability in a maneuverable footprint.","simplifiedExplanation":"A popular, smaller pickup truck made by Ford that is easy to drive in cities and gets great gas mileage.","imageAttribution":"Zoz0716 (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022_Ford_Maverick_Lariat_FWD_Ecoboost.jpg","sourceStartTime":604.54,"sourceEndTime":611.92}},{"id":456469,"startTime":711.0,"endTime":720.0,"type":"car","title":"Land Rover Defender","url":"/cars/land-rover/defender","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Land_Rover_Defender_%28L663%29_at_IAA_2019_IMG_0464.jpg","quote":"...it's kind of looks like a blend between the Rivian a Bronco the Hyundai Santa Fe and the older Land Rover Defenders...","canonicalId":"car:landrover:defender","priority":0.4,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Land Rover Defender is an iconic British off-road vehicle known for its rugged go-anywhere capability and boxy silhouette. Originally a utilitarian workhorse dating back to 1948, the modern generation combines luxury with advanced air suspension and terrain-response systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"A famous British luxury SUV designed to climb mountains and cross rivers while keeping passengers comfortable.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Land_Rover_Defender_(L663)_at_IAA_2019_IMG_0464.jpg","sourceStartTime":711.0,"sourceEndTime":720.0}},{"id":456468,"startTime":711.0,"endTime":720.0,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Santa Fe","url":"/cars/hyundai/santa-fe","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/2024_Hyundai_Santa_Fe_Calligraphy_AWD_in_Rockwood_Green_Pearl%2C_front_right.jpg","quote":"...it's kind of looks like a blend between the Rivian a Bronco the Hyundai Santa Fe and the older Land Rover Defenders...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:santafe","priority":0.4,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover SUV that transitioned to a bold, boxy, retro-futuristic styling direction for its fifth generation. It offers three rows of seating and a choice of turbocharged or hybrid inline-four engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"A family SUV made by Hyundai that recently got a very boxy, modern look.","imageAttribution":"Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 3.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Hyundai_Santa_Fe_Calligraphy_AWD_in_Rockwood_Green_Pearl,_front_right.jpg","sourceStartTime":711.0,"sourceEndTime":720.0}},{"id":456470,"startTime":711.0,"endTime":720.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Bronco","url":"/cars/ford/bronco","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/1994_Ford_Bronco%2C_Rear_Right%2C_06-16-2020.jpg","quote":"...it's kind of looks like a blend between the Rivian a Bronco the Hyundai Santa Fe and the older Land Rover Defenders...","canonicalId":"car:ford:bronco","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.9,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Bronco is a rugged, body-on-frame off-road SUV designed to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. Revived in 2021, it features standard four-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and removable doors and roof panels for open-air driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tough, retro-styled SUV from Ford built for driving on dirt trails, which lets you take the doors and roof off.","imageAttribution":"SsmIntrigue (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1994_Ford_Bronco,_Rear_Right,_06-16-2020.jpg","sourceStartTime":711.0,"sourceEndTime":720.0}},{"id":456471,"startTime":728.0,"endTime":735.0,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Blazer","url":"/cars/chevrolet/blazer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2019_Chevrolet_Blazer_Premier_3.6L%2C_8.11.19.jpg","quote":"...or you can get it in a fastback SUV that has kind of that sloped back and think about the Chevy Blazers from the mid 80s...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:blazer","priority":0.4,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Blazer, particularly the K5 Blazer of the 1970s and 1980s, is a classic full-size, body-on-frame SUV featuring a removable fiberglass top and rugged four-wheel-drive running gear. It was highly popular for its convertible-like utility and powerful V8 engine options.","simplifiedExplanation":"An old-school, boxy SUV from Chevy that was famous in the 1980s for having a removable back roof.","imageAttribution":"Syntaxlord (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2019_Chevrolet_Blazer_Premier_3.6L,_8.11.19.jpg","sourceStartTime":728.0,"sourceEndTime":735.0}},{"id":456472,"startTime":733.38,"endTime":739.14,"type":"car","title":"Cupra Born","url":"/cars/cupra/born","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/Cupra_Born_1X7A1700.jpg","quote":"... you know Chris Barman is my age we were actually born the same year which I am not going to mention but...","canonicalId":"car:cupra:born","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Cupra Born is an all-electric hot hatchback produced by Cupra, the performance-oriented sub-brand of the Spanish automaker SEAT. Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen ID.3, the Born distinguishes itself with sportier suspension tuning, more aggressive styling, and a driver-focused interior. It is highly regarded in European markets as a stylish and fun-to-drive daily electric vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Cupra Born is a small, sporty electric hatchback made by a Spanish car brand called Cupra. It runs entirely on battery power and is designed to be fun to drive while remaining practical for daily city driving. It is primarily sold in Europe and other international markets outside of North America.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cupra_Born_1X7A1700.jpg","sourceStartTime":733.38,"sourceEndTime":739.14}},{"id":456473,"startTime":1012.3,"endTime":1030.0,"type":"term","title":"composite body panels","url":"/glossary/composite-body-panels","quote":"...and it's okay because the body panels aren't metal they're not steel they're not aluminum they're certainly not stainless steel they are an injection molded polypropylene composite...","canonicalId":"term:composite-body-panels","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.95,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"Composite body panels are exterior vehicle panels made from non-metallic materials, such as injection-molded polypropylene or fiberglass, rather than traditional steel or aluminum. They are highly resistant to dents, completely immune to rust, and significantly lighter than metal panels.","simplifiedExplanation":"Car body parts made of tough, high-tech plastics instead of metal, meaning they won't rust or dent easily.","sourceStartTime":1012.3,"sourceEndTime":1030.0}},{"id":456474,"startTime":1174.3,"endTime":1185.0,"type":"concept","title":"franchise dealership model","url":"/glossary/franchise-dealership-model","quote":"...they're not following that traditional franchise dealership model so i'm sure there will be lawsuits about this but they will have regional delivery centers...","canonicalId":"concept:franchise-dealership-model","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.95,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The franchise dealership model is the traditional automotive retail system where independent third-party dealers purchase vehicles from manufacturers and sell them to consumers. This model is protected by state laws, which many EV startups bypass in favor of direct-to-consumer sales.","simplifiedExplanation":"The traditional way of buying a car where you go to a local dealership (like a local Ford or Toyota dealer) that is independently owned, rather than buying directly from the car company online.","sourceStartTime":1174.3,"sourceEndTime":1185.0}},{"id":456475,"startTime":1270.0,"endTime":1285.0,"type":"part","title":"electric drive unit","url":"/glossary/electric-drive-unit","quote":"The electric motor which is really called the electric drive unit or edu because it's comprised of the electric motor the inverter that converts the direct current power from the battery to the alternating current that the motor uses as well as the single speed reduction gearbox...","canonicalId":"part:electric-drive-unit","priority":0.6,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"An electric drive unit (EDU) is an integrated powertrain component in electric vehicles that combines the electric motor, the power electronics inverter, and the single-speed reduction gearbox into a single housing. This compact packaging improves efficiency, reduces weight, and simplifies vehicle assembly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The main power package of an electric car, which combines the electric motor, the computer that controls it, and the gears into one compact unit.","sourceStartTime":1270.0,"sourceEndTime":1285.0}},{"id":456476,"startTime":1489.8,"endTime":1515.0,"type":"concept","title":"right to repair","url":"/glossary/right-to-repair","quote":"This ties into a larger industry issue that is known as the right to repair giving car owners the information the resources the right to get their vehicle serviced and repaired without being forced to go to the franchise dealership...","canonicalId":"concept:right-to-repair","priority":0.8,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"Right to repair is a consumer advocacy and legislative movement aimed at ensuring vehicle owners and independent repair shops have equal access to the diagnostic software, tools, parts, and service manuals required to fix modern vehicles. This is especially critical for EVs, where manufacturers often restrict service to proprietary dealership networks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A movement and set of laws that protect your right to fix your own car or take it to a cheap local mechanic, instead of being forced to go to an expensive official dealership.","sourceStartTime":1489.8,"sourceEndTime":1515.0}},{"id":456477,"startTime":1893.92,"endTime":1899.0,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Crown","url":"/cars/toyota/crown","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/2023_Denver_Auto_Show_Toyota_Crown_front_quarter.jpg","quote":"...they're making these crown vehicle models the crown, the crown signal their intention is to spin off crown as a new brand just like they spun off lexus and scion years ago...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:crown","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Crown is a historic, premium model line that has served as Toyota's flagship sedan in Japan since 1955. Reintroduced to the North American market in 2023 as a high-riding hybrid sedan, it represents Toyota's push to establish a distinct, upscale sub-brand.","simplifiedExplanation":"A high-end, luxury-focused model line from Toyota that has been famous in Japan for decades and was recently brought to America.","imageAttribution":"Corqe (CC0)","imageLicense":"CC0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2023_Denver_Auto_Show_Toyota_Crown_front_quarter.jpg","sourceStartTime":1893.92,"sourceEndTime":1899.0}},{"id":456478,"startTime":1943.0,"endTime":1965.0,"type":"car","title":"Fisker Ocean","url":"/cars/fisker/ocean","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/2022_Fisker_Ocean.jpg","quote":"the fisker ocean electric suv which was a great looking vehicle they launched that in 2023 a year later they filed for bankruptcy leaving the people who did buy the cool new fisker ocean completely and totally screwed...","canonicalId":"car:fisker:ocean","priority":0.8,"confidence":1.0,"source":"gemini-3.5-flash","data":{"explanation":"The Fisker Ocean is an all-electric compact crossover SUV designed by Henrik Fisker and manufactured by Magna Steyr. It featured unique options like a solar roof and a rotating center screen, but its launch was plagued by severe software glitches, leading to the company's bankruptcy in 2024.","simplifiedExplanation":"A stylish electric SUV that went on sale in 2023, but the company went bankrupt shortly after, leaving owners with cars that cannot be easily fixed or updated.","imageAttribution":"MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022_Fisker_Ocean.jpg","sourceStartTime":1943.0,"sourceEndTime":1965.0}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"LeeAnn Shattuck","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/will-your-next-car-be-a-blank-slate/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}],"alignmentMode":"scalar","fallbackOffset":0.0}