The Slatelet: Opening the Dashboard to a Generation of Makers
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Introduction
In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles, Slate Auto is doing something most manufacturers wouldn’t dare: handing over part of its design to the public. The newly released Slatelet dash emblem isn’t just a stylized badge tucked into the dashboard. It’s a bold, open-source invitation to creators. For the first time, a production EV brand is offering a standardized, mod-friendly bracket mount on the interior, specifically encouraging 3D print hobbyists, product designers, and influencers to join in the evolution of their vehicles.
If you’ve ever modded a PC case, customized a Hot Wheels collection, or fired up a 3D printer for a one-off gadget, this moment is for you. The Slatelet is small in size but massive in significance. It signals the beginning of a community-first, maker-powered mod ecosystem.
Courtesy: Slate.auto
What Is the Slatelet?
Located on the dashboard of every Slate vehicle, the Slatelet is a compact, geometric badge that typically displays slate iconic imagery. It’s subtle, clean, and tucked in like a high-end product stamp. But hidden beneath that design is a standardized mounting bracket, engineered specifically to allow removal and replacement with your own creation.
From the outset, Slate Auto designed the vehicle not just as a product, but as a platform. Their goal is to build a vehicle people can modify, upgrade, and evolve over time without voiding warranties or hacking into proprietary systems.
The Slatelet is the first “open node” in what could become a much larger network of community-powered vehicle mods.
“We believe customization shouldn’t stop at the surface. The Slatelet is our way of inviting makers into the design of the vehicle itself.” – Slate Auto Product Team (via Slate.Auto)
The Open Source Drop: Why This Matters
Available now on Slate.Auto, the STL file for the Slatelet emblem is free to download, remix, and print. There are no paywalls or gated developer kits. This is true open-source hardware in action.
The file includes:
- The faceplate template (to replace the SLATE logo badge)
- The bracket dimensions for secure mounting
- A list of suggested tolerances for clean fitment
As of now, Slate Auto has not publicly released specific intellectual property or marketplace guidelines related to selling custom Slatelet accessories. Creators who are considering commercializing their designs are encouraged to contact Slate Auto directly for permission or clarification. This ensures that your work respects their proprietary elements while still contributing to the larger community.
The Bracket: A Modding Interface Hidden in Plain Sight
What makes the Slatelet system truly exciting isn’t the badge. It’s the mounting bracket behind it. This simple, recessed fixture accepts a universal clip-and-lock design, allowing the insert to be swapped in seconds. It’s discreet, sturdy, and designed to be 3D printer-friendly.
Key specs:
- Backplate snap-lock bracket
- Flatface 55x35mm emblem surface
- Bracket depth: ~5mm
- Compatible with PLA, PETG, ABS (no high-temp required)
This bracket turns the dashboard into a creative docking station. It’s more than a cosmetic feature. It’s an infrastructure play. Expect this same bracket system to show up in other places in the cabin.
6 Creative Slatelet Accessories You Can Design Today
This is where the fun starts. With the bracket standardized and accessible, here are six unique Slatelet-based mod ideas you can 3D print or customize immediately:
1. Custom Logo Plates
Whether you’re repping your YouTube channel, a local EV club, or your own brand, create custom embossed or backlit faceplates. Glow-in-the-dark filament? Go for it. Carbon-fiber look PLA? Absolutely.
2. Modular Phone Mounts
Design a clip-on Slatelet faceplate with a built-in smartphone cradle. Bonus points for adding a MagSafe or wireless charging insert. The Slatelet is perfectly positioned on the dash to double as a discreet device holder for you our your passenger.
3. Magnetic Picture Frame Plate
Snap in a photo of your family, your dog, your favorite sunset. For creators, this is a great way to rotate collectible art cards, mini Polaroids, or digital badge inserts.
4. Air Freshener Diffuser
3D print a faceplate that holds replaceable scent pods or absorbs essential oils. Print with vented design channels and integrate passive airflow paths.
5. Sunglass Case
Design to clip direct to the dashboard with a magnetic clip that attaches to the Slatelet bracket.
6. Collectible Slatelet Swaps
Start a “Slatelet Collectible Series.” Custom inserts themed for holidays, fandoms, events, or brand collaborations. This turns the Slatelet into an evolving badge of personality, almost like EV-era bumper stickers.
From Hobby to Hustle: The Marketplace Potential
Slate hasn’t formally announced a creator marketplace, but this open-source release suggests that more opportunities may come. Creators could eventually:
- Sell their custom Slatelet accessories on Etsy, Shopify, or a Slate Rides Exchange
- License IP-friendly versions to influencers or auto accessory brands
- Offer STL downloads, kits, or bundles via Patreon or Gumroad
The fact that Slate made this design modular from day one shows that they’re not just tolerating mods. They are encouraging a hardware culture to flourish.
For the Makers: Resources, Tips and Tools
Download the STL: Slate.Auto – Slatelet
Best Print Settings:
- Layer height: 0.2mm
- Infill: 20% (PETG or PLA+ recommended)
- No supports needed
Design Tools:
- TinkerCAD (for beginners)
- Fusion 360 (for precision fitment)
- PrusaSlicer or Cura for final tuning
Where to Share Your Builds:
- Reddit: r/3Dprinting, r/ElectricVehicles
- Instagram: Tag @slaterides, #slateletmods
- Submit to Slate Rides for possible feature
Closing Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
The Slatelet is the spark, not the flame. By opening up their dashboard to the maker community, Slate Auto is doing something disruptive, inclusive, and exciting. It’s not just about cool gadgets. It’s about building a culture around creativity, ownership, and expression in the EV world.
We’ve seen open platforms transform smartphones, apps, even coffee machines. Why not cars?
Slate is giving you the bracket. What you snap into it? That’s entirely up to you.
Download. Print. Mod. Repeat. The Slatelet is open. Let’s ride.
