Less Is More: Slate Reintroduces HVAC Knobs, Crank Windows, and a Dashboard Without a Screen

      Slate, The Drive

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      The newly announced Slate Truck is set to fulfill a dream that many automotive critics, myself included, have long discussed. Are you looking for a new, affordable, practical vehicle that features an old-school interface yet has modern efficiency in its powertrain? Absolutely, my friend. The Slate aims to achieve just that, incorporating features like manual windows and a phone mount on the dashboard instead of a typical infotainment screen.

      Crank windows disappeared from the U.S. market just last year when they were removed from the base model Jeep Wrangler. Even the least expensive Ford F-150 XL work truck and Chevrolet Express WT cargo van now include power windows as standard. Last week, I would have claimed that the Chevy Express had the most traditional dashboard in a new car, but the interior of the Slate truck could be even more retro in appearance.

      The Slate's design is not only minimalistic; it also stands out in contrast to other minimalistic vehicles like Tesla, which is dominated by a large screen that embodies relentless futurism. The Slate truck features three straightforward knobs for climate control and an innovative OEM phone mount, which allows you to use your mobile device for navigation and music. This is something you would probably do anyway in most cars, just on a bigger screen with systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If you’re curious about how audio is managed without built-in speakers, it simply connects to a Bluetooth speaker of your choice that can be placed on the small shelf beneath the HVAC controls.

      The Slate cabin is simple yet smart.

      For years, I've wished that more car manufacturers would adopt this approach—eliminate the oversized dashboard screen and instead provide a small clamp or mount for a phone, along with a charging option. Fiat had a similar approach with one of the Panda models, and naturally, the Ford Maverick is designed to accommodate custom-made phone mounts perfectly. For a short-range utility truck like the Slate is clearly intended to be, this setup is ideal.

      And let's not even start on how a three-knob climate control setup outperforms any touchscreen version. With this interface, you can easily adjust the temperature without diverting your gaze from the road after you get accustomed to the vehicle. In contrast, after a week-long press loan with a modern BMW or Hyundai, I find myself constantly looking away to adjust the climate controls. In a moving vehicle over rough terrain, sliders are inadequate, and buttons lacking physical feedback are frustrating.

      Crank windows, basic climate knobs, a holder for a phone or tablet, and a shelf for a Bluetooth speaker—someone should have produced a vehicle this straightforward a long time ago.

      Regarding the crank windows, they might be more of a novelty—can a few extra inches of wiring really be that much more expensive than the gears and a plastic handle? When aiming to sell a vehicle at the low price that Slate is advertising, you need to maintain every ounce of margin possible. Nevertheless, crank windows can be quite enjoyable. I can’t claim that I’ve been demanding them—in fact, I’d probably pay the additional $100 or so for switches if given the option. However, I doubt they would be too cumbersome in such a small, slender vehicle. I imagine the driver could easily reach over to the passenger side and operate the right-side window crank if they were alone.

      Ultimately, it’s just amusing to see manual cranks in a brand-new, electric vehicle for the U.S. market in 2025. Well, technically 2026 by the time these cars are actually in customers’ driveways. I’ll reserve my opinion until I can take it for a test drive. However, on paper and in images, the Slate appears to address a gap in the new-car market that many people have been vocal about.

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