Playing devil's advocate here, comparing Slate Truck vs. Ford Maverick

[zipn]

Maverick prices have risen recently due to tariff issues (the Maverick is made in Mexico). I just priced a 2025 Maverick like yours (Lariat trim, Hybrid AWD, 4K tow package) at Ford's "Build & Price" site. Results:

$38,440 Base MSRP (assuming no dealer markup)
$745 for 4K Tow package (no other options)
$1,695 Destination charges
$695 Acquisition fee

Total = $41,575 MSRP and fees

I'm sure it's a great little truck, but seems like a Slate has room to undercut it on price, even in the (likely) event that the federal EV tax credit goes away.

The cheapest Maverick I can build now is $30,535 MSRP with fees. That's for an XL with FWD and no towing package or other options. I wouldn't be surprised if a Slate, even with some options and no tax credit, turns out to be priced competitively.

Yep it’s not cheap. As I mentioned earlier I consider the Slate complimentary to the mav, not a direct competitor. The Bolt EV I and Kia/hyundai low cost EVs are I think the Slate competition.

We ordered our Mav back in November before the 2 recent price updates so got it for a little under 39 k before taxes from Granger Ford (3 % below invoice + $500 farm bureau discount). It’s a couple thousand more now.

 

[YDR37]

I don't like comparing a truck with a tow package to one without tow. That tow rating on the Slate might not be final and could change when they test it before release.

In that case, we can compare the Slate to the base-level Maverick, which does not include the tow package. The cheapest Maverick (XL, Hybrid, FWD) currently starts at $30,535 (MSRP plus fees, according to Ford, assuming no dealer markups). The rated tow capacity for that configuration is 2,000 lbs, which is higher than the Slate, but still pretty much useless.

If you want the tow package, you also have to get AWD. The AWD and tow package together increase the price of the Maverick by $3,760. So the cheapest Maverick with 4,000 lb towing is $34,295.

 

[MotoGary]

People on this forum will try to say “the slate isn’t competing with the maverick” but the fact of the matter is, customers look for value. And pound for pound the maverick wins by a landslide

Do you really think Slate thinks they're going head to head against the Maverick? That's not at all what's going on here. They have a whole different vision. The comparison is just silly. I think Mr "Maverick Resource" dude knows better, but he's playing the "clicks" game.

 

[Swinefuzz]

The whole video was riddled with errors and bias and insinuations and bro posturing. Suggests the Slate Truck would get poor safety ratings due to lacking other features, like more doors? Huh? Says not driving a 4 door indicates you have no friends to haul around. Oh, okay. Even suggested that a car that runs on FREE SOLAR ENERGY is impractical. His reasoning just doesn't make any sense. It's all about having swagger and attitude.

 

[cvollers]

Yet, isn't that Slate's core target market, young'uns?

Maybe, maybe not. It’s a target segment but not their only target segment. Anyone trying to fit the square Slate into a round family vehicle hole is flat out wrong. Young families looking for a family hauler are not the Slate target.

 

[Letas]

Maybe, maybe not. It’s a target segment but not their only target segment. Anyone trying to fit the square Slate into a round family vehicle hole is flat out wrong. Young families looking for a family hauler are not the Slate target.

Yeah, I think this misses the “youngns” market pretty bad.

Can’t effectively haul family.
Needs a home to charge it.
Perfect “second car”.

Not really in touch with the current <40yo market

 

[cvollers]

Yeah, I think this misses the “youngns” market pretty bad.

Can’t effectively haul family.
Needs a home to charge it.
Perfect “second car”.

Not really in touch with the current <40yo market

Unless your single young’n is buying their first new car in which case it’s perfect for moving into that first apartment…the one with charge stalls in the garage.

 

[MaverickResource]

We just purchased a 25 maverick lariat hybrid AWD. It’s an awesome vehicle. Seeing low 40s mpg around town and 30s on the highway. Loaded with tech. Comfortable, quiet but has a lot of utility… 1500 lb payload and 4k towing.

we also have a Slate reservation.

the Slate won’t replace the maverick… it compliments it. The Slate will be our around town car while the maverick will handle our highway trips and cruising, sometimes AWD drives and or our sometimes towing hauling needs. Once we get the Slate the mav will get little use and should last 20+ years.

we like the efficiency and displaced emissions of an EV, and the low cost + simple tech and DIY nature of the basic slate is all we want. our 150 mile range slate will have no wrap, decals or mods other than maybe the suv topper with no rear seat or roll bar / or bed cover and I’ll add some speakers and a double din stereo with wireless CarPlay. Might even keep the roll up windows

Im with you on this concept. We have our Maverick (for truck purposes) and an EV for the everyday around town car

 

[MaverickResource]

You may be confusing "features" for "value." Value is going to be different for everyone. I will never need to haul a little league team 500 miles on dirt roads with a trailer. The Maverick may offer that as a feature, but I would value that capability at exactly zero dollars. The things I do value that are swaying me towards the Slate? The simplicity of an EV drivetrain. What we should be comparing is the Lightning, Silverado EV, Scout, or Rivian R1T. Of course, the video would have to be "which is better, 3 Slates or 1 Rivian?"

lol, good stuff here. I mostly agree

 

[MaverickResource]

The whole video was riddled with errors and bias and insinuations and bro posturing. Suggests the Slate Truck would get poor safety ratings due to lacking other features, like more doors? Huh? Says not driving a 4 door indicates you have no friends to haul around. Oh, okay. Even suggested that a car that runs on FREE SOLAR ENERGY is impractical. His reasoning just doesn't make any sense. It's all about having swagger and attitude.

The swagger and attitude are just natural.

what is this non-sense you are talking about solar and impractical etc? (I've had an EV for years and solar...I am down for that...hence me being on the Slate forum)

my point is I think they are asking too much for the slate at $27500...

I want a SLATE...I just dont see the value at that price when there are other trucks AND EVs I think are a better bang for your buck

 

[MaverickResource]

Maverick prices have risen recently due to tariff issues (the Maverick is made in Mexico). I just priced a 2025 Maverick like yours (Lariat trim, Hybrid AWD, 4K tow package) at Ford's "Build & Price" site. Results:

$38,440 Base MSRP (assuming no dealer markup)
$745 for 4K Tow package (no other options)
$1,695 Destination charges
$695 Acquisition fee

Total = $41,575 MSRP and fees

I'm sure it's a great little truck, but seems like a Slate has room to undercut it on price, even in the (likely) event that the federal EV tax credit goes away.

The cheapest Maverick I can build now is $30,535 MSRP with fees. That's for an XL with FWD and no towing package or other options. I wouldn't be surprised if a Slate, even with some options and no tax credit, turns out to be priced competitively.

Def fair points here. Looking at Maverick prices raising is a little discouraging. When first released, it was an AMAZING value.

 

[E90400K]

The whole video was riddled with errors and bias and insinuations and bro posturing. Suggests the Slate Truck would get poor safety ratings due to lacking other features, like more doors? Huh? Says not driving a 4 door indicates you have no friends to haul around. Oh, okay. Even suggested that a car that runs on FREE SOLAR ENERGY is impractical. His reasoning just doesn't make any sense. It's all about having swagger and attitude.

How is solar energy free?

 

[GaRailroader]

How is solar energy free?

I suppose if you are over producing and you don’t have net metering then if you don’t put it in your EV batteries then you are giving to the utility for free. There are EV chargers that can be configured to use over production for EV charging. I do have net metering on my solar array so I sell over production to the utility and buy it back between 11p and 7a at 6.2 cents per kWh to charge my EVs.

 

[metroshot]

Price parity between gas cars and EVs hasn’t happened yet though we are getting closer. .....

More geographic location for comparing price difference which is huge in So Calif.

I pay a lot less EV charging using Tesla Superchargers ($0.31/kWh) than charging at home ($0.61/kWh).

And to add insult, gas prices are now $6.00 gallon.

Hate to say it, but I haven't had a $400 gasoline month in over 3 years.

 

[cvollers]

I suppose if you are over producing and you don’t have net metering then if you don’t put it in your EV batteries then you are giving to the utility for free. There are EV chargers that can be configured to use over production for EV charging. I do have net metering on my solar array so I sell over production to the utility and buy it back between 11p and 7a at 6.2 cents per kWh to charge my EVs.

I think what he means is that solar requires an investment to actually be able to capture the energy. There is always a cost, but typically a fixed cost not a variable cost like electricity you buy off the grid.