This is the small truck Tesla should have produced...

[cvollers]

I still see difficulty with mass market acceptance of this type of vehicle. If the core target audience is lower economic (hourly) wage earners and young people starting out in life who want an affordable, warranty-carrying new car, I see the Slate's slow DCFC rate as an issue. The target audience mentioned above are usually not private homeowners who can have access to private overnight charging. 30 minutes to 80% SOC is just 120 miles of non-winter range. Another 30 minutes needed for the remaining 60 miles of range might be a deterrent to market acceptance. Usable range is really just 30 to 120 miles (90 miles) per 30 min. DCFC. Fine if you charge at home, not so good if you live off of public DCFC.

It's a tough business model to rely on the $7,500 tax rebate being (a) still in existence in 2027, and (b) applicable to wage earners who earn enough to pay $7,500 in income tax (to get it back as a max rebate), and (c) a 140,000 in annual unit sales to get the cost of production to hit the pre-rebate price of $27,000.

At a $27K price point, the 4-door Maverick hybrid XL is a far better choice.

I think Slate has the second car market square in their sights. People who want a low cost commuter or small businesses that need a low cost light duty hauler. This is not a car for first time, low income buyers living in an urban apartment building.

 

[cvollers]

To quote myself:
In any case, it will provide some entertainment as we watch how things play out.

You all are proving that part right, and it's just been a couple hours!

Yes, politics are going to be a factor in several different ways between today and when these become available. These days, nearly every product and the companies that build them have to deal with a less than stable environment, with a lot of unknowns. I'd say that's why the CEO's make the big bucks, but they are still paid way too much for even that...IMHO.

A couple other observations regarding this maverick vs. slate discussion. These are two pretty different vehicles, so how many people who are shopping one or the other will cross shop them, beyond price neighborhood? I know one, myself, who isn't. My interest in the slate is that I'd like to investigate the true EV world without investing a whole lot to do so. For my use case, of up to 100 miles in a day of around town driving, and the ability to recharge in my garage overnight the slate truly hits that mark. The maverick isn't even in that ball park. So, for me the competition is limited to EV only vehicles. I know that's pretty anecdotal, but not everyone is just shopping on price alone.

100% with you there. At well over $4/gallon for regular unleaded in my area, I’m ready to cut the gas fuel cord for a EV commuter that does double duty as a business advertisement with custom wrap. The whole thing is getting deducted as a business expense.

 

[cadblu]

This truck should appeal to current Tesla owners who want a second vehicle to haul stuff around locally. The charging plug is Tesla standard, so home charging is a simple matter. As a "car guy" who likes to do mods, given the modular architecture and huge customizing options, it can become the "project car" that I always wanted. In addition, it can easily evolve into a fun hobby; way less expensive than restoring an old car which I have always wanted to do.

 

[bartflossom]

The Maverick and Bronco sport are built in the same plant and Ford originally thought the BS would outsell the Mav and wound up severely underestimating the market for the pickup. A large portion of the buyers are suburbanite retirees who just want the utility and economy. Same was true for the 80's mini-trucks. I just worry a bit because that demographic is the most resistant to ev's.

 

[Daley]

I also suspect the price will magically come down if and when the tax credit goes away. Costing in the low $20k’s is the main reason it works.

Just like in 2019 after Tesla lost the credit, the Model 3 magically dropped in price about $5k. And the Chevy Bolt dropped $5k in 2020 for the same reason. But all the people who support these atrocious tax rebates tell me they’re necessary to support the EV market. No, it’s just another money grab brought to you by lobbyists.

 

[ucfknights123]

Just like in 2019 after Tesla lost the credit, the Model 3 magically dropped in price about $5k. And the Chevy Bolt dropped $5k in 2020 for the same reason. But all the people who support these atrocious tax rebates tell me they’re necessary to support the EV market. No, it’s just another money grab brought to you by lobbyists.

It certainly helps incentivize companies to make these models, higher revenue up front. As to whether they're really needed to help them make profit, well it's capitalism baby. How much is Lucid paying per car they make, $300k?

 

[cvollers]

Personally I thought the target demographic was people or families as a secondary car. Could buy a $10k golf cart, could buy a $20k mini-truck.

I also suspect the price will magically come down if and when the tax credit goes away. Costing in the low $20k’s is the main reason it works.

I agree with this assessment. Just because it is cheap doesn’t mean the Slate is targeted at low income people.

 

[YDR37]

At a $27K price point, the 4-door Maverick hybrid XL is a far better choice.

But will a 4-door Maverick hybrid XL still be available at a $27K price point in late 2026, when Slate deliveries are scheduled to start?

According to Ford, a 2025 4-door Maverick hybrid XL currently starts at $28,145 MSRP, plus $1,695 destination charge and $695 acquisition fee. So the floor price for a new Maverick rolling off the assembly line today (assuming MSRP, no dealer markups/discounts, and zero options) is $30,535. And nobody should be surprised if inflation drives that number even higher by late 2026.

it's true that the Maverick historically had lower MSRPs, and there are still unsold Mavericks on dealer lots that reflect the old pricing. But they aren't going to remain unsold until late 2026 -- they will be replaced by newer Mavericks with Ford's new, higher pricing.

 

[sodamo]

I agree with this assessment. Just because it is cheap doesn’t mean the Slate is targeted at low income people.

I’m thinking most of the initial buyers will NOT be the low income crowd. That crowd may very well dominate the used market.

 

[Karl Childers]

But will a 4-door Maverick hybrid XL still be available at a $27K price point in late 2026, when Slate deliveries are scheduled to start?

According to Ford, a 2025 4-door Maverick hybrid XL currently starts at $28,145 MSRP, plus $1,695 destination charge and $695 acquisition fee. So the floor price for a new Maverick rolling off the assembly line today (assuming MSRP, no dealer markups/discounts, and zero options) is $30,535. And nobody should be surprised if inflation drives that number even higher by late 2026.

it's true that the Maverick historically had lower MSRPs, and there are still unsold Mavericks on dealer lots that reflect the old pricing. But they aren't going to remain unsold until late 2026 -- they will be replaced by newer Mavericks with Ford's new, higher pricing.

I am disappointed of the price gouging seen on the Maverick. I was lucky, I factory ordered a XLT with lux package when the model came out. It took 17 months to get and got bumped to a 2023 model (a blessing due to all the recalls). We were $28k out the door. It has been great for us but in no way would i pay over $30k for it. I think the price increase opens up competition from other manufacturers. I'm looking forward to seeing a Slate in the flesh.

 

[Slashsnake]

Personally I thought the target demographic was people or families as a secondary car. Could buy a $10k golf cart, could buy a $20k mini-truck.

I also suspect the price will magically come down if and when the tax credit goes away. Costing in the low $20k’s is the main reason it works.

I kind of. Was looking at it like that too but I think it really struggles there.

Like for us, we bought the cheapest pickup you can buy in the cheapest trim (Maverick XL) as our 2nd vehicle.

But we can still take it places in winter. I can still pick up my little kid after school (wife drops him off in her car on the way in) and not worry about putting him in the front seat. It's got enough features to look like a luxury vehicle by comparison. I can drive with my wife, my dog and my kid if I want.

When you go low cost and thus low profit, you need more sales to make up for the upfront costs. And this one seems to be going away from the things that sell. 150 mile range EVs in the US are the ones not moving off lots. The top four pickup models all have two-door trims. And for all of them they sell the 4 door with shorter beds about ten times as much.

And the price point isn't great there. It's good. Almost as low as you can get a Maverick today for, but its a big step down in practicality and convenience.

I just struggle to see anything two seat make a lot of sales in the US.

 

[Slashsnake]

I am disappointed of the price gouging seen on the Maverick. I was lucky, I factory ordered a XLT with lux package when the model came out. It took 17 months to get and got bumped to a 2023 model (a blessing due to all the recalls). We were $28k out the door. It has been great for us but in no way would i pay over $30k for it. I think the price increase opens up competition from other manufacturers. I'm looking forward to seeing a Slate in the flesh.

That's kind of the problem. Today right now you can get a Maverick XL with the all-wheel drive at a tick under $25k.

And that has things like a radio. Four doors. Good seats in the back. Paint. Better payload. A lot better towing. Even that trim is practically luxury by comparison. And it's completely usable. Right now I'm looking at mine and it's got a crapload of stuff in the bed and I'm going to fit my wife, kid and dog in the back and head home. In a few weeks I'll be taking it on a 150+ mile trip to Duluth for an airshow.

I don't think it'll sell well, just being the only EV pickup at a low price point. It needs to compete with the gas guzzlers. And if it can't in practicality or convenience or tech or performance it better in price. And I don't think it is at that price point, much less whatever it slides to by 2027.

 

[sodamo]

I could be wrong of course, but seems to me that many here extolling the perceived negatives the Slate vs something like a Maverick aren’t really in the market for a truck, most anything with room behind the rear seat would suffice If completely honest. OK, maybe a few whose trash cans wouldn’t fit.
I’m reminded of my Dad. He brought his 1st truck in 1956. Chevy Cameo. Pretty sure hauling us kids weren’t part of the thought process. I’m the oldest of 8. But over the years that truck did a lot of truck stuff, even towing the boat up to the lake, once. Hauled lumber, barrels of cement, gravel, even chicken shit. Yup even us kids did ride in the back from time to time, different days I know. Weren’t many pick ups in the neighborhood those days. Point is, I think he knew what he was getting. I got to drive it some as a senior in HS. my first accident, rearended a teacher in front of the school during a snowstorm. Over the years it rusted out in the yard. His last truck was a Chevy S-10 which I bought after his passing, shipped it here to Hawaii and was my primary mover building our house. Oh, and parents had a 56 Chevy 9 passenger station wagon for hauling us kids.

 

[YDR37]

That's kind of the problem. Today right now you can get a Maverick XL with the all-wheel drive at a tick under $25k.

And that has things like a radio. Four doors. Good seats in the back. Paint. Better payload. A lot better towing.

The pricing "today right now" doesn't matter. What matters is the price in late 2026, when the Slate is scheduled to appear. And the prices for Mavericks have been rising fast.

Ford's current pricing for a Maverick with AWD and "a lot better towing" is not "under $25k", or even close to that level. According to Ford's Maverick build site, a base 2025 XL Maverick with AWD, the 4K tow package, no other options, plus all fees costs: $34,385 MSRP.

There are less expensive configurations that would be more comparable to the Slate. A base 2025 XL Maverick with FWD, the 2K hitch, no other options, plus all fees costs: $30,685 MSRP.

I don't doubt that cheaper Mavericks, reflecting Ford's old pricing, are still available on dealer lots if you buy "today right now". But they won't still be there in late 2026, when the Slate is scheduled to appear. Ford's new pricing will take effect long before then.

 

[Slashsnake]

The pricing "today right now" doesn't matter. What matters is the price in late 2026, when the Slate is scheduled to appear. And the prices for Mavericks have been rising fast.

Ford's current pricing for a Maverick with AWD and "a lot better towing" is not "under $25k", or even close to that level. According to Ford's Maverick build site, a base 2025 XL Maverick with AWD, the 4K tow package, no other options, plus all fees costs: $34,385 MSRP.

There are less expensive configurations that would be more comparable to the Slate. A base 2025 XL Maverick with FWD, the 2K hitch, no other options, plus all fees costs: $30,685 MSRP.

I don't doubt that cheaper Mavericks, reflecting Ford's old pricing, are still available on dealer lots if you buy "today right now". But they won't still be there in late 2026, when the Slate is scheduled to appear. Ford's new pricing will take effect long before then.

What I meant by the current price is the listed price at dealerships in the United States selling them today. Not the online pricing but actual prices they are listing for at dealerships today.

That is true... The price estimate for the slate is not real and we won't know until 2026/2027 when it goes on sale, and as we've seen with every single new EV, they have that lovely price point in their PR events years ahead, but by the time the vehicle goes on sale...

Yes, the MSRP is higher and Ford is doing Ford pricing and you can buy for much less. With the Slate, it looks like it will be pure MSRP only there. Trucks always have deals running on them. EV direct sale cars sell for their list (or 10-20% higher than their PR event initial price by the time they sell)....

That's where I struggle to see it. I see a Santa Cruz at $24,300. A single Cab Silverado at $27,500. A Maverick hybrid at $24,000. A Frontier King Cab at $28,500. A Ram Quadcab Tradesman at $29k. I like EV's... I like cheap pickups. But I can't make that price point make sense to go with something as bare bones and non-practical as the slate outside of niche situations.