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

[BeachHead]

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.

 

[E90400K]

I think the question still remains, what utility is provided for the price. Does the Slate offer a better total cost of ownership compared to the Maverick evaluated by which vehicle best fits one's intended use case.

 

[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.