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.