I think the market for base Mavericks is pretty small. At that point it's really not providing much value over an SUV with rear seats that fold down. I agree not everyone wants to spend 40-80k, but that doesn't mean they want to spend $20k for a small no-frills EV in the shape of a truck with not many other similarities.

I like the "starts out cheap, then upgrade it later" premise of Slate, and I like that it's electric, but it'll only really be a toy with the limitations I specified.

AWD is only standard on the fanciest Maverick trim and not an option picked by the couple of folks I know with them. But that + the bed length doesn't seem to be stopping them from loving their trucks. Tacos also start at 5' IIRC.

But if you have even just those once-a-year "need a truck bed" needs the gap between "SUV with fold down seats" and "actual truck" is pretty substantial.

I think the set of truck buyers with either:

* just occasional needs for a bed, without a need to put sheet goods flat or such (if you have that just get a minivan these days ;) )

* a fashion-driven desire compared to a van or SUV vs a practical-driven one

is substantial compared to the set of "needs a professional-grade truck" buyers.

The set of professional-grade buyers hasn't changed much in thirty or forty years, but the former two sets have exploded.

For a pickup truck, if you're buying it so it's "there when you need it," it removes a lot of value if it's gotta stay in the garage during the winter.

Though yes, I could see it being less important if that's not an issue in your area.

FWIW the Maverick handles 4x8 sheets fine - they go on the wheel wells and the tailgate with some straps to hold them in place.

the f150 ev doesn't have a long bed. for those of us who haul stuff no truck works (until we step to the f250 or bigger)