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THE FORD MAVERICK FIGHTER FROM GENERAL MOTORS COULD BE ELECTRIC

A New Report Outlines GM’s Intent To Enter The Small Truck Space With An EV

2024 Chevy Trax Render pickup truck small
Rendering via K Design, Instagram

The Ford Maverick occupies a market space that’s largely unchallenged. This is save for the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which it outsells roughly 2:1, based on 2022 calendar year sales. That dynamic may not be for long, however. We keep hearing noise that Ram Trucks will perhaps challenge the Maverick next, but what about General Motors with its Chevrolet and GMC brands?

Chevrolet builds and sells frugal, small trucks. Just not in the United States, or Canada. Despite this, nearby Mexico enjoys a broader Chevrolet truck market than both of these regions, largely thanks to two pickups that we can’t get in the USA: the Chevrolet S10 Max and soon, the new Chevrolet Montana pickup truck. These pickups definitely strike a chord with some of us from afar, as they’re a great alternative to a hand-me-down used truck, which tend to be well-out-of warranty and tainted with the farts of a previous owner. However, a small truck appears to be a possibility from General Motors as a new product for the USA and Canada markets, and such a proposal was teased to a select few.

2023 Chevrolet S10 Max

Automotive News got a first-hand look at a small truck featuring two doors, a low roofline, a four- to four-and-a-half-foot cargo box, and an active, futuristic design. It didn’t have a name yet. But it was described as an electric pickup truck, with a targeted entry price of $30,000. But executives have reportedly stopped just short of giving it the green light.

“We’re creating these to get a reaction and then to try to modify it or move on,” said Michael Pevovar, the director affordable EV and crossover design for Chevrolet to AN. “The input may come back that it’s just too small, and that’s okay,” he added. If it turns out to be too small for buyers, General Motors hasn’t ruled out building its entry-level electric pickup on a different architecture to make it a little bigger.

2023 Ford Maverick Tremor New Truck
Image via Ford

Sean Szymkowski from Chevrolet truck communications sent us the following statement:

“GM has been on the record about our intention to bring new affordable EVs to market beyond models like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Equinox EV. Our designers are exploring what’s possible and while we love the enthusiasm, there’s nothing to confirm in terms of production-intent vehicles.”

GM looking to enter an entry-level truck fray with an EV may present headwinds, specifically when it comes to price. At a proposed $30,000 or so, that’s nearly $8,000 more than a base Ford Maverick, which is the highly sought-after hybrid variant. Customers enjoy 42/33 mpg city/highway, 2,000 pounds max towing, 1,500 pounds max payload, and a very favorable sticker price. In fact, Ford continues to struggle with Maverick demand, with 2023 model years closing just days after they opened.

With the market showing rabid demand for something utilitarian, GM could offer two-tier approach like we’re seeing with the Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado EV (the same with the GMC Sierra and Sierra EV), offering customers a choice of a more affordable combustion-engine variant to a more premium electric. Either way, putting feelers out for such a product is a positive step in the right direction, and we hope to see more small truck entries in the American market going forward, whether it’s electric or not.

Chevrolet Montana Brazil Mexico Small Truck Ford Maverick Rival US Market Canada Chevrolet Montana Brazil Mexico Small Truck Ford Maverick Rival US Market Canada

2022 Ford Maverick Brazil

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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