No Plans for Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Maverick Says Mike Levine

[Mav_RICK]

Tax credit is now structured around the sourcing of the battery minerals, where the battery is manufactured, and where the vehicle is manufactured/assembled. PHEVs theoretically can qualify for the full $7500, but it is unlikely that most vehicles will qualify for the full $7500 in the immediate future due to the battery constraints. Most that currently qualify are only advertising $3750 in tax credits because of this.

Thank you. I learned something new again today. That happens quite a bit around here.

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[Mav_RICK]

I agree. Why load the grid any more than it is now.

Electric companies are licking their chops at the prospects of all these vehicles plugging in. Demand is going to drive the rates up markedly unless they can keep up with the demand, which I doubt they will.

 

[NextTruck]

Maybe in your state it's mostly coal and natural gas, but not mine. My state is 54% Nuclear, and 10% renewables.

Some people drive out of state.

 

[LSchicago]

Some people drive out of state.

I do, about 2-5% of the time.

 

[Bushpilot]

You’re one of the Lucy ones and / or you’re in an appropriate environment. You must not live where the elevation fluctuates much and you get stuck in situations where the car refuses to go past 45mph because it can’t recharge via gas fast enough, putting you at risk of death as you’re on a highway wlrwted for 75mph and people can’t see you’re 45mph slow ass past hill crests, almost slamming into you as they go 30mph (or let’s face it, 40 or more) faster than you.

That’s not even going into your typical “Chevy quality “ non phev specific issues like displays (Speedo or center cluster depending on the day) going back (won’t turn back on if you restart the car, would have to go to the shop every time it did this) leaving you guessing on speed or range, or major issues like the entire front axle needing replaced at 35k miles…where my service tech seemed to be pissed I just made warranty and told the tech in the next room “I thought this issue usually popped up a few thousand miles later so we’re not stuck footing the bill”

Just the tip of the iceberg. Enjoy your 45k car turned 11k in trade in two years. It dropped like a lead brick in value for a reason. Again, never again. If you’re happy god bless you. Worst thing our family ever bought.

You're right, none of the above applies to me, or matches my experience.

 

[Darnon]

Wouldn’t the tax credit be like half of that? I don’t think you get $7500 for PHEV.

The old credit was based on capacity wherein for instance the Escape PHEV topped out at $6840. The new credit is less concerned about capacity but more the sourcing/assembly as mentioned.

 

[NextTruck]

From PBS "Nova" television program. Highly respected reporting.

As of 2022 the USA power grid is 18% renewable. 22% nuclear. 60% fossil fuel.

Wait. What? USA electricity, taken as a whole is only 60% fossil fuel, and decreasing every year.

Your ICE vehicle is at least 95% propelled by fossil fuel. The reason it is not 100% is on average, there is some renewable bio-fuel in the mix.
[/QU.

Electric companies are licking their chops at the prospects of all these vehicles plugging in. Demand is going to drive the rates up markedly unless they can keep up with the demand, which I doubt they will.

The feds will have to step even more to subsidize grid upgrades. The grid was already taxed before plugs and mandates blocking sale of gas furnaces, ranges, and HW heaters.

 

[Rdubs]

Bummer, but that is probably the right call for a budget minded truck. Batteries would add thousands of dollars to price and put it in a different pricing segment (look at the price difference between an escape hybrid and an escape PHEV). Hopefully for upgrades in the future, they will come out with a hybrid AWD option; even though it would negatively affect fuel economy, I personally think that would be a popular option. Even with my limited budget, I would strongly consider adding AWD to an order.

Bummer, but that is probably the right call for a budget minded truck. Batteries would add thousands of dollars to price and put it in a different pricing segment (look at the price difference between an escape hybrid and an escape PHEV). Hopefully for upgrades in the future, they will come out with a hybrid AWD option; even though it would negatively affect fuel economy, I personally think that would be a popular option. Even with my limited budget, I would strongly consider adding AWD to an order.

As a Maverick hybrid owner, I feel like awd is super over rated. I've driven in rain a few times and struggled to get the wheels to spin on purpose. The traction control is great.

 

[OneAlienBoi]

After owning my hybrid for a year, I can definitely say that I do not need awd. I no longer recommend it to anyone.

Exactly, I live in Utah, the definitive snow state so well known for its snow, that our slogan is literally greatest snow on earth. This last winter was the worst winter we've had on record, and our hybrid in stock tires, which aren't optimized for snow at all, did great.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are some people out there who live in a rural forest talking about how they get five feet of snow in a single day, and they need a lifted AWD truck. I get that, but that's such a small portion of the buying public from what I've seen. AWD seems like the 35,000 pound tow rating of a super duty 3500.

It sounds impressive, and everyone will tell you how they need it 100%. But the percentage of people who truly need that is pretty slim.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

AND when places do get crazy heavy snow, there are usually plows working and the most driven streets are cleared off pretty quickly.

I grew up in Wyoming, often drove a tiny Civic on snowy mountain UT roads right before they got closed, and also have lived in upstate NY with the "lake effect snow" dumping feet at a time. I also lived in VA for a little while- and I was literally one of 5 people on the road one morning (usually MILLIONS of drivers) just outside DC after a big snowstorm.
AWD is definitely a "nice to have" but RARELY a MUST for 'most' people.

 

[Eagle11]

Original source: Heatmap
Reported by: Ford Authority

Mike Levin said: “There’s no current need for a PHEV. The Maverick Hybrid is incredibly efficient and affordable. The EPA estimates that Maverick Hybrid’s total annual fuel cost is just $1,500.”

That can be said about the Escape HYbird, but we have a PHEV. Since a PHEV has been spotted testing, I'm thinking that a 2024 PHEV will happen.

 

[Mav_RICK]

The feds will have to step even more to subsidize grid upgrades. The grid was already taxed before plugs and mandates blocking sale of gas furnaces, ranges, and HW heaters.

Well if the Feds step up their subsidies it may indeed increase capacity but the tax payer will have to pay for that. Personally I believe the Feds need to get out of subsidies completely. I get tired of watching BEV and PHEV prices bounce all over the place based on what the latest Fed ruling is on tax credits.

I think BEVs in particular are becoming more and attractive to consumers and while getting the Feds out may slow the transition, the market will eventually drive it and in a more balanced way where the supply will meet demand evenly without all the wild swings.

 

[Shay]

As someone who is in the automotive news business and has listened to Mike as long as he has worked for Ford..........

“There’s no current need for a PHEV,” Levine said. “The Maverick Hybrid is incredibly efficient and affordable. The EPA estimates that Maverick Hybrid’s total annual fuel cost is just $1,500.”

That is a statement to give foil around there may be no PHEV coming in 2024 or perhaps 2025. It's designed to do what it's doing, let pressure out of the balloon and move people onto other things - for now.

There will most likely be a PHEV as there WILL be a need for it at a point soon when California and its other following states are phasing into the Clean Cars II regulations. Once the phase in is well underway, the Maverick will not be able to be sold in any of these states UNLESS it offers a PHEV. So, there is "no current need" today, but there will be in a few years.

 

[Mav_RICK]

There will most likely be a PHEV as there WILL be a need for it at a point soon when California and its other following states are phasing into the Clean Cars II regulations. Once the phase in is well underway, the Maverick will not be able to be sold in any of these states UNLESS it offers a PHEV. So, there is "no current need" today, but there will be in a few years.

But will there be anyone left in those states that would be in the market for a Maverick to begin with? Those states are becoming unaffordable for the typical Maverick buyer.

 

[Old Ranchero]

As a Maverick hybrid owner, I feel like awd is super over rated. I've driven in rain a few times and struggled to get the wheels to spin on purpose. The traction control is great.

You have a right to your 'feelings" but need to understand the bigger picture beyond your sample of 1. AWD gives us independent rear suspension which is a far superior ride in ALL conditions and across all brands. It also completely eliminates torque steer inherent to all FWD transverse mounted designs including the Maverick.

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