Scout Pricing and State Rebate Programs

[N Wilson]

I saw some discussion in another thread about pricing and rather than derail that thread any further, I decided to start a new one

What I got to thinking about specifically, is the base model pricing at launch in the context of what possible incentives may be available at that point. This could inform a strategy for Scout to position itself to qualify for them, thereby driving some extra sales from folks whose budget is right on the edge of being able to afford it, and the rebates make the difference for them to make the purchase.

Start with the assumption that the federal tax credit/rebate will be gone, and you're left with state level rebates. The challenge is that state rebate programs will differ in what price the vehicles need to stay under to qualify, and some states won't have rebates at all.

I live in MA, so I'll use the MOR-EV program as an example. that program has a maximum MSRP of $55,000 for new vehicles to qualify. https://mor-ev.org/eligible-vehicles

So, if Scout were to set the base model MSRP at $54,999 it would qualify under the program.

I think the strategy would be to look at other state rebates across the country and see if a pattern emerges with regard to a price that would allow the base model Scouts to qualify for as many state rebate programs as possible.

 

[J Alynn]

I saw some discussion in another thread about pricing and rather than derail that thread any further, I decided to start a new one

What I got to thinking about specifically, is the base model pricing at launch in the context of what possible incentives may be available at that point. This could inform a strategy for Scout to position itself to qualify for them, thereby driving some extra sales from folks whose budget is right on the edge of being able to afford it, and the rebates make the difference for them to make the purchase.

Start with the assumption that the federal tax credit/rebate will be gone, and you're left with state level rebates. The challenge is that state rebate programs will differ in what price the vehicles need to stay under to qualify, and some states won't have rebates at all.

I live in MA, so I'll use the MOR-EV program as an example. that program has a maximum MSRP of $55,000 for new vehicles to qualify. https://mor-ev.org/eligible-vehicles

So, if Scout were to set the base model MSRP at $54,999 it would qualify under the program.

I think the strategy would be to look at other state rebates across the country and see if a pattern emerges with regard to a price that would allow the base model Scouts to qualify for as many state rebate programs as possible.

Would be nice to see a chart with per state rebates. I’m pretty sure PA doesn’t have any-which sucks

 

[J Alynn]

I think PA should start charging the Amish annual taxes to use the roads. They do more damage than anything else. Even $100 per person since like 8 people per family can drive a buggy. It would give some relief and open up some rebate money for people trying to be greener. Not that buggies with single horse power aren’t green-the metal rims and horseshoes just destroy the asphalt

 

[N Wilson]

Would be nice to see a chart with per state rebates. I’m pretty sure PA doesn’t have any-which sucks

There is a website that has programs listed from across the country. might need to adjust the filters some because its for all renewables and efficiency programs. I found a filter for electric vehicles and used that but it looked like there might be a few categories of electric vehicles.

DSIRE

programs.dsireusa.org

 

[MasterSpam]

I saw some discussion in another thread about pricing and rather than derail that thread any further, I decided to start a new one

What I got to thinking about specifically, is the base model pricing at launch in the context of what possible incentives may be available at that point. This could inform a strategy for Scout to position itself to qualify for them, thereby driving some extra sales from folks whose budget is right on the edge of being able to afford it, and the rebates make the difference for them to make the purchase.

Start with the assumption that the federal tax credit/rebate will be gone, and you're left with state level rebates. The challenge is that state rebate programs will differ in what price the vehicles need to stay under to qualify, and some states won't have rebates at all.

I live in MA, so I'll use the MOR-EV program as an example. that program has a maximum MSRP of $55,000 for new vehicles to qualify. https://mor-ev.org/eligible-vehicles

So, if Scout were to set the base model MSRP at $54,999 it would qualify under the program.

I think the strategy would be to look at other state rebates across the country and see if a pattern emerges with regard to a price that would allow the base model Scouts to qualify for as many state rebate programs as possible.

Yah, that Max price is definately a worry.
For NM, a $3,000 credit, provided I can buy direct:

• $55,000 in maximum total value (new vehicles). $25,000 in total value maximum and at least 2 years old (pre-owned vehicles).
• A vehicle purchase or lease must be through a motor vehicle dealer licensed by the New Mexico motor vehicle division, or a dealer located on tribal land within New Mexico.
• A lessee of a vehicle must have entered into a new lease for at least three years.

This brings up Scout arranging a deal with the tribes to sell them

 

[Chavannigans]

This is how I envision most of us when we find out how much that green Traveler concept build will cost.

 

[Hedrock]

I can’t imagine Scout changing MSRP on any vehicles solely to target a single state’s rebates, except maybe CA. California is 34% of all U.S. EV sales. Even then…seems unlikely to me.

Altering MSRP has tax implications for manufacturers, not to mention huge impacts on lending (and, if they care, on resale values down the road).

I live in MA, so I'll use the MOR-EV program as an example. that program has a maximum MSRP of $55,000 for new vehicles to qualify. https://mor-ev.org/eligible-vehicles

So, if Scout were to set the base model MSRP at $54,999 it would qualify under the program.

Does MA only require starting MSRP to be under a certain number to qualify? Or is it for the vehicle you specifically are purchasing?

I am not an expert on EV rebates but thought I recalled most of them applying to the specific as-built vehicle you purchase, rather than a notional starting MSRP.

That seems like it would be easy to game - “sure you can build a $35,000 car on our site, we’ll just indefinitely delay actual production and only build specs that make us money.”

 

[Hedrock]

This is how I envision most of us when we find out how much that green Traveler concept build will cost.

This is why I tell myself I’m not coming in any lower than $75k (and not sure I’ll pull the trigger at that price)

That way I get pleasantly surprised if it comes in lower for me!

 

[MasterSpam]

This is why I tell myself I’m not coming in any lower than $75k (and not sure I’ll pull the trigger at that price)

That way I get pleasantly surprised if it comes in lower for me!

I mean, not getting a $3,000 NM tax credit is not a deal breaker for me.
I didn't get any rebates for my KIA PHEV and that was OK for me.
There are many (MANY) dealers I have read about who are bumping prices that delete and tax credit value anyway so it's just more riches to the dealer.

 

[robothero]

This is why I tell myself I’m not coming in any lower than $75k (and not sure I’ll pull the trigger at that price)

That way I get pleasantly surprised if it comes in lower for me!

Yup, my expectation is 75k and I'll be happy and surprised if it ends up being lower!

 

[Hedrock]

I can’t imagine Scout changing MSRP on any vehicles solely to target a single state’s rebates, except maybe CA. California is 34% of all U.S. EV sales. Even then…seems unlikely to me.

Altering MSRP has tax implications for manufacturers, not to mention huge impacts on lending (and, if they care, on resale values down the road).


Does MA only require starting MSRP to be under a certain number to qualify? Or is it for the vehicle you specifically are purchasing?

I am not an expert on EV rebates but thought I recalled most of them applying to the specific as-built vehicle you purchase, rather than a notional starting MSRP.

That seems like it would be easy to game - “sure you can build a $35,000 car on our site, we’ll just indefinitely delay actual production and only build specs that make us money.”

Also, correcting myself: I do not know what if any tax issues come up for DTC companies altering MSRP. I think there’s nuance there but actually have no idea if that’s true.

 

[Chavannigans]

I can get a brand new 2025 Ford F250 Lariat Tremor for around $70k.

If I can get a Terra or Traveler for mid-$80s with all the off-roading things I want, I’ll be happy.

Otherwise I will likely go with the Tremor or AT4 Yukon Duramax.

Honestly tax rebates aren’t even on my radar. My greatest concern involving the government aspect is the $450 annual state (Texas) and federal EV registration tax. It will make all subsidies a wash eventually if you keep it long term.

Really hoping the high end offroad package brings models to around $80k, like most of their ICE off road peers.

 

[cyure]

I can get a brand new 2025 Ford F250 Lariat Tremor for around $70k.

If I can get a Terra or Traveler for mid-$80s with all the off-roading things I want, I’ll be happy.

Otherwise I will likely go with the Tremor or AT4 Yukon Duramax.

Honestly tax rebates aren’t even on my radar. My greatest concern involving the government aspect is the $450 annual state (Texas) and federal EV registration tax. It will make all subsidies a wash eventually if you keep it long term.

Really hoping the high end offroad package brings models to around $80k, like most of their ICE off road peers.

And I’m hoping that the off road appearance package is $65k to $70k. I want to look like I can go off road but I don’t actually need to.

 

[dreamweaver]

I saw some discussion in another thread about pricing and rather than derail that thread any further, I decided to start a new one

What I got to thinking about specifically, is the base model pricing at launch in the context of what possible incentives may be available at that point. This could inform a strategy for Scout to position itself to qualify for them, thereby driving some extra sales from folks whose budget is right on the edge of being able to afford it, and the rebates make the difference for them to make the purchase.

Start with the assumption that the federal tax credit/rebate will be gone, and you're left with state level rebates. The challenge is that state rebate programs will differ in what price the vehicles need to stay under to qualify, and some states won't have rebates at all.

I live in MA, so I'll use the MOR-EV program as an example. that program has a maximum MSRP of $55,000 for new vehicles to qualify. https://mor-ev.org/eligible-vehicles

So, if Scout were to set the base model MSRP at $54,999 it would qualify under the program.

I think the strategy would be to look at other state rebates across the country and see if a pattern emerges with regard to a price that would allow the base model Scouts to qualify for as many state rebate programs as possible.

This right from the bottom of the Scout Motors website.

Entry models starting as low as $50,000 with available incentives. Retail prices starting under $60,000.

Pricing

• Traveler: $50,000 with incentives
• Terra: $51,500 with incentives
• Pricing is for U.S. market only. Entry model price reflects targeted starting price with incentives. Available incentives at the time of sale may vary based on current federal, state, and local offerings and are subject to change without notice; this may impact the final purchase price. Retail price reflects lowest starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Price does not include any federal, state and/or local tax subsidies or incentives that may be available. All prices are subject to change and excludes taxes, title, license and other fees, as well as certain premium features and add-ons.
• Retail pricing: Pricing is for U.S. market only. Retail price reflects lowest starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), and does not include any federal, state and/or local tax subsidies or incentives that may be available. Price is subject to change and excludes taxes, title, license and other fees, as well as certain premium features and add-ons.

 

[Scoutsie]

If $50K means you’re lucky to get seats made of cloth and not hard plastic, I’ll be pissed. If they do the bullshit where you get one or two color options at that price point, again, I will be fuuuuuuuuuuuuuucking pissed. There’s nothing more obnoxious, classist, and elitist than to say “oh, sorry, dirty poors, you’re only good enough for gray because you’re a dirty poor and you don’t deserve color in your bleak life. Work harder if you want colorful paint.” Rivian does that and it’s obnoxious. If Scout wants to offer an $80K offroad option package, fine. Delightful. I am once again going to speak for people who do things like work municipal jobs (my parents were both public servants) or become disabled (that’s me) or have reversals of fortunes and still deserve to have nice things and remind you that the heritage of Scout was a truck for everyone. It was a truck for hardworking people and it was affordable. It wasn’t for people with six-figure incomes.

A Scout should be like a pizza: it should afford to feed a family of four.

 

[Chavannigans]

If $50K means you’re lucky to get seats made of cloth and not hard plastic, I’ll be pissed. If they do the bullshit where you get one or two color options at that price point, again, I will be fuuuuuuuuuuuuuucking pissed. There’s nothing more obnoxious, classist, and elitist than to say “oh, sorry, dirty poors, you’re only good enough for gray because you’re a dirty poor and you don’t deserve color in your bleak life. Work harder if you want colorful paint.” Rivian does that and it’s obnoxious. If Scout wants to offer an $80K offroad option package, fine. Delightful. I am once again going to speak for people who do things like work municipal jobs (my parents were both public servants) or become disabled (that’s me) or have reversals of fortunes and still deserve to have nice things and remind you that the heritage of Scout was a truck for everyone. It was a truck for hardworking people and it was affordable. It wasn’t for people with six-figure incomes.

A Scout should be like a pizza: it should afford to feed a family of four.

 

[Scoutsie]

Niece Scoutsie don’t want to reserve a Slate, haiyaaaa