Ben Shimkus
Coverage of Ben Shimkus in the Nexus archive.
- Toyota's most affordable EV is a great car with some bad helicopter parent-y quirks
The 2026 Toyota bZ is reviewed as a family-friendly and affordable EV that rides like an electric RAV4, offering quick acceleration and low road noise. Although its design has funky angles, the SUV boasts an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles and starts at $37,900. However, the car's main annoyance is the constant chiming from its driver-attention monitor.
- The Ford Maverick Hybrid makes a strong case against buying more truck
The Ford Maverick Hybrid is positioned as a fuel-efficient, compact alternative to larger trucks like the F-150, Silverado, and Ram 1500. Priced starting at $28,145 with options pushing it to $46,770, it offers practicality for many families but risks losing its affordability edge with added features.
- The $25,000 Slate truck is proudly bare-bones. I think these add-ons are worth the extra money.
The Slate electric truck's base model is priced under $25,000 and emphasizes affordability with a minimalist design. The article details the author's experience testing the truck and their chosen add-ons, including a second-row bench and speaker system, which push the price above $30,000. The company's business model focuses on physical upgrades rather than software subscriptions.
- I drove the Slate truck. Its toy-like looks hide a surprisingly serious pickup.
The Slate truck, priced at $24,950 for a 2027 model, defies expectations with a robust driving experience despite its toy-like appearance. The author tested a prototype in Newport, Rhode Island, noting its truck-like handling, spacious cabin, and balanced performance, contrasting with cheaper alternatives like the discontinued Mitsubishi Mirage.
- Slate's new affordable EV truck has our newsroom divided
Slate Auto introduced an affordable electric truck priced at $24,950, marketed as the 'most affordable truck in America.' The vehicle lacks modern features like a touchscreen and has a compact design, sparking mixed reactions in the newsroom. The truck is expected to launch by year-end with over 200 customization options.