The wait is formally over. Volkswagen Group’s revival of the Scout model has lastly unveiled production-intent idea variations of its two flagship EV fashions. We’re in Nashville, Tennessee, the place Scout Motors shared particulars of its first SUV, the Traveler, and its all-electric pickup truck, the Terra. If Scout can hit its targets, these new EVs may even be fairly moderately priced.
Scout’s new EVs have been 80 years within the making
As you could or might not know, in the present day’s iteration of the Scout was derived from the beloved nameplate of off-road automobiles constructed by Worldwide Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Whereas solely about 530,000 Scout vehicles have been constructed throughout that manufacturing run, the all-but-forgotten model nonetheless holds a small however passionate fanbase, lots of which have been current on the media occasion exterior Nashville in the present day.
Two years in the past, Volkswagen Group shared plans to capitalize off that heritage and revive the namesake for the trendy EV age whereas planning to remain true to the rugged, off-road efficiency its remaining predecessors are nonetheless celebrated for. By November of 2023, we realized that Scout had two EV fashions in growth with the assistance of contract producer Magna Worldwide.
Till in the present day, we had solely seen broad renderings of the 2 flagship automobiles, an SUV and a pickup, as bodily fashions have been being designed and developed in Novi, Michigan, near a brand new Innovation Middle being erected close by.
We all know the 2 flagship fashions shall be constructed at a brand new Scout manufacturing facility within the US, particularly in South Carolina. We have been current on the website’s groundbreaking ceremony this previous February. Even then, nevertheless, we had no actual clues as to what these two new fashions would appear to be, apart from that they might arrive as true off-road succesful EVs.
Nonetheless, Scout president and CEO Scott Keogh promised we’d glimpse the primary two Scout EVs this summer season. Nicely, summer season has come and gone, however the younger EV marque has made good on its promise within the fall, formally debuting the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup in entrance of an enormous crowd in the present day.
Scout unveils two superior trying new EVs
Over 300 individuals from the media, model ambassadors, and authentic Harvester Scout house owners gathered in Franklin, Tennessee, this afternoon the place, simply moments in the past, the younger automaker unveiled manufacturing intent idea variations of its first two EVs. Keogh spoke:
Two years within the making, the day has lastly come to share the subsequent era of Scout automobiles with the world. The unique core thought — rugged, versatile automobiles able to off-road journey and household obligation — is extra related than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American model, create hundreds of American jobs, and put American ingenuity again to work.
The primary EV mannequin, seen above, is the Traveler SUV. This EV is predicted to ship over 7,000 kilos of towing and a payload capability of practically 2,000 kilos. Additionally it is anticipated to ship as much as 350 miles of all-electric vary, however much more, when you add a variety extender (extra on that in a bit). As you’ll be able to see from the picture above, the Traveler’s rear includes a break up tailgate for straightforward entry to cargo and “safety from the weather when opened.”
The second Scout EV mannequin to debut in the present day is the Terra pickup truck (seen under). It is going to provide the identical vary and payload because the Traveler however is predicted to have the ability to tow as much as 10,000 kilos. The Terra may even characteristic a 5.5-foot pickup mattress outfitted with two 120V and one 240V energy shops.
Thanks to almost 1,000 lb-ft of torque, each fashions may even be capable to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in as shortly as 3.5 seconds.
The Traveler and Terra shall be constructed on a proprietary body-on-frame platform with a strong rear axle designed for off-road efficiency. The brand new platform additionally allows tires as much as 35 inches, over one foot of floor clearance, shut to a few ft of water fording functionality, a entrance sway bar disconnect, entrance and rear mechanical lockers, and “strong suspension choices.”
Each Scout EVs will characteristic a four-wheel-drive system with an electrical drive unit on every axle. The automaker additionally shared that it expects its absolutely electrical fashions to have the ability to climb 100% grades.
As anticipated, all Scout EVs will make the most of the North American Charging Normal (NACS), which can energy their 800V structure with charges as excessive as 350 kW. The EVs may even arrive with bi-directional charging capabilities.
Discover how we talked about the “all-electric variations” a few instances? That’s as a result of in the present day, we realized that Scout hopes to stomp any buyer woes about vary anxiousness (particularly when towing) by providing a gasoline vary extender choice.
Scout’s EVs can nab as much as 500 miles of vary as an EREV
Whereas Scout stated it might promote 100% BEV variations of the Traveler and Terra, it would additionally provide an
prolonged vary electrical automobile (EREV) system improve with a gas-powered generator referred to as “Harvester.”
The 350 miles of anticipated vary within the full EV variations is already greater than satisfactory and aggressive within the section, however for these Scout clients who need extra peace of thoughts, they will safe an anticipated 500+ miles of vary with the gasoline generator add-on.
Different options embrace fashionable zonal software program structure that permits over-the-air (OTA) updates and distant diagnostics. Each Scout EVs have ample frunk storage able to becoming golf golf equipment, a fitness center bag, a small cooler, and 120V and USB-C energy shops.
The inside of each new fashions includes a design philosophy described by the Scout staff as “easy and daring, tactile, and match for function.” The aesthetic of the instrument panel and its higher forehead with a deep undercut is a nod to the unique Harvester Scout II.
The Traveler SUV affords further entrance storage with a multifunctional console, and each EVs will include a front-row bench seat choice Scout describes as a part of its “Connection Machine.”
Lastly, Scout shared plans to supply a number of personalization alternatives and equipment, together with auxiliary lighting, help steps, energy off-boarding options, off-road bumpers with restoration factors, and a heavy-duty winch.
Scout Traveler and Terra pricing and availability
Regardless that Scout Motors stays a Volkswagen Group sub-brand, it describes itself as an unbiased American firm and startup and operates as such. As Traveler and Terra EV manufacturing approaches, Scout shared plans to determine and nurture a one-to-one relationship with its clients. On this case, which means a direct-to-consumer gross sales mannequin.
The automaker shared plans for retail areas referred to as Scout Workshops, the place present and potential clients can reap the benefits of “a check drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when wanted.”
The corporate additionally shared that attributable to their preliminary design, 80% of Scout EV repairs will be capable to be accomplished exterior of a Workshop, whether or not it’s out within the terrain or in your driveway. So, Scout will set up a direct gross sales and repair community for its clients, a few of whom will be a part of the model’s group in the present day with a Terra or Traveler pre-order.
Talking of which, you’re most likely questioning what these new EVs will value. Since these stay production-intent ideas, we solely have a partial breakdown of the trim choices and the way they differ. Nonetheless, Scout did share some preliminary EV pricing in the present day.
The Traveler SUV will begin at a retail MSRP under $60,000, and its entry-level trim might arrive priced as little as $50,000, together with “obtainable incentives” – assuming that features the complete $7,500 federal tax credit score since these EVs shall be constructed completely within the US.
The Terra truck is predicted to hit the market with a beginning retail worth beneath $60k as properly, and its entry-level choice may very well be as little as $51,500 with obtainable incentives. We might want to wait some time to be taught precisely what these trims entail and what incentives can be found on the time, however even at full worth, these Scout EVs are comparatively inexpensive in comparison with their opponents.
Pre-orders for the Scout Traveler and Terra are actually open, and you’ll safe a reservation on the corporate’s web site. Nonetheless, focused manufacturing of those EVs just isn’t anticipated to start in South Carolina till 2027.
Electrek’s take
General, Scout Motors didn’t disappoint in the present day. The Terra and, to the next diploma, the Traveler SUV provide a nod to the model’s previous design parts however with an infusion of modern-day know-how and efficiency.
From a design perspective, these new EVs look similar to how I had imagined them primarily based on what I had beforehand heard from the Scout staff the previous yr. Right this moment’s largest shock for me was the selection to supply an EREV model.
Whereas I by no means condone gasoline engines, particularly as so many extra BEV fashions have gotten obtainable at extra inexpensive costs, this transfer by Scout makes lots of sense and will really repay when it’s time to report preliminary gross sales figures.
We are saying it on a regular basis on this website, however the common driver doesn’t want 350 miles of vary of their every day routine, so the BEV variations are already greater than satisfactory if Scout can, the truth is, hit these numbers. Nonetheless, an unlimited matter of dialogue amongst present and potential BEV truck clients is the vary loss throughout towing – it’s admittedly important. It has most likely deterred a large variety of customers from going all-electric previously three years.
Including a variety extender is an clever answer that can provide these drivers who truly must tow a ship or massive trailer prolonged distances extra peace of thoughts. Ought to somebody within the suburbs who principally commutes to work and the shop go for that gasoline extender? No, however I can’t cease them.
It’s good to have the choice, and I’ve to respect Scout for taking the BEV strategy first and including gasoline for lengthy hauls. These Scout EVs will nonetheless get 300+ miles of vary earlier than you’d even want the extender, so it would hopefully acquire mud more often than not. Nevertheless it’s good to have that choice, even when, on the very least, it shuts up skeptics or naysayers who say BEV vehicles can’t compete with their gasoline counterparts.
It’s additionally a a lot better choice than a PHEV, which prioritizes gasoline vary in its system, so that you’re solely getting 15-40 miles of electrical vary earlier than it’s only a hybrid. The Scout EVs are full-fledged BEVs first, with the choice for gasoline to get you farther in particular driving situations. If you must embrace combustion, that is the way in which to do it.
I additionally hope Scout can hit these worth targets as a result of for the dimensions, vary, and capabilities the Terra and Traveler are providing, these beginning MSRPs are doable. Add the potential for incentives, and you could possibly be taking a look at a $50,000 BEV truck that may compete with Rivian and Ford on the spec sheet however at a lower cost.
Lots can change between now and 2027, however design-wise, Scout Motors seems to be to have come out swinging with its first two EVs, and I can’t wait to check them each out for myself.
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