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 might or could not know, right now’s iteration of the Scout was derived from the beloved nameplate of off-road autos constructed by Worldwide Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Whereas solely about 530,000 Scout vehicles had been constructed throughout that manufacturing run, the all-but-forgotten model nonetheless holds a small however passionate fanbase, a lot of which had been current on the media occasion exterior Nashville right now.
Two years in the past, Volkswagen Group shared plans to capitalize off that heritage and revive the namesake for the fashionable 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 discovered that Scout had two EV fashions in improvement with the assistance of contract producer Magna Worldwide.
Till right now, we had solely seen broad renderings of the 2 flagship autos, an SUV and a pickup, as bodily fashions had been being designed and developed in Novi, Michigan, near a brand new Innovation Heart being erected close by.
We all know the 2 flagship fashions will probably be constructed at a brand new Scout manufacturing facility within the US, particularly in South Carolina. We had been current on the web site’s groundbreaking ceremony this previous February. Even then, nonetheless, we had no actual clues as to what these two new fashions would seem like, apart from that they’d arrive as true off-road succesful EVs.
Nevertheless, Scout president and CEO Scott Keogh promised we’d glimpse the primary two Scout EVs this summer season. Properly, 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 a large crowd right now.
Scout unveils two superior wanting 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 autos with the world. The unique core thought — rugged, versatile autos able to off-road journey and household responsibility — 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 anticipated to ship over 7,000 kilos of towing and a payload capability of practically 2,000 kilos. It’s also anticipated to ship as much as 350 miles of all-electric vary, however much more, in the event you add a variety extender (extra on that in a bit). As you possibly can see from the picture above, the Traveler’s rear contains a break up tailgate for simple entry to cargo and “safety from the weather when opened.”
The second Scout EV mannequin to debut right now is the Terra pickup truck (seen under). It should supply the identical vary and payload because the Traveler however is anticipated to have the ability to tow as much as 10,000 kilos. The Terra may even function a 5.5-foot pickup mattress outfitted with two 120V and one 240V energy retailers.
Thanks to just about 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 will probably 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 toes of water fording functionality, a entrance sway bar disconnect, entrance and rear mechanical lockers, and “strong suspension choices.”
Each Scout EVs will function 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 is able to 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 occasions? That’s as a result of right now, we discovered that Scout hopes to stomp any buyer woes about vary nervousness (particularly when towing) by providing a gasoline vary extender possibility.
Scout’s EVs can nab as much as 500 miles of vary as an EREV
Whereas Scout mentioned it will promote 100% BEV variations of the Traveler and Terra, it’s going to additionally supply an
prolonged vary electrical car (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 phase, however for these Scout prospects who need extra peace of thoughts, they’ll safe an anticipated 500+ miles of vary with the fuel generator add-on.
Different options embrace fashionable zonal software program structure that allows over-the-air (OTA) updates and distant diagnostics. Each Scout EVs have ample frunk storage able to becoming golf golf equipment, a gymnasium bag, a small cooler, and 120V and USB-C energy retailers.
The inside of each new fashions contains 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 extra entrance storage with a multifunctional console, and each EVs will include a front-row bench seat possibility 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
Although Scout Motors stays a Volkswagen Group sub-brand, it describes itself as an impartial American firm and startup and operates as such. As Traveler and Terra EV manufacturing approaches, Scout shared plans to ascertain and nurture a one-to-one relationship with its prospects. On this case, meaning a direct-to-consumer gross sales mannequin.
The automaker shared plans for retail areas referred to as Scout Workshops, the place present and potential prospects can make the most of “a check drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when wanted.”
The corporate additionally shared that resulting from 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 prospects, a few of whom will be part of the model’s neighborhood right now with a Terra or Traveler pre-order.
Talking of which, you’re in all probability 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. Nevertheless, Scout did share some preliminary EV pricing right now.
The Traveler SUV will begin at a retail MSRP under $60,000, and its entry-level trim may 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 will probably be constructed totally within the US.
The Terra truck is anticipated to hit the market with a beginning retail worth underneath $60k as properly, and its entry-level possibility might 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 reasonably priced in comparison with their rivals.
Pre-orders for the Scout Traveler and Terra at the moment are open, and you may safe a reservation on the corporate’s web site. Nevertheless, focused manufacturing of those EVs will not be anticipated to start in South Carolina till 2027.
Electrek’s take
Total, Scout Motors didn’t disappoint right now. The Terra and, to the next diploma, the Traveler SUV supply 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 based mostly on what I had beforehand heard from the Scout staff the previous 12 months. In the present day’s largest shock for me was the selection to supply an EREV model.
Whereas I by no means condone fuel engines, particularly as so many extra BEV fashions have gotten obtainable at extra reasonably priced costs, this transfer by Scout makes a whole lot 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 web site, however the common driver doesn’t want 350 miles of vary of their each day routine, so the BEV variations are already greater than satisfactory if Scout can, the truth is, hit these numbers. Nevertheless, an enormous subject of dialogue amongst present and potential BEV truck prospects is the vary loss throughout towing – it’s admittedly important. It has in all probability deterred a large variety of shoppers from going all-electric up to now three years.
Including a variety extender is an clever resolution that may give these drivers who truly have to tow a ship or massive trailer prolonged distances extra peace of thoughts. Ought to somebody within the suburbs who largely commutes to work and the shop go for that fuel 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 method first and including fuel for lengthy hauls. These Scout EVs will nonetheless get 300+ miles of vary earlier than you’d even want the extender, so it’s going to hopefully acquire mud more often than not. But it surely’s good to have that possibility, even when, on the very least, it shuts up skeptics or naysayers who say BEV vehicles can’t compete with their fuel counterparts.
It’s additionally a a lot better possibility than a PHEV, which prioritizes fuel 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 fuel to get you farther in particular driving situations. If it’s important to embrace combustion, that is the best way 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 would be taking a look at a $50,000 BEV truck that may compete with Rivian and Ford on the spec sheet however at a cheaper price.
Quite a bit can change between now and 2027, however design-wise, Scout Motors seems 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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