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 will even be fairly moderately priced.
Scout’s new EVs have been 80 years within the making
As you could or could not know, right this moment’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 vans 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 outdoors Nashville right this moment.
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 growth with the assistance of contract producer Magna Worldwide.
Till right this moment, we had solely seen broad renderings of the 2 flagship autos, 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 will probably 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, nonetheless, 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 might glimpse the primary two Scout EVs this summer time. Properly, summer time 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 this moment.
Scout unveils two superior wanting new EVs
Over 300 folks from the media, model ambassadors, and authentic Harvester Scout homeowners 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 obligation — is extra related than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American model, create 1000’s 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, should you add a spread extender (extra on that in a bit). As you possibly can see from the picture above, the Traveler’s rear encompasses a break up tailgate for simple entry to cargo and “safety from the weather when opened.”
The second Scout EV mannequin to debut right this moment is the Terra pickup truck (seen beneath). It can supply 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 will even function a 5.5-foot pickup mattress geared up with two 120V and one 240V energy retailers.
Thanks to almost 1,000 lb-ft of torque, each fashions will even have the ability 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 stable rear axle designed for off-road efficiency. The brand new platform additionally permits 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 “sturdy 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 will 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 right this moment, 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 stated it could promote 100% BEV variations of the Traveler and Terra, it would 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 sufficient and aggressive within the phase, however for these Scout prospects who need extra peace of thoughts, they will 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 health club bag, a small cooler, and 120V and USB-C energy retailers.
The inside of each new fashions encompasses a design philosophy described by the Scout group as “easy and daring, tactile, and match for objective.” 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 provides 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
Though 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 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 benefit from “a check drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when wanted.”
The corporate additionally shared that as a result of their preliminary design, 80% of Scout EV repairs will have the ability to be accomplished outdoors 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 a part of the model’s neighborhood right this moment 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. Nonetheless, Scout did share some preliminary EV pricing right this moment.
The Traveler SUV will begin at a retail MSRP beneath $60,000, and its entry-level trim might arrive priced as little as $50,000, together with “out there incentives” – assuming that features the total $7,500 federal tax credit score since these EVs will probably be constructed fully within the US.
The Terra truck is predicted to hit the market with a beginning retail worth underneath $60k as properly, and its entry-level possibility could possibly be as little as $51,500 with out there 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’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
Total, Scout Motors didn’t disappoint right this moment. 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 group the previous yr. At the moment’s greatest 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 out there at extra reasonably priced 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 day by day routine, so the BEV variations are already greater than sufficient if Scout can, the truth is, hit these numbers. Nonetheless, an unlimited subject of dialogue amongst present and potential BEV truck prospects is the vary loss throughout towing – it’s admittedly vital. It has in all probability deterred a large variety of shoppers from going all-electric prior to now three years.
Including a spread extender is an clever answer that can provide these drivers who really must tow a ship or giant trailer prolonged distances extra peace of thoughts. Ought to somebody within the suburbs who principally 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 strategy 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 would hopefully acquire mud more often than not. However it’s good to have that possibility, even when, on the very least, it shuts up skeptics or naysayers who say BEV vans can’t compete with their fuel counterparts.
It’s additionally a significantly 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 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 scale, vary, and capabilities the Terra and Traveler are providing, these beginning MSRPs are doable. Add the potential for incentives, and you might be 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 appears to be like 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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