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 can even be fairly fairly 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 vans 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 in the present day.
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 realized that Scout had two EV fashions in improvement 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 had 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 might be constructed at a brand new Scout manufacturing facility within the US, particularly in South Carolina. We had 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 like, apart from that they’d arrive as true off-road succesful EVs.
Nevertheless, Scout president and CEO Scott Keogh promised we might 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 a large crowd in the present day.
Scout unveils two superior wanting new EVs
Over 300 individuals from the media, model ambassadors, and unique 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 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 almost 2,000 kilos. Additionally it is anticipated to ship as much as 350 miles of all-electric vary, however much more, if you happen to add a spread extender (extra on that in a bit). As you’ll be able to see from the picture above, the Traveler’s rear encompasses a cut 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’s going to provide 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 can even characteristic 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 can even have the ability to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in as shortly as 3.5 seconds.
The Traveler and Terra might be constructed on a proprietary body-on-frame platform with a strong 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 toes 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 totally electrical fashions to have the ability to climb 100% grades.
As anticipated, all Scout EVs will make the most of the North American Charging Customary (NACS), which can energy their 800V structure with charges as excessive as 350 kW. The EVs can 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’ll additionally provide 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 ample and aggressive within the section, however for these Scout clients who need extra peace of thoughts, they’ll safe an anticipated 500+ miles of vary with the gasoline generator add-on.
Different options embody trendy 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 fitness center 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 goal.” 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 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 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 benefit from “a take a look at drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when wanted.”
The corporate additionally shared that as a consequence of their preliminary design, 80% of Scout EV repairs will have the ability 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 neighborhood 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. Nevertheless, 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 “accessible incentives” – assuming that features the complete $7,500 federal tax credit score since these EVs might be constructed fully within the US.
The Terra truck is anticipated to hit the market with a beginning retail worth underneath $60k as effectively, and its entry-level choice could possibly be as little as $51,500 with accessible incentives. We might want to wait some time to study 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 opponents.
Pre-orders for the Scout Traveler and Terra are actually open, and you may safe a reservation on the corporate’s web site. Nevertheless, focused manufacturing of those EVs is just not anticipated to start in South Carolina till 2027.
Electrek’s take
Total, Scout Motors didn’t disappoint in the present day. The Terra and, to a better 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 based mostly on what I had beforehand heard from the Scout group the previous 12 months. As we speak’s greatest 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 accessible at extra reasonably priced costs, this transfer by Scout makes plenty 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 each day routine, so the BEV variations are already greater than ample if Scout can, the truth is, hit these numbers. Nevertheless, an unlimited matter of debate amongst present and potential BEV truck clients is the vary loss throughout towing – it’s admittedly vital. It has most likely deterred a large variety of shoppers from going all-electric up to now three years.
Including a spread extender is an clever answer that may give these drivers who really have to tow a ship or giant trailer prolonged distances extra peace of thoughts. Ought to somebody within the suburbs who largely 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’ll hopefully gather 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 vans 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 it’s a must to embody 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.
Rather a lot 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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