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 chances are you’ll or might not know, at present’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 had been constructed throughout that manufacturing run, the all-but-forgotten model nonetheless holds a small however passionate fanbase, lots of which had been current on the media occasion outdoors Nashville at present.
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 at present, 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 can 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, nevertheless, we had no actual clues as to what these two new fashions would seem like, apart from that they might 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. 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 at present.
Scout unveils two superior wanting new EVs
Over 300 individuals from the media, model ambassadors, and unique 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 technology of Scout autos with the world. The unique core concept — 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 almost 2,000 kilos. It’s also anticipated to ship as much as 350 miles of all-electric vary, however much more, should you add a variety extender (extra on that in a bit). As you possibly can see from the picture above, the Traveler’s rear includes a cut up tailgate for simple entry to cargo and “safety from the weather when opened.”
The second Scout EV mannequin to debut at present is the Terra pickup truck (seen beneath). It should 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 will even characteristic a 5.5-foot pickup mattress geared up with two 120V and one 240V energy shops.
Thanks to almost 1,000 lb-ft of torque, each fashions will even be capable to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in as rapidly as 3.5 seconds.
The Traveler and Terra can 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 3 ft of water fording functionality, a entrance sway bar disconnect, entrance and rear mechanical lockers, and “sturdy 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 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 occasions? That’s as a result of at present, we discovered 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 mentioned it could promote 100% BEV variations of the Traveler and Terra, it’ll additionally provide an
prolonged vary electrical automobile (EREV) system improve with a gas-powered generator known 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 prospects who need extra peace of thoughts, they will safe an anticipated 500+ miles of vary with the gasoline generator add-on.
Different options embrace 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 shops.
The inside of each new fashions includes a design philosophy described by the Scout workforce 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 provides 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
Despite the fact 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 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 known 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 attributable to their preliminary design, 80% of Scout EV repairs will be capable 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 at present with a Terra or Traveler pre-order.
Talking of which, you’re most likely questioning what these new EVs will price. 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 at present.
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 “obtainable incentives” – assuming that features the total $7,500 federal tax credit score since these EVs can be constructed completely within the US.
The Terra truck is anticipated to hit the market with a beginning retail value below $60k as nicely, and its entry-level choice might be as little as $51,500 with obtainable 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 value, these Scout EVs are comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with their rivals.
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 just isn’t anticipated to start in South Carolina till 2027.
Electrek’s take
General, Scout Motors didn’t disappoint at present. 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 expertise 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 workforce the previous yr. At the 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 reasonably priced costs, this transfer by Scout makes a number of sense and will actually 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, actually, hit these numbers. Nevertheless, an unlimited subject of debate amongst present and potential BEV truck prospects is the vary loss throughout towing – it’s admittedly vital. It has most likely deterred a large variety of shoppers from going all-electric previously three years.
Including a variety extender is an clever answer that can provide these drivers who really have to 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 method 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 accumulate 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 significantly 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 important to embrace combustion, that is the way in which to do it.
I additionally hope Scout can hit these value 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 might 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.
So much can change between now and 2027, however design-wise, Scout Motors appears 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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