The wait is officially over. Volkswagen Group's revival of the Scout brand has finally unveiled production concept versions of its two flagship EV models. We're in Nashville, Tennessee, where Scout Motors has shared details of its first SUV, the Traveler, and its all-electric pickup truck, the Terra. If Scout can achieve its goals, these new EVs will also be reasonably priced.
The new Scout EVs have been in the making for 80 years
As you may or may not know, today's iteration of the Scout was based on the popular off-road vehicle nameplate manufactured by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Although approximately 530,000 Scout trucks were built during that production run, all but. -the forgotten brand still holds a small but passionate following, many of whom were at a press event outside of Nashville today.
Over the past two years, Volkswagen Group has shared plans to capitalize on that legacy and revive the name for the modern EV era while planning to stay true to the rugged, off-road performance its predecessors are still celebrated for. In November 2023, we learned that Scout has two EV models under development with the help of contract manufacturer Magna International.
Until today, we had only seen wide renderings of the two flagship vehicles, the SUV and the van, as the visual models were designed and developed in Novi, Michigan, near the new Innovation Center being built nearby.
We know that the two flagship models will be built at the new Scout production facility in the US, specifically in South Carolina. We were present at the establishment ceremony of this place last February. Still, however, we had no real clues as to what the two new models would look like, other than that they would come as true off-road EVs.
However, Scout president and CEO Scott Keogh has promised that we will see the first two Scout EVs this summer. Well, summer has come and gone, but the small EV marque has made good on its fall promise, officially debuting the Traveler SUV and Terra minivan in front of a huge crowd today.
Scout unveils two new stylish EVs
More than 300 people from the media, brand ambassadors, and first Harvester Scout owners gathered in Franklin, Tennessee, this afternoon where, a few minutes ago, the young automaker revealed the production concept versions of the first two EVs. Keogh said:
Two years in the making, the day has come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world. The original core idea – rugged, versatile off-road vehicles and family work – is more applicable than ever. We couldn't be prouder to revive this American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.
The first EV model, seen above, is the Traveler SUV. This EV is expected to deliver over 7,000 pounds of towing capacity and a payload capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds. It's also expected to deliver up to 350 miles of electric range, but even more, if you add the range extender (more on that in a bit). As you can see in the photo above, the back of the Traveler has a split gate for easy access to the cargo and “protection against objects when opened.”
The second Scout EV model to be released today is the Terra pickup truck (seen below). It will offer the same range and payload as the Traveler but is expected to be able to tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Terra will also feature a 5.5-foot pickup bed equipped with two 120V and one 240V power outlets.
Thanks to nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque, both models will also be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as fast as 3.5 seconds.
The Traveler and Terra will be built on a proprietary frame platform with a solid rear axle designed for off-road performance. The new platform also enables 35-inch tires, more than a foot of ground clearance, close to three feet of wading capacity, front bar suspension, front and rear lockers, and “rigid suspension options.”
Both Scout EVs will feature a four-wheel drive system with an electric drive unit on each axle. The automaker also shared that it expects its fully electric models to be able to top the 100% mark.
As expected, all Scout EVs will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which will power their 800V design at rates of up to 350 kW. EVs will also come with bi-directional charging capability.
Notice how we mentioned “all-electric versions” a few times? That's because today, we learned that Scout hopes to eliminate any customer concerns about range (especially when towing) by offering an option to increase fuel mileage.
Scout EVs can get up to 500 miles of range like an EREV
Although Scout has said it will sell 100% BEV models of the Traveler and Terra, it will also offer
development of an expandable electric vehicle (EREV) system with a gas-powered generator called a “Harvester.”
350 miles of expected range in full EV versions is already more than enough and competitive in the segment, but for those Scout customers who want more peace of mind, they can secure an expected 500+ miles of range with the optional gas generator.
Other features include a modern zonal software architecture that allows over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics. Both Scout EVs have ample frunk storage that can fit golf clubs, a gym bag, a small cooler, and 120V and USB-C power outlets.
The interior of both new models features a design philosophy described by the Scout team as “simple and bold, tactile, and fit for purpose.” The beauty of the metal panel and its deep undercut upper brow is a nod to the original Harvester Scout II.
The Traveler SUV offers additional front storage with a multifunction console, and both EVs will come with a front bench seat that Scout describes as part of the “Link Machine.”
Finally, Scout shared plans to offer a number of personalization opportunities and accessories, including auxiliary lighting, assist steps, off-board power solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points, and a heavy-duty winch.
Scout Traveler and Terra prices and availability
Although Scout Motors remains a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, it describes itself as an American private company and operates as such. As the production of the Traveler and Terra EV approaches, Scout shares plans to develop and grow one-to-one relationships with its customers. In this case, that means a direct-to-consumer sales model.
The automaker shared plans for dealerships called Scout Workshops, where current and prospective customers can take advantage of a “test drive, handshake, and hands-on service when needed.”
The company also shares that because of its original design, 80% of Scout EV maintenance can be completed outside the workshop, whether it's out in the country or in your driveway. Therefore, Scout will establish a direct sales and service network for its customers, some of whom will join the brand community today with a Terra or Traveler pre-order.
Speaking of which, you're probably wondering how much these new EVs will cost. Since these are always production objective concepts, we have only a small breakdown of the options to determine and how they differ. However, Scout shared initial pricing for the EV today.
The Traveler SUV will start with an MSRP of less than $60,000, and its entry-level trim can be priced as low as $50,000, including “available incentives” — assuming that includes a full $7,500 federal tax credit since these EVs will be built entirely in the country . In the US.
The Terra truck is expected to hit the market with a starting retail price of less than $60k, and its entry-level option can be as low as $51,500 with available incentives. We'll have to wait a while to learn exactly what those modifications include and what incentives are available at that time, but even at full price, these Scout EVs are affordable compared to their competitors.
Pre-orders for the Scout Traveler and Terra are now open, and you can secure a reservation on the company's website. However, targeted production of these EVs is not expected to begin in South Carolina until 2027.
The answer comes from Electrek
Overall, Scout Motors did not disappoint today. The Terra and, on a higher level, the Traveler SUV offer a nod to the design elements of the past but with the integration of modern technology and functionality.
From a design perspective, these new EVs look very similar to how I imagined them based on what I had previously heard from the Scout team last year. Today's big surprise for me was the choice to give the EREV version.
Although I never condone gas engines, especially since many BEV models are available at affordable prices, this move by Scout makes a lot of sense and could really pay off when it's time to report the first sales figures.
We say it all the time on this site, but the average driver doesn't need 350 miles of range in their daily schedule, so the BEV versions are already more than enough if the Scout can't hit those numbers. However, the main topic of conversation among current and future BEV truck customers is the loss of range during towing – admittedly significant. It probably prevented a large number of consumers from using electricity at all in the last three years.
Adding a range extender is a smart solution that can give those drivers who really need to tow a boat or trailer extended distances more peace of mind. Should someone in the suburbs who often commutes to work and the store choose that gas booster? No, but I can't stop them.
It's nice to have the option, and I have to respect Scout for taking the BEV route first and adding gas for a long time. These Scout EVs will still get 300+ miles of range before you even need a tipper, so hopefully they'll be collecting dust for a lot of time. But it's nice to have that option, even if, at least, it shuts down the skeptics or naysayers who say BEV trucks can't compete with their gas counterparts.
It's also a much better choice than a PHEV, which prioritizes gas range in its system, so you only get 15-40 miles of electric range before it's just a hybrid. Scout EVs are fully loaded BEVs first, with a gas option to take you farther in certain driving situations. If you have to install a new one, this is how to do it.
I also hope the Scout can hit these price targets because with the size, range, and power the Terra and Traveler offer, those starting MSRPs are doable. Add in the power of motivation, and you could be looking at a $50,000 BEV truck that can compete with the Rivian and Ford on the spec sheet but at a lower price.
A lot can change between now and 2027, but design-wise, Scout Motors seems to have come out swinging with its first two EVs, and I can't wait to test drive both for myself.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Let us know in the comments below.
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