- The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup arrive in 2027
- Scout said the EVs will have a range of up to 350 miles; 500 miles with a range extender
- Pricing is said to start under $60,000
Scout Motors on Thursday unveiled electric SUV and pickup truck concepts for the new Volkswagen Group brand that aims to begin production in 2027 at its new $2 billion plant in South Carolina. Concepts are about 85% accurate in production models, according to Scout.
I Scout Traveler SUV again Scout Terra Truck they are based on a new body-on-frame platform available only on the Scout, with four wheels and a solid rear axle. The old-school structure is meant to maximize off-road prowess and towing capacity, with the Scout rated at more than 10,000 pounds for the van and 7,000 pounds for the SUV, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds for both models.
Scout Traveler SUV concept
The body frame design also ties Scout EVs to the original Scout trucks produced by International Harvester from 1961-1980. VW acquired the rights to the name by acquiring successor company Navistar in 2020. That's reflected in the retro styling that references early Scout cars with features like rectangular grilles and a rear window line that kicks up on the Traveler SUV, and is available with a Cabana Top that offers a larger roof opening than a standard sunroof.
Unlike Volkswagen's ID EVs, the Scout also emphasizes functionality with mechanical door handles and analog controls. This should help contribute to Scout's goal of easy customization. The brand claims that about 80% of repairs can be done without going to a dealership.
Scout Traveler concept
The front bench seat is another throwback feature, although the standard setup of front bucket seats with center console will be available. Modern touches include a 16.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Terra measures 229.2 inches long while the Traveler comes in at 207.9 inches long, and both models are 91.6 inches wide. Scout said both models are designed to carry 35-inch tires, provide ground clearance, and can draw at least three meters of water. They will also be provided with a front bar suspension and front and rear equipment lockers to improve off-road prowess. On the pavement, up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque will get the truck from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, Scout claims.
Scout Terra concept
Scout plans to offer all-electric and extended versions of both models, the latter called the Harvester in reference to the original Scout manufacturer. All electric versions will offer up to 350 miles wide and will use the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector for fast DC charging from the start. Extended models in the range of harvesters it will have a driving range of 500 miles, according to Scout.
An 800-volt electrical architecture will accommodate it fast charging up to 350 kwand double charging. The Scout Terra pickup also has two 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt outlet in its standard 5.5-foot bed. That bed can also accommodate a 35-inch spare tire with an optional carrier (a mounting point under the bed accommodates 33-inch tires) as does the Traveler SUV's standard rear wheel loader.
Scout Traveler concept
Scout expects both models to debut less than $60,000which is a big increase from the $40,000 base CEO Scott Keogh discussed in 2023. With incentives included, however, starting prices will approach $50,000 for the Traveler and $51,500 for the Terra, according to Scout. Reservations open Oct. 24 and requires a $100 refundable deposit.
Volkswagen Group announced the Scout in 2022 as a brand under the control of its parent company—not VW of America—making room for a separate model for direct sales. The announcement of high demand for EVs surprised VW's American dealers, who were reportedly asking for an electric truck. They're about to get a throwback 1960s EV in the form of the ID.Buzz van.