Scout Motors Reveals Electric Comeback with New SUV and Truck Concepts

Scout Motors Revives an American Classic with All-Electric Vehicles

Decades ago, Scout Motors made a notable entry into the American automotive landscape with its quirky yet innovative sport utility vehicles (SUVs), forever shaping our roads. Although the brand faded into obscurity in 1980, it has made a comeback, evolving into an all-electric marvel.

Now an independent entity under the Volkswagen Group, Scout has unveiled its latest concepts: the Terra truck and the Traveler SUV. Both vehicles boast a body-on-frame design, constructed on a new electric vehicle platform exclusive to Scout. With production expected to commence in 2027, these vehicles could have starting prices below $60,000 (with potential incentives).

Reviving Heritage with Modern Ingenuity

Scout's re-emergence comes at a pivotal moment, situating itself at the crossroads of history and innovation. According to Scout CEO Scott Keogh, the brand aims to blend heritage with modernity, stating, "It’s sort of this simple concept, but tough to execute."

Scott emphasizes the importance of genuine connection between drivers and their vehicles, coining the term 'Connection Machine' to describe the new concepts. This ideology promotes tangible features in the vehicle that foster a more immersive driving experience.

Key Features of the Terra Truck and Traveler SUV

• Body-on-frame chassis designed for enhanced durability and performance.
• Solid rear axle with mechanical lockers for off-road superiority.
• Impressive towing capabilities: over 7,000 pounds for the Traveler and over 10,000 pounds for the Terra.
• Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, powered by an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
• Futuristic software architecture that supports over-the-air updates and advanced diagnostics.
• Bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-home functionalities.
• Multiple electric trims, including a range of over 350 miles and an extended range option exceeding 500 miles with a gas-powered range extender.

Innovative Design and Engineering Choices

Keogh has pointed out some crucial engineering choices that highlight Scout's future-forward perspective. Unlike many automotive brands that utilize traditional domain architectures, Scout is implementing a zonal architecture. This innovative design will offer a more streamlined approach to vehicle updates and maintenance, ultimately lowering costs for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Starting from scratch allows Scout to avoid the burdens of legacy systems that often slow down other manufacturers. Keogh shared, "All these things sound quite minor but setting up your IT architecture without a legacy system — this is huge." This clean slate positions Scout favorably in the competitive EV market.

A Distinct Platform Strategy

A notable aspect of Scout's strategy includes developing a proprietary body-on-frame platform tailored specifically for the Terra and Traveler vehicles. This decision might seem counterintuitive to some, as developing an exclusive platform can be costly and demand extensive labor investment.

However, Keogh reassures us that Scout is not merely following in the footsteps of others. The company is leveraging shared components from VW while crafting unique vehicles that signal individuality rather than mere badges of existing platforms. As Keogh explains, "The last thing we want to do is to grab a 100 percent carryover platform with all the modules... because then we’d be a badge."

Addressing Range Anxiety with Innovation

Scout's decision to include a gas-powered range extender addresses the concerns many have about electric vehicle range, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. Keogh notes, "It introduces the buyer to electrification on their American terms," illustrating the brand's commitment to marrying conventional expectations with electric innovations.

A Design for the Future

The aesthetic of the Terra and Traveler will resonate with many, artfully combining elements from established brands like Ram, Jeep, and Rivian, while maintaining echoes of the classic International Harvester Scouts from the 1960s and 70s. Keogh describes aiming for a balance between innovation and familiarity, carefully avoiding extremes such as dystopian designs or overly traditional aesthetics.

Scout's Promising Future

As Scout Motors pens its next chapter, the company stands poised to tap into the nostalgia of its heritage while carving a new niche in the electric vehicle market. With their unique combination of modern technology and rugged, mechanical charm, the Terra and Traveler promise an exciting future for automotive enthusiasts.