(Credit: Scout Motors)
Scout Motors today revealed its electric truck and SUV, the Terra and Traveler, a performance-focused lineup inspired by the original Scout truck produced between 1961 and 1980.
“The original core idea—rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty—is more relevant than ever," says Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors. "We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”
The vehicles are considered "production-intent" concepts and can be ordered now at scoutmotors.com for a $100 reservation fee. The final price has yet to be finalized, but the most affordable model will start around $60,000—or $50,000 with "available incentives." Those discounts could include the federal tax credit since the truck will be manufactured in the US, creating up to 4,000 jobs.
The Volkswagen-backed company plans to sell its vehicles in person as well, contrasting with Tesla's purely online sales model. At Scout locations, customers can get "a test drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when needed."
Production should start in 2027, though that "is an estimate and may be affected by various factors," Scout says. In the best-case scenario, the first customer orders could go out near the end of 2027 or early 2028, about a year after the Rivian R2.
Scout's rugged, boxy design appears somewhat similar to Rivian's aesthetic, though with its own distinct design elements. The Scout logo features prominently in the front as a "signature on a piece of art rather than an emblem on the vehicle."
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)2 Electric Powertrains, One NACS Port
Scout will offer two electric drivetrain options: one full EV with up to a 300-mile range and one "extended range" electric vehicle (EREV) with up to 500 miles of range.
The vehicles will have the Tesla-backed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, so they can power up at Superchargers without an adapter. When home charging, they can be used as a backup generator and power home appliances through bi-directional charging.
An EREV is not a hybrid, but it combines gas and electricity in a unique way to "give customers the confidence they need to electrify on their terms."
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)Hyundai and Ram are also developing extended-range EVs. These vehicles have small gas engines that can recharge the battery when it runs out of electricity. The wheels are technically always battery-powered, so even if the gas engine is charging the battery, the vehicle maintains "the electric drive system’s instant response and off-road performance." The gas options just give drivers more fueling options on the road.
"With the option to refuel anywhere you can find a pump or a plug, all while maintaining the packaging and performance benefits of an electric vehicle," says Scout.
The EREV system is called the Harvester, an homage to the original manufacturer of the Scout truck, International Harvester.
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)'Snappy' Touch Screen With Physical Buttons
The Scout dash features a large, "snappy touch screen," complemented by physical buttons for ease of use. Unlike a Tesla, which has a somewhat complex, menu-based UX, Scout says it "intentionally does not bury features in menus or screens."
Drivers will see multiple high-resolution camera views on the dash as well.
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)The vehicles have a zonal software architecture and can receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. Any software issues can be diagnosed and fixed remotely, provided Scout doesn't go the way of Fisker, leaving drivers in the lurch if the brand goes under.
Classic American Car Culture: Rugged, Repairable
Scout is based in Michigan and will produce the vehicles in South Carolina. The branding leans into Americana, casting the vehicle as an "American icon whose heritage is kept alive by a dedicated community of doers who continue to push their vehicles on the farm, in the wilderness, and on family outings."
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)The original 1961 Scout called itself the "8-day-a-week truck," though the electric version likely makes far less noise with its "near-silent electric drive system." It can tow over 7,000 pounds, and the Terra truck can tow 10,000 pounds. They go from 0-60mph in as quick as 3.5 seconds, can climb to 100% grades, and ford up to 3 feet of water.
Unlike most EV brands, which tout ease of repair due to having one-third of the mechanical parts as a gas-powered car, Scout wants to keep classic car repair culture alive. "Approximately 80% of repair types can be completed outside of a Scout Workshop, whether in a driveway or while adventuring," Scout says.
(Credit: Tyler Hayes)