Volkswagen is electrifying the off-road segment by resurrecting the iconic Scout nameplate, introducing the all-new Electric Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck. These rugged utility vehicles (RUVs), as Scout terms them, are slated to roll off the production line at a dedicated US-based Scout factory starting in 2025, with sales expected to commence shortly thereafter.
While still in the nascent stages of development, the electric Scout SUV and pickup have already generated significant buzz, thanks to initial teasers hinting at their design direction. Volkswagen emphasizes that both models will be highly capable off-road vehicles, positioned to compete with established off-road SUVs in terms of price and performance.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the electric Scout and its pickup sibling, here’s a comprehensive overview of what we currently know about these exciting new entrants into the electric vehicle market.
Design and Styling of the Electric Scout
Early glimpses of the electric Scout SUV reveal a boxy silhouette characterized by minimal overhangs, four doors, and a compact wheelbase. The design language is clearly influenced by the legendary International Harvester Scout, blending retro aesthetics with modern design elements, drawing parallels with the Ford Bronco. A preliminary sketch from June further solidified this boxy and robust design approach for both the SUV and pickup models, echoing the Rivian R1T and Bronco in their strong visual stance.
Chris Benjamin, Scout’s Chief Design Officer, shared insights into the design philosophy, emphasizing a community-centric approach rather than aggressive off-road conquering. “Scout isn’t about…’Let’s go out, let’s conquer the off-road world, let’s conquer the rocks,’ and Scout isn’t about that,” Benjamin explained. “Scout is having the ability to go off-roading and do those things, but it’s more about community and bringing people together. And so, that will factor into the design language as well, not trying to feel too overly aggressive.”
These teasers and the design ethos were translated into a compelling rendering, showcasing a rugged electric off-roader with a distinct retro vibe, fueling anticipation for the final production model.
Interior Expectations for the Electric Scout
The cabin of the electric Scout SUV remains under wraps, but expectations point towards a functional and durable interior typical of off-road vehicles. Practical features such as rubberized floor mats, vinyl seating for easy cleaning, and extensive waterproofing are highly anticipated. While prioritizing durability, the interior is also expected to incorporate modern technology and driver-centric ergonomics.
Breaking away from recent trends within Volkswagen, the electric Scout models are confirmed to feature physical buttons instead of touch-sensitive controls or touchscreen-dependent functions. “Manual is important,” Chris Benjamin affirmed. “We want to make sure that things you use every day are not buried somewhere in the screen. Easy, functional, tactile, all super important. Scout was a machine that always worked. We want to make sure the new one always works, too.” This commitment to tactile controls emphasizes usability and reliability, crucial for off-road environments.
Potential Names for the Electric Scout Models
In a proactive move to secure branding options, Scout trademarked an extensive list of 50 names in December 2023, offering clues to the potential monikers for its new electric vehicles. The trademark filings include a mix of heritage-inspired names and fresh possibilities:
- Aristocrat
- Baler
- Cultivator
- Forma
- Grade
- Harrow
- Harvester
- Rallye
- Scout 80
- Scout 800
- Scout Hauler
- Scout II
- Scout Reaper
- Scout Spirit
- Scout Terra
- Scythe
- Sno-Star
- Sportstar
- SR-2
- SSII
- Super Scout
- Swather
- Tellus
- Terra
- Terrastar
- Thresher
- Trailstar
- Travelstar
- Travelstar XL
- Traveltop
Notably, several trademarks pay homage to the original International Harvester Scout lineage, such as Scout 80, Scout 800, and Scout II. Trims like Terra, Traveler, and Super Scout from the Scout II era are also included. Historic names like Sportstar, Terrastar, Trailstar, and Travelstar, which were special editions customized by Custom Vehicles Incorporated, further highlight the brand’s heritage.
Beyond the heritage names, new contenders like Cultivator, Reaper, Spirit, Harrow, and Rallye present intriguing possibilities for the electric Scout SUV and pickup.
Powertrain and Performance of the Electric Scout
Both the electric Scout SUV and pickup will be powered exclusively by electric powertrains. While Volkswagen’s existing MEB platform offers a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration, Scout will adopt a bespoke platform engineered specifically for off-road applications, as confirmed by CEO Scott Keogh.
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup is almost certain, and configurations with three or even four motors are conceivable, depending on pricing considerations. This dedicated platform could potentially be shared with other VW Group brands in the future, with reports suggesting Audi is exploring an electric off-roader to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, potentially leveraging the Scout platform.
To effectively compete with the Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the electric Scout SUV is expected to boast hardcore off-road equipment, including a locking rear differential and long-travel suspension. Ample towing and hauling capabilities, along with a substantial driving range for trail adventures, are also anticipated.
While current EVs on VW’s MEB architecture offer ranges exceeding 310 miles, the electric Scout SUV is projected to aim for around 400 miles or more upon its debut. Power output is expected to be in the vicinity of 300 horsepower, aligning it with competitors like the base Bronco and Jeep Wrangler in terms of performance.
Scout CEO Scott Keogh emphasized the brand’s commitment to robustness and capability, stating, “We want to build something that’s highly robust and highly capable…And I think Scouts came from that, so we thought it was smart to say, let’s keep that integrity.” Jan Spies, Scout Motors’ head of production, further highlighted the unique nature of the platform, affirming, “This is not a twin, or a brother, or daughter to any of the other platforms that we’ve ever had.”
Pricing Expectations for the Electric Scout
Volkswagen aims to price the electric Scout off-roaders competitively within the current off-road vehicle market, targeting rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler. CEO Scott Keogh indicated that the electric Scout SUV is anticipated to start at $40,000 or “just north of there.”
Currently, the base two-door Bronco starts slightly above $36,000, and the two-door Wrangler is priced around $3,000 less. Four-door versions of the Bronco and Wrangler are closer to the $40,000 mark. Teaser images of the electric Scout SUV suggest a four-door configuration, hinting at pricing that will likely align with the four-door variants of its competitors.
Manufacturing Location for the Electric Scout
The Volkswagen Group is investing in a dedicated $2 billion Scout factory in Columbia, South Carolina, to manufacture the electric Scout SUV and pickup. This facility is projected to have an annual production capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles and is expected to generate 4,000 permanent jobs in the region.
The electric Scout platform development is being undertaken in Austria in collaboration with Magna Steyr, a renowned automotive manufacturer known for producing vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota Supra. While development investments amount to $492 million for both the SUV and pickup, all assembly operations will be based in the US.
Anticipated Launch Timeline for the Electric Scout
Enthusiasts may get their first glimpse of an electric Scout SUV prototype as early as late 2024. Initial prototypes are expected to surface in late 2024, paving the way for production to commence in 2025, with the electric Scout SUV anticipated to go on sale in late 2026. The electric Scout pickup is slated to follow shortly after the SUV launch.
The sales and distribution model for the electric Scout vehicles is still under consideration. While online EV sales are gaining traction, traditional dealership networks are also expressing interest. The final retail strategy for the Scout brand in the US is yet to be officially announced.
Electric Scout Gallery
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