The buzz around Volkswagen’s revived Scout Motors brand is intensifying as we approach the launch of their first vehicles. Leading the charge is the Scout Traveler SUV, recently showcased by Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh on Jay Leno’s Garage. Prospective buyers of the Scout Motors Suv and its sibling, the Terra pickup, will have a choice between two distinct powertrains: a fully electric setup and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system designed with a range-extending engine. While the PHEV Scout Motors SUV promises an impressive 150 miles of electric-only range and a total range of 500 miles thanks to its battery-charging engine, a recent revelation by Keogh highlights a trade-off: towing capacity. He indicated to Jay Leno that the PHEV models will be capped at a 5,000-pound towing capacity, significantly less than the robust 7,000 pounds offered by the all-electric variants of the Scout Motors SUV.
Delving into the Component Differences of Range-Extended Models
This considerable reduction in towing capability for the plug-in hybrid Scout Motors SUV, while potentially sufficient for many common needs like towing smaller boats and trailers, raises questions. The disparity likely stems from the battery technology chosen for the PHEV models. Keogh confirmed that the Traveler and Terra PHEV will employ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, a different approach from the nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells often favored in hybrid vehicles.
Honda Prologue Elite battery detail showcasing NMC cell tech
While NMC batteries are lighter and well-suited for the typical demands of hybrid operation, LFP batteries, chosen for the PHEV Scout Motors SUV, offer advantages in energy density and lifespan. However, LFP batteries are known to be less capable of delivering the high bursts of energy crucial for demanding tasks like towing. Towing, especially initiating movement from a standstill or regaining speed with a load, necessitates significant power surges. Furthermore, the battery pack in the PHEV Scout Motors SUV is expected to be physically smaller than the substantial battery packs in the all-electric versions, contributing to this towing capacity difference. To reiterate, the all-electric Scout Traveler SUV boasts a 7,000-pound towing capacity, while the all-electric Terra pickup extends that to an impressive 10,000 pounds.
Why EREV Sacrifices Towing Prowess: A Pragmatic Choice
The Harvester PHEV model’s design incorporates a rear-mounted engine that functions solely as a battery charger, decoupled from the drive system. While integrating the engine to directly contribute to power delivery could potentially enhance towing capacity, this approach would introduce added weight and system complexity.
Volkswagen Golf GTE front grille and badge highlighting hybrid technology
Despite being approximately two years away from market availability, Scout Motors’ openness in discussing battery technology and towing specifications suggests these aspects are firmly established in their vehicle development. Keogh also mentioned that the PHEV Scout Motors SUV models will be about a second slower to reach 60 mph compared to their EV counterparts. This points towards Scout Motors strategically positioning the Traveler and Terra PHEV models as the more pragmatic, all-around choices within their lineup. For buyers prioritizing extended range and efficiency in a Scout Motors SUV or pickup, the PHEV option appears to be a well-considered compromise, trading some towing capability for enhanced overall usability.
Source: Jay Leno’s Garage via GreenCarReports
