Now independent under the Volkswagen Group, Scout Motors has just officially launched its first all-electric vehicles: the Terra truck and the Traveler SUV. With roots leading back to the dawn of the American SUV market, Scout Motors looks to restore the nostalgic allure of the brand while engineering it with modern technology and sustainability. The production cars are expected to start at under $60,000 and begin production in 2027.
Scout Motors had a big role in bringing the sport utility vehicle to the American people decades ago. The brand had a significant run in popularity during the 1960s and 70s before filing for bankruptcy in 1980. Now, under renewed focus for electric vehicles, Scout looks to regain its heritage through providing tough, off-road-capable vehicles with practicality in mind, while being green.
Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh emphasizes that the brand is way more than just good nostalgia. “It is this kind of simplistic notion, but hard to do for sure,” he said of the philosophy, which he described as “heritage meets ingenuity.” It’s a commitment to marrying classic elements with modern technology that has helped set the business apart in an increasingly cutthroat electric car market.
Features of the New Models
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body-on-Frame Construction | This traditional design approach enhances durability and off-road performance, making the vehicles suitable for rugged terrains. |
| Solid Rear Axle and Mechanical Lockers | These features provide exceptional traction and control during challenging driving conditions. |
| Impressive Towing Capacity | The Scout Traveler is projected to tow over 7,000 pounds, while the Terra can handle over 10,000 pounds, making these vehicles practical for hauling equipment or trailers. |
| Rapid Acceleration | With an estimated 1,000 pound-feet of torque, the vehicles can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. |
| Advanced Software Architecture | Built on a modern zonal architecture, these vehicles will support over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics, ensuring they remain cutting-edge long after purchase. |
Emphasizing Real Connections
Unique in some ways, the Scout Motors approach comes in the form of something Keogh has coined as the “Connection Machine.” For today’s driver, he’s of the mind that people want to have a more manual connection to their vehicle with real switches and mechanical touch points rather than the hyper-minimalist designs common in so many modern electric vehicles. “There’s definitely a big segment that wants to bring forth some of that heritage thing,” he said. That philosophy carries through in design elements for the Terra and Traveler, including a removable cabana roof, optional bench seats, and chunky dials and switches to further promote hands-on driving.
A Unique Position in the Market
Notably, most new brands have taken shortcuts by sharing existing platforms; quite opposite to the decision by Scout to develop a proprietary body-on-frame platform. While the method is very resource-intensive, that way allows Scout to retain its identity and focus on its off-road performance-one area where the parent company, Volkswagen, has very little experience. Aside from that, the cars will be fitted with a gas-powered range extender that will allow the vehicles to recharge their batteries without direct feeding to the engine. This is an unusual solution with the aim of reassuring potential buyers about range anxiety, keeping electric power as the first priority.
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A Nod to the Past, Eyes on the Future
The design of the Terra and Traveler has mixed classic Scout elements with contemporary aesthetics and drips with nostalgia back to the brand’s heritage while making it relevant to today’s market. The styling has pulled influences from competitors like Ram, Jeep, and Rivian, respectively-a product both familiar and new.
It is praiseworthy that the brand is revived, said Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, an avid fan of the original Scout model. Scout Motors embarks on a new journey with the determination to carve a niche in the electrical vehicle market by combining adventure and technology in an alluring manner.
The Terra and the Traveler represent the first vehicles to mark Scout Motors’ move to revive the classic brand, but also its concept of what an electric vehicle can be. As the automotive world keeps changing, so does Scout Motors, with the goal of mixing heritage with innovation in the electric vehicle arena.
