The automotive world is buzzing with the resurgence of an iconic name: Scout. Volkswagen Group is bringing back the legendary Scout brand, reimagining it for the electric era with the introduction of the all-new Electric Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck. These aren’t just retro throwbacks; they are purpose-built electric off-road vehicles designed to capture the spirit of adventure and rugged capability that defined the original International Harvester Scout. Set to roll off the production line in a dedicated US factory starting in 2025, these electric scouts are poised to redefine the electric SUV and electric pickup landscape.
While still in the early stages of development, tantalizing teasers have given us glimpses into the design and philosophy behind these exciting new vehicles. Volkswagen assures enthusiasts that the electric Scout SUV and Terra pickup will be genuinely trail-ready, delivering performance and pricing that aligns with established off-road champions. Let’s delve into everything we know so far about the highly anticipated electric Scout lineup.
Design Philosophy: Rugged Utility Meets Modern EV
Early peeks at the electric Scout SUV reveal a boxy silhouette characterized by minimal overhangs, four doors, and a robust stance. The design language clearly pays homage to the original International Harvester Scout, while injecting a dose of modern electric vehicle aesthetics. Comparisons to the Ford Bronco are inevitable, as both aim for a retro-inspired, trail-capable design. Sketches further suggest a high beltline and boxy form factor for both the SUV and pickup variants, echoing the rugged appeal of models like the Rivian R1T and the Bronco.
Chris Benjamin, Scout’s Chief Design Officer, offers valuable insight into the brand’s design ethos. He emphasizes that the electric Scout is not solely about conquering extreme off-road challenges. Instead, it’s about fostering community and connection with nature. This philosophy will be reflected in a design language that is capable and rugged, but not overly aggressive, prioritizing user-friendliness and approachability.
Renderings based on these teasers and design principles showcase a compelling electric off-roader with a distinct retro charm. The hope is that the final production models will stay true to this vision, delivering an electric SUV that is both visually striking and functionally superior.
Interior Expectations: Functionality and Durability
While the interior design of the electric Scout SUV remains under wraps, we can anticipate a focus on durable and functional materials, typical of vehicles built for off-road adventures. Think rubberized floor mats for easy cleaning, robust vinyl seating designed to withstand the elements, and comprehensive waterproofing to handle challenging conditions. However, don’t expect a completely spartan experience. The electric Scout is expected to integrate essential modern technology seamlessly into its rugged interior.
Embracing Physical Controls: A User-Centric Approach
Good news for those who prefer tactile controls: Scout is breaking away from the trend of burying essential functions within touchscreens. The interiors of the electric Scout SUV and Terra pickup will feature real, physical buttons for frequently used controls.
Chris Benjamin highlighted the importance of manual controls in an interview, stating, “Manual is important. 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 user-friendly, physical controls reinforces the electric Scout’s focus on practicality and reliability.
Potential Names: A Nod to Heritage and New Beginnings
In a significant trademark filing spree, Scout registered a remarkable 50 trademarks, offering potential clues to the names of its upcoming electric vehicles. The list is a mix of heritage-inspired names and fresh monikers:
- 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.
Several trademarks, such as Scout 80, Scout 800, and Scout II, are clear callbacks to the original International Harvester Scout lineup. The original Scout II even featured trims like Terra and Traveler, which are also trademarked, and now appear as the names of the first two electric Scout models. Historic names like Sportstar, Terrastar, Trailstar, and Travelstar, which were special editions from Custom Vehicles Incorporated, also make an appearance.
Intriguingly, the list includes new names like Cultivator, Reaper, Spirit, Harrow, and Rallye, suggesting potential directions for future electric Scout models or trims.
Electric Powertrain and Off-Road Prowess
The electric Scout SUV and pickup will be powered by a dedicated electric vehicle platform engineered specifically for off-road performance. While Volkswagen already has the MEB platform with dual-motor all-wheel drive, Scout is forging its own path with a unique platform designed for rugged terrain, as confirmed by CEO Scott Keogh.
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration is virtually guaranteed for the electric Scout, and the possibility of even more potent three- or four-motor setups isn’t entirely off the table, depending on pricing considerations. This platform could also potentially underpin future electric off-road vehicles within the broader VW Group, with rumors suggesting Audi is considering an electric off-roader to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, leveraging the Scout platform.
To effectively compete with established off-roaders like the Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the electric Scout SUV will need to boast hardcore off-road equipment, including locking differentials and long-travel suspension. Towing and hauling capabilities, along with ample range to reach and conquer trails, are also crucial.
While current EVs on VW’s MEB architecture offer ranges exceeding 300 miles, the electric Scout SUV is anticipated to aim for a range closer to 400 miles or even greater by its debut. Power output is expected to be competitive, with around 300 horsepower being a reasonable estimate to align with rivals like the base Bronco and Wrangler.
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.”
Price Point: Aiming for Competitive Territory
Volkswagen intends to price the electric Scout off-roader competitively within the existing off-road vehicle market, targeting rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler. CEO Scott Keogh indicated a starting price of around $40,000 or “just north of there” for the electric Scout SUV.
This price point positions the electric Scout to compete directly with four-door versions of the Bronco and Wrangler. While it remains to be seen if Scout will offer two-door configurations, teaser images suggest a four-door model, hinting at a pricing strategy aligned with the more popular four-door off-roaders.
Production Location: South Carolina, USA
The electric Scout SUV and Terra pickup will be manufactured at a dedicated $2 billion Scout factory in Columbia, South Carolina. This substantial facility will have an annual production capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles and is projected to create 4,000 permanent jobs in the region, signifying VW Group’s commitment to US manufacturing for the Scout brand.
The electric Scout platform development is being undertaken in Austria in collaboration with Magna Steyr, a renowned automotive engineering and manufacturing company responsible for vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota Supra. However, all vehicle assembly will take place at the new South Carolina plant.
Anticipated Launch Timeline
Enthusiasts may get their first glimpse of an electric Scout SUV prototype as early as late 2024. Prototypes are expected to be unveiled throughout late 2024 and into 2025, leading up to production commencing in 2025 and an anticipated on-sale date in late 2026. The electric Scout SUV will precede the larger electric Terra pickup, which will follow in “quick succession.”
The sales and distribution model for the electric Scout is still to be determined. While online EV sales are gaining traction, traditional dealership networks are also vying for a piece of the electric Scout pie. The final retail strategy will be crucial in shaping the brand’s market entry.
Gallery: Electric Scout SUV Renderings
The revival of the Scout brand as an electric off-road vehicle manufacturer is generating significant excitement. The electric Scout SUV and Terra pickup promise to blend iconic heritage with cutting-edge EV technology, creating vehicles that are both capable and desirable in the burgeoning electric vehicle market. As we approach the anticipated prototype reveals and eventual launch, the automotive world eagerly awaits the arrival of these electric scouts.
