Volkswagen Unveils New All-Electric Scout Traveler and Terra Concepts
Volkswagen unveiled its electric Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck concepts, marking a significant return of the iconic American nameplate, last seen in 1980, now reimagined for the electric vehicle market.
Designed and engineered in Michigan, with production slated for South Carolina, the Scout lineup targets the modern demand for rugged, off-road-capable electric trucks and SUVs. The vehicles combine heritage design with advanced EV technology, aimed at competing with industry players like Rivian and Tesla.
The Scout Traveler and Terra, set for release in 2027, are built on a proprietary body-on-frame chassis, designed to support heavy-duty features like a solid rear axle and mechanical lockers in both the front and rear.
Key performance highlights include towing capacities of 7,000 pounds for the Traveler and 10,000 pounds for the Terra, with payloads approaching 2,000 pounds for each model. Scout Motors, a newly formed Volkswagen subsidiary, seeks to reintroduce the Scout as an American utility vehicle that blends off-road capability with the functionality of a family vehicle, mirroring the dual-purpose appeal of the original Scouts produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980.
Both the Traveler and Terra models will offer options for a fully electric or a range-extended electric (EREV) drivetrain, the latter incorporating a gas-powered generator to extend range up to 500 miles.
The pure electric versions are projected to have a 350-mile range, positioning them competitively within the electric truck and SUV market. Powered by electric drive units on each axle, these Scouts are expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds, thanks to nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque.
Scout Motors aims to deliver a blend of analog features, such as mechanical switches and door handles, alongside digital interfaces like over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.
The vehicles will integrate advanced features including 800-volt architecture, bi-directional charging, and high-capacity charging (up to 350 kilowatts) compatible with the North American Charging Standard. Additionally, both models incorporate durable materials and multifunctional storage, including a spacious front trunk and customizable cargo areas, offering options such as a 5.5-foot bed for the Terra, suited to power tools or heavy-duty use at job sites.
At a starting price under $60,000, the Scout lineup is set to enter the U.S. market through Scout Motors’ exclusive sales and service network, allowing customers to purchase directly from Scout without dealership intermediaries. The vehicles will be available for reservation starting October 24, 2024, with a fully refundable reservation fee of $100.
Scout Motors’ new entries will not only aim to capture the nostalgia of the classic Scout but also seek to redefine the U.S. market’s appetite for off-road-capable EVs in the face of fluctuating demand.