## VW’s New Scout EVs: Retro Looks, Modern Power, and a Big Bet on Off-Road
In the world of electric vehicles, innovation is often synonymous with futuristic designs and groundbreaking tech. But Volkswagen Group’s new EV-only brand, Scout, is taking a decidedly different path, one heavily rooted in the past.
Unveiled on Thursday, the Scout Traveler electric SUV and Scout Terra electric pickup truck are modern interpretations of the classic International Harvester Scout. The original Scout, produced from 1961 to 1980, became synonymous with rugged, off-road capability and helped popularize the utility vehicle concept that paved the way for modern SUVs. VW has cleverly resurrected the iconic Scout name for a brand-new enterprise, giving them the off-road vehicles previously missing from their U.S. lineup and a distinct identity separate from their existing brands.
Scout Motors will manufacture the Traveler and Terra at a new factory in South Carolina, with both models expected to arrive in 2027.
### Old-School Inside and Out
The Traveler and Terra’s undeniably boxy exteriors immediately evoke the look of the original International Scout. But the similarities go beyond aesthetics. Like the original Scout and other trucks of its era, the Scout EVs feature body-on-frame construction, mechanical four-wheel-drive systems, and solid rear axles. This old-school foundation gives these vehicles a connection to gasoline off-roaders like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser, setting them apart from the sleek, modern designs often associated with EVs.
The only company that’s come close to this approach is Bollinger Motors, but they’ve since shifted their focus to commercial vehicles. Scout’s dedication to the classic off-road formula is evident in their interior design as well.
While buyers will enjoy a 16.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Scout embraces analog switchgear, rejecting the trend of overly complex electronic controls found in many EVs. And forget fancy (and fragile) electronic door handles. Scout even offers a front bench seat, a feature that’s become rare in modern vehicles, alongside the more conventional individual front seats with a center console. This deliberate blending of classic and modern elements creates a unique character for Scout vehicles.
### Gas-Truck Capability, Electric Power
The Scout EVs are truly unique within the VW Group portfolio, offering a level of capability unmatched by their existing brands. The Terra pickup promises a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, surpassing most gasoline midsize pickups, while the Traveler SUV offers a respectable 7,000-pound capacity. Both models boast a 2,000-pound payload capacity, making them ideal for serious off-road adventures and work tasks.
To maximize off-road performance, both trucks are designed to accommodate 35-inch tires, providing up to 12 inches of ground clearance and 36 inches of water-fording capability. They will also be available with disconnecting front sway bars and front and rear mechanical locking differentials, the latter capable of handling up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque. This impressive combination of features will help both vehicles achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, according to Scout estimates.
The standard all-electric versions target a range of 350 miles, but Scout will also offer a range-extended powertrain dubbed “Harvester.” This system uses a gasoline engine as a generator to recharge the battery pack, providing extended range for those venturing off the beaten path. The Scout EVs utilize a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector for DC fast charging, and their 800-volt electrical architecture allows for rapid charging at up to 350 kilowatts. They also feature bidirectional charging, enabling the trucks to act as mobile power sources. The Terra even has AC outlets built into its 5.5-foot bed.
### Forging a New Path
Pricing has shifted somewhat since 2023, when Scout CEO Scott Keogh announced a starting price of around $40,000 for the SUV. Scout now expects both the SUV and pickup to retail for around $60,000, although they anticipate pricing closer to $50,000 for the SUV and $51,500 for the pickup after factoring in incentives. Customers can now reserve a Scout with a $100 refundable deposit. Sales will be conducted online, but Keogh assures that Scout will not sell customer data.
Even with these adjusted prices, the Scout EVs undercut the Rivian R1T and R1S (not to mention the GMC Hummer EV and electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class). However, Rivian plans to launch their $45,000 R2 SUV in 2026. The Wrangler-like Jeep Recon is also expected to hit the market ahead of the Scout EVs with a 2025 arrival.
If the driving experience matches the retro authenticity suggested by the spec sheets, Scout will stand out in the crowded field of electric off-roaders. The Scout EVs demonstrate that electric power doesn’t require sacrificing familiar elements of classic vehicles. In fact, Scout may be the first brand to fully embrace this combination of classic and modern, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a unique and capable electric off-road experience.
