Scout Motors is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market, drawing significant attention with its upcoming all-electric pickup truck and SUV. According to Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume, the revived American brand has already garnered over 50,000 refundable reservation deposits, signaling strong consumer interest even before the vehicles hit the market in 2027. This positive response highlights the enduring appeal of the Scout name and its potential to disrupt the EV landscape.
Volkswagen, aiming to increase its US market share, resurrected Scout, a brand originally known for its robust off-road vehicles from 1961 to 1980. The company unveiled production-intent concepts of the Scout Terra pickup truck and Scout Traveler SUV in October, confirming that these models will be available as both all-electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). While the reservation numbers are promising, they are slightly lower than the initial surges seen by other automakers in the early EV market boom of the 2020s. However, these deposits, each requiring a $100 refundable fee, offer a valuable gauge of public enthusiasm for the new Scout models.
“The market response has been very, very positive,” Blume stated at CES in Las Vegas. He emphasized the emotional connection consumers have with the brand, describing the reaction as “This is heritage… It is kind of a love story.” This nostalgic appeal, combined with the forward-looking technology of electric powertrains, positions Scout uniquely in the competitive EV market.
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of the Scout Traveler SUV concept, showcasing its boxy silhouette and modern design elements, highlighting VW Scout’s electric SUV vision.
Scout CEO Scott Keogh echoed Blume’s positive sentiment, noting in a separate interview at CES that the reservation numbers have surpassed company expectations. He revealed that approximately 70% of reservations are for the Traveler SUV, aligning with Scout’s internal projections. While Keogh did not disclose the specific breakdown between all-electric and EREV reservations, he confirmed a favorable reception for both options. The inclusion of EREVs, a type of plug-in hybrid, is a strategic move to mitigate potential market fluctuations in EV demand. EREVs combine electric motors and batteries with a traditional internal combustion engine that acts as a generator, extending range and providing flexibility for consumers.
Keogh previously explained that offering EREVs is a proactive measure to safeguard the brand against any unforeseen shifts in consumer adoption of fully electric vehicles. Currently, Scout’s primary objectives are threefold: enhancing brand recognition, advancing vehicle engineering, and completing the construction of their $2 billion manufacturing facility in South Carolina. Both the Scout Traveler and Terra are anticipated to have starting prices below $60,000, according to the company website. Scout projects a range exceeding 500 miles for EREV models and up to 350 miles for all-electric models, making them competitive in the EV market.
Image alt text: Angled shot of the Scout Terra pickup truck concept, emphasizing its rugged stance, off-road capabilities, and the modern interpretation of the classic Scout truck design for the electric era.
At CES, Scout emphasized the advanced connectivity and user-centric in-cabin experiences planned for the Terra and Traveler. These vehicles are designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and recreational users, positioning them as rivals to brands like Jeep and EV startup Rivian. Notably, satellite connectivity will be available, ensuring functionality even in remote locations. The South Carolina plant is being built to accommodate an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles. Scout intends to source batteries, the most expensive component of EVs, from a Volkswagen joint venture battery cell manufacturer in Canada. Furthermore, Scout vehicles will integrate software and electrical architecture from the $5.8 billion joint venture between Rivian and VW, leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance vehicle technology and performance. Volkswagen’s acquisition of the Scout trademark in 2021, through its $3.7 billion purchase of Navistar, the successor to International Harvester, the original Scout manufacturer, paved the way for this ambitious revival. The new Vw Scout aims to capture a significant share of the growing electric truck and SUV market by blending heritage with cutting-edge EV technology.
