Scout Motors, a spinoff of the Volkswagen Group, recently revealed two electric vehicles that combine modern and rugged styling. The company is aiming to attract American customers with a design that emphasizes mechanical elements over digital features. One unique aspect of these vehicles is the inclusion of a built-in gas-powered generator using a system called Harvester, a reference to the brand’s heritage with the International Harvester Scout from the 1960s.
While the concept of electric vehicles with gas generators may sound familiar due to Ram’s Ramcharger, Scout’s EVs, including a truck and an SUV, won’t be available until 2027. Originally planned for 2026, these vehicles will feature a body-on-frame chassis, solid rear axle, front and rear mechanical lockers, and a powertrain capable of delivering 1,000 pound-feet of torque with a zero to 60 mph acceleration of 3.5 seconds in certain trims.
Scout Motors’ president and CEO, Scott Keogh, highlighted the challenges facing the auto industry and the brand’s strategy to address them with the new EVs. The fully electric models are expected to offer up to 350 miles of range and will be equipped with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard. Additionally, extended range variants with over 500 miles of range will be available, thanks to the Harvester gas-powered generator.
Despite the inclusion of a gas-powered generator, the company emphasizes that the Scout EVs remain true to their electric vehicle identity. The Harvester model aims to future-proof the brand and provide an EV experience while offering additional range. The vehicles will feature rugged capabilities, including 35-inch tires, significant ground clearance, water fording capability, and various off-road features.
The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck will be competitively priced, with an entry point below $60,000, potentially dropping to $50,000 with available incentives. The vehicles will be designed in Michigan and manufactured at a new factory in South Carolina capable of producing 200,000 EVs annually. Scout plans to sell its EVs directly to consumers, bypassing traditional VW dealerships.
With a blend of new technology and retro design elements, such as physical toggles and knobs for climate control and a front row bench seat option, the Scout EVs aim to appeal to American consumers looking for a mix of nostalgia and modern features. The interior will include a central touchscreen along with traditional controls, providing a balanced user experience.
Overall, Scout Motors’ vision for its upcoming EVs combines innovative technology, rugged capabilities, and a touch of nostalgia to create vehicles that cater to a wide range of customers. By addressing industry challenges and offering unique features like the Harvester gas-powered generator, Scout is positioning itself as a contender in the competitive electric vehicle market.
