Start-up Scout reveals near-production Harvester
Michigan-based Scout Motors is reviving the spirit of the 1960s off-roader of the same name with its electric Traveler SUV and Terra pick-up models. With styling that’s reminiscent of the original, the former enters the market as an electric Land Rover Defender rival while the latter is going into a market that already has several EV options including the Chevrolet Silverado, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck.
Complementing the bluff but rounded exterior style is a cabin that also takes it stylistic lead from the original Scout. It’s prepared for the 21st century with a central touchscreen, but there’s also a welcome bank of toggle switches on the dashboard.
Under the retro skin is an equally old-school construction method with a separate body-on-frame arrangement. Despite the fact that the American car-maker is backed by Volkswagen, the Scout isn’t derived from the German MEB or PPE platform; the batteries and electronics come from Magma.
Responding to the downturn in interest for pure electric vehicles, Scout will deviate from its original plan by offering a petrol range extender. It brings the total range to 500 miles from the electric-only 350 miles.
The battery size is yet to be confirmed but we do know that it’s paired with a dual motor four-wheel drive set up. With 1,355Nm (1,000lb ft) driving through all four tyres, both the Traveler and Terra will be capable of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. Plenty quick enough for the school run or trip to the builders’ merchants.
Pricing will start from the equivalent of £46,000 in the States before taking into account incentive schemes. Manufacture will take place in South Carolina from 2027 and Volkswagen projects an annual volume of 200,000 units.
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