Exciting Unveiling: Volkswagen’s Scout Motors Electrifies with First EVs and Ambitious Plug-in Hybrid Plans
Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors has unveiled its first electric vehicles: the Scout Terra pickup truck and Scout Traveler SUV. Initially planned as all-electric, the brand will also offer extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) due to slower-than-anticipated EV adoption and high costs. These EREVs, a type of plug-in hybrid, use a traditional engine to power the electric system when the battery depletes, introducing a smart backup option, according to Scout CEO Scott Keogh.
The vehicles will be produced at a $2 billion South Carolina plant, aiming for profitability in their first operational year. With production capacity set for 200,000 vehicles, Scout plans direct-to-consumer sales, bypassing traditional dealerships. The newly revealed concepts are slated for 2027, priced between $50,000 and $60,000, with EREVs offering over 500 miles of range, surpassing the 300-mile range of all-electric models.
Designs of the Traveler and Terra are modern takes on former Scout vehicles, featuring large screens and soft-touch materials. The vehicles promise performance, with the electric models climbing 100% grades and accelerating 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. They will use the North American Charging Standard with fast, bi-directional charging capabilities.
Positioned to compete with off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and the full-size truck market dominated by Ford and GM, Scout seeks differentiation through competitive pricing and brand appeal. Keogh hinted at future model expansions, aiming to make a mark in the less than 1% market share EV “truck” segment, which showed a 35% quarterly sales increase this year.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/24/volkswagen-scout-motors-ev-hybrids.html
Category :
Tags:
