Scout Motors: Electrifying the Off-Road Legacy
Volkswagen’s Scout Motors is making a splash in the off-road scene. This new brand has unveiled two vehicles, the Traveler (pickup truck) and the Terra (SUV), both paying tribute to the classic International Harvester models. The twist? These aren’t just throwbacks; they’re fully electric vehicles.
The primary concern for many electric vehicle owners is range anxiety. Scout Motors addressed this worry head-on with a clever solution:
Scout Motors is equipping the Traveler and Terra with a gas-powered range extender. This system, called the “Harvester,” is designed to boost the EVs’ range from an estimated 350 miles to an impressive 500 miles or more. Considering the vehicles’ size and likely use of rugged all-terrain tires, this is a notable feat.
The Harvester: An Overview
The Harvester, a nod to the International Harvester brand, adds approximately 150 miles to the base range. Instead of powering the wheels directly, the internal combustion engine functions as a generator, feeding the high-voltage battery. This approach is similar to range extenders previously used in vehicles like the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Volt.
While some electric pickups already offer lengthy electric ranges, the Harvester provides a practical benefit for off-roading. Off-road adventures often lead into remote areas. Here, finding charging stations can be tough, while gasoline is easy to carry and quick to refuel. Extra gas can be stored using Rotopax canisters, which are stackable plastic containers designed for fuel or water, perfect for overland trips. With Rotopax, 500 miles could be just the start.
What Powers the Harvester?
Scout Motors will quite possibly utilize an existing engine from Volkswagen. Based on the resources available, the likeliest candidate is the 1.5-liter TSI engine currently found in the Volkswagen Taos and Jetta. This streamlines production and reduces development costs.
Both Scout Motors vehicles are built on a body-on-frame construction reminiscent of the original Scout, giving space to integrate the range extender. Designing a brand-new internal combustion engine themselves would be expensive and unnecessary, especially considering Volkswagen’s proven engine lineup.
Off-Road vs. On-Road Range
Range anxiety is often more pronounced when driving off-road. The effective range of all vehicles decreases considerably in these conditions. This makes the Harvester all the more valuable. Off-road driving can result in a 15 percent reduction in overall efficiency, impacted by factors such as terrain, tire size, weight, and weather.
Here are some off-roading variables:
- Off-road surfaces present significantly more rolling resistance than paved roads.
- The demanding terrain, often steep inclines, requires lower speeds and increases energy consumption.
- Regenerative braking is less effective at low speeds.
A Sign of the Times
While range extenders have been used before, their return with Scout Motors shows a shift. Early data indicates that the majority of Scout Motors customers are opting for the Harvester edition. Data from the Scout EV Forum indicates that 83.6 percent of customers have chosen the range extender.
Scout Motors plans to begin vehicle production in 2027. The Traveler will have a starting price of $50,000, while the Terra will start at $51,500. This combination of electric power and range extension is poised to offer an exciting option for off-road enthusiasts.
