Scout returns: In 2022, Volkswagen declared its entry into the off-road market by resurrecting the Scout brand. The newly formed company made this announcement just a year ago, Scout Motors unveiled two models: the Traveler (a pickup truck) and the Terra (an SUV). These designs pay tribute to their classic counterparts from International Harvester but won't be exact replicas. The new versions will be available for purchase exclusively as electric vehicles .
Fortunately, Scout Motors subsequently unveiled a classic approach to addressing one of the major concerns surrounding electric vehicle ownership. range anxiety The Traveler and Terra will feature a gasoline-fueled range extender, according to Scout. This addition could boost their estimated electric ranges from 350 miles up to more than 500 miles. Such extended capabilities are quite remarkable for vehicles equipped with large, robust off-road tires designed for rugged terrain.
What Does Scout Motors' Range Extender Entail?
Scout Motors' extension technology is referred to as the Harvester —paying homage to the legacy International Harvester brand—and offers an additional 150 miles of range atop the standard 350-mile capability found in models without this feature. This car features an internal combustion engine whose sole purpose is to generate electricity for the vehicle’s high-voltage battery, instead of directly powering the wheels. Range-extending engines have been utilized before in cars such as the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Volt; however, Scout Motors is now reviving this concept effectively with their new model.
It would be negligent not to point out that Chevrolet’s Silverado EV pickup already has a range of 460 miles per charge. Therefore, adding another 40 miles of range seems like just another increment.
Scout Motors has promoted the Harvester system to instill in their clients the assurance needed for exploring remote areas. There's no argument against the remarkable 460-mile electric range of the Silverado EV. Similar models have been tested by us as well. GMC’s Hummer EV that use GM’s Ultium platform and it’s brilliant. However, even the best platform will struggle when it comes time to juice up its batteries. Most off-roading spots are generally out in the boonies, where gas stations are few and far between—charging stations are almost non-existent.
However, when venturing off-road, gasoline proves to be quite simple to transport and quick to replenish. You can tote additional fuel using Rotopax canisters—stackable plastic containers designed for storing petrol, diesel, or even water during extended expeditions. Notably, the smallest size offered by Rotopax carries one gallon of fluid, enabling you to cover around 500 miles. start Of what’s achievable. The promotional pictures for Scout feature a tire swing designed to accommodate a pair of Rotopax.
What engine will they use for the combine harvester?
It’s safe to speculate that Scout Motors might opt for an available engine from Volkswagen, likely choosing one of their current models for the Harvester. Although enthusiasts may hope for a resurgence of the VR6 by VW Group, indications suggest they will probably select the most compact powerplant produced stateside by Volkswagen—the 1.5-liter TSI found in vehicles like the Volkswagen Taos and Jetta.
Nevertheless, examining their global vehicle lineup reveals that the entry-level Polo employs a minuscule 1.0-liter three-cylinder motor producing merely 80 horsepower. Similar to the original model, both vehicles from Scout Motors utilize body-on-frame construction, providing ample space behind for incorporating the range extender system. You may wonder why Scout Motors does not develop its own combustion engine; the straightforward explanation is that doing so would be prohibitively costly and redundant, considering that Volkswagen produces some of the most efficient small-displacement engines available today.
Off-Highway Distance Capability Versus On-Highway Distance Capability
Range anxiety is usually discussed primarily when operating electric vehicles. on The path. This sensation intensifies when you venture off-road, where the operational range becomes shorter. all The decrease in vehicles' performance is quite notable, making Scout Motors' Harvester particularly valuable. Our tests have shown a 15 percent drop in total efficiency when traveling through rough terrains. To illustrate, this means a car with a 300-mile range could be reduced to about 255 miles due to various conditions like the type of terrain, tire dimensions, vehicle mass, and weather, all of which can substantially impact the driving distance. There are several additional aspects related to off-road travel that should also be considered here.
Off-road terrains experience significantly higher rolling resistance compared to paved roads. Additionally, these areas present tougher conditions with numerous steep slopes, often requiring travel at considerably slower speeds, which increases energy usage. Furthermore, regenerative braking becomes far less efficient under those slow-speed and brief-distance circumstances.
Is This a Sign of the Times?
The concept of a range extender isn't entirely novel; as noted earlier, it has existed for nearly ten years, first introduced with vehicles like the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Volt. Although these early models performed adequately, range extenders didn't gain widespread acceptance until their resurgence through Scout Motors' reintroduction of this technology.
The times have shifted, as indicated by pre-sale figures. majority Of Scout Motors' customers choosing the Harvester edition along with the range extender option. Scout EV Forum Currently, orders are being tracked via a survey which indicates that 83.6% of customers have chosen the range extender option. As of this writing, Scout Motors plans to commence vehicle manufacturing in 2027, with base pricing beginning at $50,000 for the Traveler model and $51,500 for the Terra model.
