- Scout Motors says Traveler and Terra models with the EREV will have over 500 miles of range.
- Horsepower and torque details remain under wraps for both the BEV and EREV versions.
For years, the new pickup truck and SUV models from Scout were expected to be sold exclusively as EVs. However, the VW-owned brand confirmed an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version was also in the works last year. Future Scout EREV models promise to eliminate any range anxiety by using a small combustion engine to charge the battery.
According to Scout chief executive Scott Keogh, most customers have opted for the EREV. While limited technical details about this powertrain are known at this early stage, Scout head of strategy Ryan Decker says it will not interrupt the smooth and silent operation customers can expect from an EV.
Read: Scout Has 50,000 Reservations, With 70% For The Traveler SUV And Most For Range-Extended Versions
According to Decker, the range-extender will be buried deep in the rear of the body-on-frame chassis used by the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. In his words, “it’s so far away you don’t hear it, you don’t feel it, so you still get the sensation of driving a quiet, small electric vehicle.”
A possible candidate for this combustion engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as found in US models like the Jetta and Taos. However, VW does offer smaller engines in other markets, including a tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder in models like the Polo and Golf.
A key part of the EREV’s appeal will be its longer driving range. Scout says that BEV versions will travel up to 350 miles (563 km) on a single charge whereas the EREV will benefit from a range exceeding 500 miles (805 km). EREV models will adopt the Harvester name.
During the same interview with Edmunds, Keogh added that Harvester models will have all the same abilities as the BEV. “You still have 100% gradability, you still have all the ground clearance, you still have a frunk, you still have all of the things,” he said.
At CES in Las Vegas, Scout also announced that a satellite receiver would be offered for its models, mounting neatly to the roof rack. This will provide connectivity almost anywhere in the US with a clear view of the sky.
