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The wait is officially over. Volkswagen Group’s revival of the Scout brand has finally unveiled production-intent concept versions of its two flagship EV models. We are in Nashville, Tennessee, where Scout Motors shared details of its first SUV, the Traveler, and its all-electric pickup truck, the Terra. If Scout can hit its targets, these new EVs will also be quite reasonably priced.

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A couple of updates post reveal:

  • The Scout team would not confirm where the gas engines were going to be sourced from, but said a majority of the components will sourced locally and they will have help from a major investor. That would most likely be Volkswagen Group.
  • For the EREV version, Scout is targeting about 150 miles of BEV range, the rest will come from the Harvester range extender.
  • I asked if the EREV would cost less, but Scout isn’t sharing pricing at this time. That said, we were told that the EREV will cost less to build. Put two and two together, and customers will probably see savings if they go with the Harvester extender option.
  • I asked if the UI is coming from Rivian and the Scout team would not confirm, but said they’d leave it to that joint venture’s team to make an announcement like that. Based on what we’ve heard from Scout so far about the EV, its “modern zonal software architecture” sure sounds a lot like Rivian’s tech.

Scout’s new EVs have been 80 years in the making

As you may or may not know, today’s iteration of the Scout was derived from the beloved nameplate of off-road vehicles built by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. While only about 530,000 Scout trucks were built during that production run, the all-but-forgotten brand still holds a small but passionate fanbase, many of which were present at the media event outside Nashville today.

Two years ago, Volkswagen Group shared plans to capitalize off that heritage and revive the namesake for the modern EV age while planning to stay true to the rugged, off-road performance its remaining predecessors are still celebrated for. By November of 2023, we learned that Scout had two EV models in development with the help of contract manufacturer Magna International.

Until today, we had only seen broad renderings of the two flagship vehicles, an SUV and a pickup, as physical models were being designed and developed in Novi, Michigan, close to a new Innovation Center being erected nearby.

We know the two flagship models will be built at a new Scout production facility in the US, specifically in South Carolina. We were present at the site’s groundbreaking ceremony this past February. Even then, however, we had no real clues as to what these two new models would look like, other than that they would arrive as true off-road capable EVs.

However, Scout president and CEO Scott Keogh promised we would glimpse the first two Scout EVs this summer. Well, summer has come and gone, but the young EV marque has made good on its promise in the fall, officially debuting the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup in front of a massive crowd today.

Scout unveils two awesome looking new EVs

Over 300 people from the media, brand ambassadors, and original Harvester Scout owners gathered in Franklin, Tennessee, this afternoon where, just moments ago, the young automaker unveiled production intent concept versions of its first two EVs. Keogh spoke:

Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world. The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.

The first EV model, seen above, is the Traveler SUV. This EV is expected to deliver over 7,000 pounds of towing and a payload capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds. It is also expected to deliver up to 350 miles of all-electric range, but even more, if you add a range extender (more on that in a bit). As you can see from the image above, the Traveler’s rear features a split tailgate for easy access to cargo and “protection from the elements when opened.”

The second Scout EV model to debut today is the Terra pickup truck (seen below). It will offer the same range and payload as the Traveler but is expected to be able to tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Terra will also feature a 5.5-foot pickup bed equipped with two 120V and one 240V power outlets.

Thanks to nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque, both models will also be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as quickly as 3.5 seconds.

The Traveler and Terra will be built on a proprietary body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle designed for off-road performance. The new platform also enables tires up to 35 inches, over one foot of ground clearance, close to three feet of water fording capability, a front sway bar disconnect, front and rear mechanical lockers, and “robust suspension options.”

Both Scout EVs will feature a four-wheel-drive system with an electric drive unit on each axle. The automaker also shared that it expects its fully electric models to be able to climb 100% grades.

As anticipated, all Scout EVs will utilize the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which will power their 800V architecture with rates as high as 350 kW. The EVs will also arrive with bi-directional charging capabilities.

Notice how we mentioned the “all-electric versions” a couple of times? That’s because today, we learned that Scout hopes to stomp any customer woes about range anxiety (especially when towing) by offering a gasoline range extender option.

Scout’s EVs can nab up to 500 miles of range as an EREV

While Scout said it would sell 100% BEV versions of the Traveler and Terra, it will also offer an
extended range electric vehicle (EREV) system upgrade with a gas-powered generator called “Harvester.”

The 350 miles of expected range in the full EV versions is already more than adequate and competitive in the segment, but for those Scout customers who want more peace of mind, they can secure an expected 500+ miles of range with the gas generator add-on.

Other features include modern zonal software architecture that enables over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics. Both Scout EVs have ample frunk storage capable of fitting golf clubs, a gym bag, a small cooler, and 120V and USB-C power outlets.

The interior of both new models features a design philosophy described by the Scout team as “simple and bold, tactile, and fit for purpose.” The aesthetic of the instrument panel and its upper brow with a deep undercut is a nod to the original Harvester Scout II.

The Traveler SUV offers additional front storage with a multifunctional console, and both EVs will come with a front-row bench seat option Scout describes as part of its “Connection Machine.”

Lastly, Scout shared plans to offer several personalization opportunities and accessories, including auxiliary lighting, assist steps, power off-boarding solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points, and a heavy-duty winch.

Scout Traveler and Terra pricing and availability

Even though Scout Motors remains a Volkswagen Group sub-brand, it describes itself as an independent American company and startup and operates as such. As Traveler and Terra EV production approaches, Scout shared plans to establish and nurture a one-to-one relationship with its customers. In this case, that means a direct-to-consumer sales model.

The automaker shared plans for retail spaces called Scout Workshops, where current and prospective customers can take advantage of “a test drive, a handshake, and hands-on service when needed.”

The company also shared that due to their initial design, 80% of Scout EV repairs will be able to be completed outside of a Workshop, whether it’s out in the terrain or in your driveway. So, Scout will establish a direct sales and service network for its customers, some of whom will join the brand’s community today with a Terra or Traveler pre-order.

Speaking of which, you’re probably wondering what these new EVs will cost. Since these remain production-intent concepts, we only have a partial breakdown of the trim options and how they differ. However, Scout did share some initial EV pricing today.

The Traveler SUV will start at a retail MSRP below $60,000, and its entry-level trim could arrive priced as low as $50,000, including “available incentives” – assuming that includes the full $7,500 federal tax credit since these EVs will be built entirely in the US.

The Terra truck is expected to hit the market with a starting retail price under $60k as well, and its entry-level option could be as low as $51,500 with available incentives. We will need to wait a while to learn exactly what those trims entail and what incentives are available at the time, but even at full price, these Scout EVs are relatively affordable compared to their competitors.

Pre-orders for the Scout Traveler and Terra are now open, and you can secure a reservation on the company’s website. However, targeted production of these EVs is not expected to begin in South Carolina until 2027.

Electrek’s take

Overall, Scout Motors did not disappoint today. The Terra and, to a higher degree, the Traveler SUV offer a nod to the brand’s past design elements but with an infusion of modern-day technology and performance.

From a design perspective, these new EVs look very similar to how I had imagined them based on what I had previously heard from the Scout team the past year. Today’s biggest surprise for me was the choice to offer an EREV version.

While I never condone gas engines, especially as so many more BEV models are becoming available at more affordable prices, this move by Scout makes a lot of sense and could truly pay off when it’s time to report initial sales figures.

We say it all the time on this site, but the average driver does not need 350 miles of range in their daily routine, so the BEV versions are already more than adequate if Scout can, in fact, hit those numbers. However, a vast topic of discussion amongst current and prospective BEV truck customers is the range loss during towing – it’s admittedly significant. It has probably deterred a sizable number of consumers from going all-electric in the past three years.

Adding a range extender is an intelligent solution that can give those drivers who actually need to tow a boat or large trailer extended distances more peace of mind. Should someone in the suburbs who mostly commutes to work and the store opt for that gas extender? No, but I can’t stop them.

It’s nice to have the option, and I have to respect Scout for taking the BEV approach first and adding gas for long hauls. These Scout EVs will still get 300+ miles of range before you’d even need the extender, so it will hopefully collect dust most of the time. But it’s nice to have that option, even if, at the very least, it shuts up skeptics or naysayers who say BEV trucks can’t compete with their gas counterparts.

It’s also a much better option than a PHEV, which prioritizes gas range in its system, so you’re only getting 15-40 miles of electric range before it’s just a hybrid. The Scout EVs are full-fledged BEVs first, with the option for gas to get you farther in specific driving scenarios. If you have to include combustion, this is the way to do it.

I also hope Scout can hit these price targets because for the size, range, and capabilities the Terra and Traveler are offering, those starting MSRPs are doable. Add the potential for incentives, and you could be looking at a $50,000 BEV truck that can compete with Rivian and Ford on the spec sheet but at a lower price.

A lot can change between now and 2027, but design-wise, Scout Motors looks to have come out swinging with its first two EVs, and I can’t wait to test them both out for myself.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tesla jumped the gun, Nissan drivers will have to wait a bit for Supercharger access

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Tesla jumped the gun, Nissan drivers will have to wait a bit for Supercharger access

It sounds like Tesla jumped the gun when announcing that Nissan drivers now have access to the Supercharger network in North America.

They will have to wait a bit.

Yesterday, we reported that Tesla added Nissan to the list of automakers with EVs capable of using the Supercharger network in North America.

However, Tesla has since removed Nissan from its list of automakers with access and switched the Japanese automaker back to the “coming soon” list.

Nissan confirmed to Electrek that access is not currently available, but it will be available by the end of the year.

It sounds like a miscommunication on Tesla’s side. We hear that it should be coming soon.

Elon Musk fired Tesla’s entire charging team – seemingly to make an example of its then-head of charging, Rebecca Tinucci, who reportedly disagreed with Musk about making further layoffs following another layoff wave.

Instead of just firing her, Musk decided to fire the entire team and then sent an email to other Tesla managers using the charging team situation as a warning.

Tesla has since had to rehire several former members of its charging team to rebuild the department.

This is believed to have slowed down the opening of the Supercharger network to other automakers in North America. We were told that communications with Tesla’s charging team were difficult to non-existent for those automakers for weeks earlier this year.

As we have previously reported, the situation has definitely slowed down Tesla’s own deployment of Supercharger stations.

Nonetheless, the Supercharger network recently hit the milestone of 60,000 chargers worldwide.

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Northvolt files for bankruptcy, CEO quits

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Northvolt files for bankruptcy, CEO quits

Europe’s “green dream” Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US after a rescue package failed to go through, leaving the battery maker with just one week’s worth of cash in the account. Cofounder and CEO Peter Carlsson, who spearheaded a costly expansion, has also quit.

The Swedish-owned battery maker filed for Chapter 11 in the Southern District of Texas, reports Bloomberg, with $5.8 billion debt. CEO Peter Carlsson, Telsa’s former chief products officer, stepped down from his role as CEO after the filing, but will remain onboard as advisor and director.

According to a statement, Northvolt said that its main factory will maintain business as usual during the reorganization, as the company now has a buffer from creditors, giving it time to restructure the balance sheet. However, the company said that this will not impact its business in Germany, and through the court process, Northvolt now has access to about $145 million in cash collateral. An additional $100 million in debtor-in-possession financing will be added to the pot via one of its customers, the report said.

In recent weeks, Northvolt has been in intense negotiations in the hope of securing a $300 million rescue package to give the company a bit more time to seek longer-term funding. But when that deal fell through, the battery maker was forced to seek protection from creditors via the Chapter 11 filing.  

The company still has a $7 billion project in place in Quebec – a new campus that is set to include a cell production plant, battery recycling, and cathode active-material production facilities –  and the bankruptcy won’t affect those plans, the company said on its website. “Northvolt Germany and Northvolt North America, subsidiaries of Northvolt AB with projects in Germany and Canada, are financed separately and will continue to operate as usual outside of the Chapter 11 process as key parts of Northvolt’s strategic positioning.”

The plant is expected to have capacity to produce 30 GWh of battery cell every year, with an expansion set to double that output, making it enough to power 1 million EVs. The Canadian government is putting $1.334 billion CND toward the project, with Quebec chipping in another $1.37 billion CND.

Northvolt has hit hard times in recent months, once thought of as Europe’s best shot to homegrown EVs and the makers of “the world’s greenest battery.” Enthusiasm mounted as the company opened the doors to its first plant in Sweden, in the small town of Skelleftea near the Arctic Circle, in 2021. Billions of dollars have been invested into the company, and Volvo, VW, and BMW rushed to place future orders.

All of this enthusiasm has been fueled by a vision to cut dependency on China by creating greener EV batteries using 100 percent recycled nickel, manganese, and cobalt. Plans were put in place to build factories in Gothenburg, in southern Sweden, and Poland, Germany, and Canada, all backed by huge government subsidies. Back in January, the company raised an additional $5 billion, firmly locking in its position as one of Europe’s best-funded startups and recipient of the largest-ever green loan in the EU.

But then things started going south, with Northvolt’s production problems and massive delays forcing BMW to cancel its €2 billion battery cell order with the company. This past May, Northvolt also announced that it pushing back its plans for an IPO until next year. The interim report that followed revealed the dire state of its finances and how far its production had fallen short of goals, with Carlsson admitting he had been “too aggressive” with the company’s expansion plan.

Since Northvolt has put in place a series of changes to reset the company’s course, including bringing onboard a new CFO, leaving the former CFO to focus solely on expansion plans. Plus the company started making cuts, including closing down its research center, Cuberg, in San Francisco and deprioritizing secondary businesses. At the end of September, Northvolt announced that it would cut 1,600 staff from three Swedish sites and about 20 percent of its international workforce.

Last month, Volvo started proceedings to take over their joint venture with Northvolt, while Volkswagen Group’s representative to Northvolt’s board stepped down this month. Sweden, for its part, is ruling out taking a stake to save its homegrown enterprise, Bloomberg reports. Carlsson had said last month that the company needs more than $900 million to permanently shore up its finances.

Photo credit: Northvolt


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YMX Logistics deploys 20 new Orange EV electric yard trucks

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YMX Logistics deploys 20 new Orange EV electric yard trucks

Leading yard operation 3PL YMX Logistics has announced plans to deploy fully twenty (20) of Orange EV’s fully electric Class 8 terminal trucks at a number of distribution and manufacturing sites across North America.

As the shipping and logistics industries increasingly move to embrace electrification, yard operations have proven to be an almost ideal use case for EVs, enabling companies like Orange EV, which specialize in yard hostlers or terminal tractors, to drive real, impactful change. To that end, companies like YMX are partnering with Orange EV.

“This relationship between YMX and Orange EV is a significant step forward in transforming yard operations across North America,” said Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics. “Besides the initial benefits of reduction in emissions and carbon footprint, our customers are also seeing improvements in the overall operational efficiency and seeking to expand. Our team members have also been sharing positive feedback about their new equipment and highlighting the positive impact on their health and day-to-day activities.”

This Orange looks good in blue

YMX Logistics electric yard trucks; by Orange EV.

One of the most interesting aspects of this story – beyond the Orange EV HUSK-e XP’s almost unbelievable 180,000 lb. GCWR spec. – is that this isn’t a story about California’s ports, which mandate EVs. Instead, YMX is truly deploying these trucks throughout the country, with at least four currently in Chicago (and more on the way).

“Our collaboration with YMX Logistics represents a powerful stride in delivering sustainable yard solutions at scale for enterprise customers,” explains Wayne Mathisen, CEO of Orange EV. “With rising demand for electric yard trucks, our joint efforts ensure that more companies can access the environmental, financial, and operational benefits of electrification … this is a win for the planet, the workforce, and the bottom line of these organizations.”

We interviewed Orange EV founder Kurt Neutgens on The Heavy Equipment Podcast a few months back, but if you’re not familiar with these purpose-built trucks, it’s worth a listen.

HEP-isode 26

SOURCE | IMAGES: YMX Logistics.

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