Meet Scout, the Newest EV Brand From Volkswagen

Although they’re EVs at heart with up to 350 miles of all-electric range, an optional “Harvester” gas-powered range extender promises 500 miles between charges and fill-ups. But unlike so many new EVs, the two Scouts don’t replace the tried-and-true for the sake of change. Scout owners will find real buttons and knobs for infotainment and climate control, traditional exterior door handles, and even an optional three-person front bench seat. Both Scout models are based on an all-new, rugged, body-on-frame design that’s not shared with other electric vehicles from Volkswagen and Audi.

When they go into production in 2027, the Terra and Traveler will be built in Scout’s new factory outside Columbia, S.C., which is currently under construction. Scout says that prices will start around $60,000 before any incentives and that consumers should be able to purchase one directly from Scout as of Oct. 24, 2024. Since they are built in the U.S., both vehicles should qualify for federal tax incentives. Customizability is also a key selling point, including off-road accessories such as front and rear skid plates, an off-road winch, auxiliary lighting, and an exterior spare tire carrier on the Traveler. We expect prices to climb well above $60,000 as buyers add these extras.

Although they’re closer in scale to full-sized SUVs and pickup trucks, the Terra and Traveler will certainly siphon off some buyers from the relatively smaller Rivian R1S and R1T. Curiously, the timing of the introduction comes just a few months after VW announced plans to invest $5 billion in a joint venture with Rivian to create vehicle software that both companies will share.