Ideas for Scout Engineers

[midwestscout]

Hi Scout engineers,

Below are some ideas for standard or optional features:

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats
-excellent sound system with subwoofer
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.


Thank you for listening!

 

[Latrant]

Hi Scout engineers,

Below are some ideas for standard or optional features:

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats
-excellent sound system with subwoofer
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.


Thank you for listening!

Agree with everything. I’d like Adaptive Driving beams instead of auto high/low. Rivian has Adaptive Driving beams and they are far safer with less glare to oncoming cars. As an ED Doc and Radiologist, I’ve seen the consequences of night time crashes and drivers saying they couldn’t see or were blinded by glare.

 

[DBHowe]

I thought I heard on a video someone said the battery will be smaller on the harvester models. You are saying the battery size is the same regardless whether it's the full EV or harvester model?

The battery will be smaller with the Harvester option. What he was saying is that both vehicles are EV. The batteries are all that power the wheels. With the Traveler option, you have a generator that will charge the batteries while you drive. But the Traveler engine will not have any physical connection to the wheels. The Traveler provides electricity to the batteries to supplement what the batteries are providing to the wheels.

 

[eddiet1212]

Truck rear window was said to go down but they did t demo it

I vote for production of the Terra roll down back window

 

[NoComment]

Another thought I’ve been having.

If the scouts could be designed for intentional future power train easier, that would be great.

IMO one of the key things scout has always been know for was reliability/longevity. And with battery technology moving so quickly, it would be really nice to buy a vehicle, and know that if I wanted to in 10 years, simply upgrade the battery pack. Or maybe remove the harvester option and add more batteries, or something like that.

With this thing being released on what feels like the cusp of solid state batteries starting to go mainstream, it would be nice to know we have an upgrade path, particularly for harvester owners (again, like 10-15yrs down the line, when maybe charging plus way more ubiquitous, and new battery packs have twice the range).

Short-time lurker, first time poster...

100% this post!

It would be wonderful...
- To have a statement from the brand on their values and vision for longevity.
- To say something to the effect of "We understand people think we subscribe to planned obsolescence, but we don't. We'll make it so you can swap out the battery, swap out the ECUs, etc. You'll buy another Scout because it's 100x better, not because it's 3 years older and the doors are falling off..."
- To look to the offroad / overlanding community - particularly folks who buy and upfit old LCs, early Cayennes, etc. - and say "We will make it so there's an opportunity for you with our brand...for folks who can't afford new but can afford off-lease, etc."
- To articulate a plan for software end-of-life practice, and commit to open-sourcing all software at a certain time in the life of each car (which probaly maps to EOL on support, so 10-15 years?) I appreciate this would take remarkable licensing with so many vendors, but you are starting fresh...

 

[ID_ENG]

Short-time lurker, first time poster...

100% this post!

It would be wonderful...
- To have a statement from the brand on their values and vision for longevity.
- To say something to the effect of "We understand people think we subscribe to planned obsolescence, but we don't. We'll make it so you can swap out the battery, swap out the ECUs, etc. You'll buy another Scout because it's 100x better, not because it's 3 years older and the doors are falling off..."
- To look to the offroad / overlanding community - particularly folks who buy and upfit old LCs, early Cayennes, etc. - and say "We will make it so there's an opportunity for you with our brand...for folks who can't afford new but can afford off-lease, etc."
- To articulate a plan for software end-of-life practice, and commit to open-sourcing all software at a certain time in the life of each car (which probaly maps to EOL on support, so 10-15 years?) I appreciate this would take remarkable licensing with so many vendors, but you are starting fresh...

Well put. Personally I try to be eco minded, pack it in, pack pack it out. Put plastics and cardboard in the blue bin even though I know there's a high likelihood that it's all going to the same dump.

But I don't like the idea of not knowing what the life cycle is for these massive toxic batteries. A potential upgrade plan not because of battery degradation (as I've been told many times is not going to be an issue ) but replacing a pack due to advancements and knowing the old pack will be reused to store energy for high impact power grids or what ever use case or recycling process will make me feel better.

I'm not buying a Scout EV because "EVs are better for the environment" I'm buying it because I want the mechanical benefits of an EV and the flexibility and range of the Harvester.

And even though it's a long shot, yes open source as much as you can.

I haven't been part of the Scout community till recently with the revamp of Scout Motors. But I can see a lot of similarities with true passion and community here as I do in the Linux and FOSS community. As a whole and in the open we can take things far.

 

[RWMax]

Adjustable air suspension/height control, really important for garages. I work in a downtown metro environment and this needs to be a multi-use vehicle. I currently drive a Chevron Tahoe Z71 which is one inch shorter than the projected Traveler's height and the Traveler would leave me only one inch of height to spare in the office garage downtown... would be great to drop that lower on demand if we have the air suspension available. Also speaking of size in a home garage, hoping that the spare tire swing arm would be easily removable with a lock & key? Just thinking everyday use will be a pain to swing the tire out, then access the split rear gate (love the split rear gate though btw!)

 

[Chuckles]

Adjustable air suspension/height control, really important for garages. I work in a downtown metro environment and this needs to be a multi-use vehicle. I currently drive a Chevron Tahoe Z71 which is one inch shorter than the projected Traveler's height and the Traveler would leave me only one inch of height to spare in the office garage downtown... would be great to drop that lower on demand if we have the air suspension available. Also speaking of size in a home garage, hoping that the spare tire swing arm would be easily removable with a lock & key? Just thinking everyday use will be a pain to swing the tire out, then access the split rear gate (love the split rear gate though btw!)

Air suspension will be available. External spare tire will be an option, too!

 

[pleasant tree]

Short-time lurker, first time poster...

100% this post!

It would be wonderful...
- To have a statement from the brand on their values and vision for longevity.
- To say something to the effect of "We understand people think we subscribe to planned obsolescence, but we don't. We'll make it so you can swap out the battery, swap out the ECUs, etc. You'll buy another Scout because it's 100x better, not because it's 3 years older and the doors are falling off..."
- To look to the offroad / overlanding community - particularly folks who buy and upfit old LCs, early Cayennes, etc. - and say "We will make it so there's an opportunity for you with our brand...for folks who can't afford new but can afford off-lease, etc."
- To articulate a plan for software end-of-life practice, and commit to open-sourcing all software at a certain time in the life of each car (which probaly maps to EOL on support, so 10-15 years?) I appreciate this would take remarkable licensing with so many vendors, but you are starting fresh...

It will not be necessary to change the battery out at 300,000 using lithium ion batteries if they use instead solid state batteries like Quantumscape which have been shown to last double the lithium ion batteries, or about 500,000 miles, which will likely be longer than the car itself. I will not buy a scout if they don't use solid state batteries, you will be wasting your money.

 

[Mirinjesse]

Follow a realistic model / generation progression

It will not be necessary to change the battery out at 300,000 using lithium ion batteries if they use instead solid state batteries like Quantumscape which have been shown to last double the lithium ion batteries, or about 500,000 miles, which will likely be longer than the car itself. I will not buy a scout if they don't use solid state batteries, you will be wasting your money.

they won’t be using solid state in gen1 as confirmed. Solid state batteries are very new tech and thus still need lots of R&D to proof benefits etc, which do not align with initial scout production timeline. It’s been mentioned somewhere here before that it’s plans to use current battery tech.

 

[Ponce De Leon]

I really would like Scout to give a SOLAR ROOF option on Terra Truck. Something like Toyota implemented on the new Toyota Prius. I believe
that implementation takes care of the AC i believe. A SOLAR ROOF would be nice.

 

[J Alynn]

I really would like Scout to give a SOLAR ROOF option on Terra Truck. Something like Toyota implemented on the new Toyota Prius. I believe
that implementation takes care of the AC i believe. A SOLAR ROOF would be nice.

There are some discussions already on this topic that may enlighten you. If you use the search button and try “solar panels” that may lead you to a thread with some great pros and cons

 

[Logan]

There are some discussions already on this topic that may enlighten you. If you use the search button and try “solar panels” that may lead you to a thread with some great pros and cons

Exactly.

FWIW, I quite liked the idea of having DC inputs on the vehicles, so those with solar panels could set them up and directly connect them to the scout. That sort of mitigates the "its hard to integrate solar panels into roofs" problem, and still allows people to use a couple 100w panels when out camping to keep the battery topped up while camping/powering other camp equipment.

 

[ID_ENG]

Due to the less than appealing aesthetics of solar panels and their durability I would not want it integrated into the body.
But a solar bed covers may be cool.

I like the idea of some quick DC connects. For a bring your own solar option.

But should be a solar package, no need to add extra costs of a controller and all that for the majority who will probably never use it.

 

[DBHowe]

Wouldn't a couple of external 100 watt solar panels only give you 1KW to 2KW a day? Isn't that just a couple of miles? Seems like the Harvester option would be so much better. I don't think it would be worth all the hassle to haul the panels. I'm new to all this EV stuff so I could be missing something.

 

[ID_ENG]

Wouldn't a couple of external 100 watt solar panels only give you 1KW to 2KW a day? Isn't that just a couple of miles? Seems like the Harvester option would be so much better. I don't think it would be worth all the hassle to haul the panels. I'm new to all this EV stuff so I could be missing something.

Very true, I think Harvester owners would not opt. And instead bring a Jerry can.
But non-harvester peeps may want the ability.

Maybe a day or so just to eek you out of a remote spot onto a main road. Enough to turn your towing service from a normal job to paying a premium.

Just trying to think of reasons. Personally I opted for the Harvester.

 

[J Alynn]

Very true, I think Harvester owners would not opt. And instead bring a Jerry can.
But non-harvester peeps may want the ability.

Maybe a day or so just to eek you out of a remote spot onto a main road. Enough to turn your towing service from a normal job to paying a premium.

Just trying to think of reasons. Personally I opted for the Harvester.

I’m still leaning the EV even though harvester sounds safe. I looked tonight and in the summer (ideal conditions) I can basically travel the whole way across Pennsylvania on a full charge. That’s a solid 4+ hour trip at which point I’d need a stop and likely a meal break. I understand the harvester is necessary-ish if you live Midwest or you haul a 10,000 lb trailer/camper but I’m just surprised how many people feel having the complexity of an engine is worth it with all things considered. I’m not knocking it-SM sees the value and I’m cool. It’s been said before here but I think the 350mile EV version is probably way more than most people Think they need. I suspect the first year or so the harvesters will be the big seller but I think within that time the EV buyers are going to experience a much better daily opportunity and media/news reporting will help people realize the EV in most basic daily functions will be a better overall experience. I’m gonna guess year 3 will see the pure EV sales creep up to a significantly higher count

 

[ID_ENG]

I’m still leaning the EV even though harvester sounds safe. I looked tonight and in the summer (ideal conditions) I can basically travel the whole way across Pennsylvania on a full charge. That’s a solid 4+ hour trip at which point I’d need a stop and likely a meal break. I understand the harvester is necessary-ish if you live Midwest or you haul a 10,000 lb trailer/camper but I’m just surprised how many people feel having the complexity of an engine is worth it with all things considered. I’m not knocking it-SM sees the value and I’m cool. It’s been said before here but I think the 350mile EV version is probably way more than most people Think they need. I suspect the first year or so the harvesters will be the big seller but I think within that time the EV buyers are going to experience a much better daily opportunity and media/news reporting will help people realize the EV in most basic daily functions will be a better overall experience. I’m gonna guess year 3 will see the pure EV sales creep up to a significantly higher count

I could see it that. I think right now a significant reason why people don't get an EV is because of range anxiety.

It's why I haven't pulled the trigger. I don't want a vehicle where I have to preplan to the extent of narrowing down to a T the charging stations I need to hit, and plan B if the chargers are out of service, or simply not any around.

We travel a lot through rural America when we vacation and I would like to take a SM not a Hyundai.

 

[Logan]

Wouldn't a couple of external 100 watt solar panels only give you 1KW to 2KW a day? Isn't that just a couple of miles? Seems like the Harvester option would be so much better. I don't think it would be worth all the hassle to haul the panels. I'm new to all this EV stuff so I could be missing something.

I think its less to "totally recharge while they're camping for a week", and more "keep up with the load of using the battery in the Scout to do camp things, and not end up with less range because you inflated too many toys and cooked too many steaks on the George Foreman grill" sort of thing.

Stuff that people now might be using a generator for, or one of those big battery banks ("solar generators" they are sometimes called ).

I'm still not sure which I'll want (BEV or Harvester). We'll see when the time comes (and when the price comes ).

 

[DBHowe]

I think its less to "totally recharge while they're camping for a week", and more "keep up with the load of using the battery in the Scout to do camp things, and not end up with less range because you inflated too many toys and cooked too many steaks on the George Foreman grill" sort of thing.

Stuff that people now might be using a generator for, or one of those big battery banks ("solar generators" they are sometimes called ).

I'm still not sure which I'll want (BEV or Harvester). We'll see when the time comes (and when the price comes ).

OK. This makes sense. I'm a wood fire and kerosene lantern guy. I didn't think about electrical camping gear. Thanks.

 

[ohvrider]

I'll put another vote in for a lot of these

- add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
* I use this a lot on my current Chevy truck and agree it would be nice to have on the Terra for sure, and could be handy on the Traveler for roof tie down.
- include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
- pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
- include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
* I did see this as an option on one of their displays at the reveal
- include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
* I did see this as an option on one of their displays at the reveal
- heated/cooled/massaging seats
*heated for sure! I would say options for each to be up to the buyer.
- excellent sound system with subwoofer
- flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
* E85 Flex Fuel (corn based) should be a must for the Harvester
- include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
- ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
* I agree this should be an option for people, but have to say the modern take on the original plaid was a knock out of the park! Such a cool way to give a nod to the heritage of the Scouts of old!
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
* Can appreciate it as an option, but for me I loved the combo
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
* Again, no issue with it being an option if people want it, but for me I don't want the added cost and personally enjoy driving.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Might be one of those things that after having it I couldn't live without it (like a back up camera), but again not something I would want to pay extra for.
-auto high/low headlight beams
* Could go either way on this one depending on the added cost again. Never had it, but could see it being a nice option.
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
* A good one to point out. Our current vehicle has the panoramic glass. 80% of the time it is closed due to 1) gets hot when parked, 2) kids in the back get tire of the sun constantly being in their eyes. Panoramic is a nice feature to have .....when you want to enjoy it.
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
* Not for me, but agree it should be an option for people
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
* Make sense for charging duration
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
* A fair amount of discussions on past post regarding the intergration of OnX. Might search "OnX". Some good ideas out there. I was looking for this at their reveal displays, but didn't see it. They did have a trail map feature, but I didn't hear much about it. Maybe @OleScout can speak more to it? I believe he had a conversation with the gentleman in charge of that division.
-matte black exterior color option
* No reason not to be an option, but not my choice. I'm tired of the white and black vehicles.
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
* Personally a fan of black out trims
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.
* Would be a fan of both as an option. Also, after talking with the Chief Interior Designer I found out that the 120v plugs were located behind the consol (rear seat). I think it would be nice to put one in the front, under the console (open storage area). They have the slide out tray for the wife to be able to work on her laptop, but no easy to access 120v in the front.

I just comment on the red X's I want:

• Auto headlights is a MUST for me (have in all 3 cars ATM)
• Allow option for full leather and headed to shoulder (My raptor heats at shoulder and my bad back likes it)
• Before Scout I was looking at Vehicles with SuperCruise or BlueCruise or similar setup only. (I've heard that VW has a level 3 system in works)
• Rain Sensing wipers are awesome in dizzle.