I was just reading through the Top 5 accessory thread and it got way off topic about range. So I came over here to reply. Bear with me and I’ll try to keep this succinct. I am on my 3rd EV now. I got my first in 2019. 2 Tesla Model 3 LR and now a BMW iX. So, I have reasonable EV experience. There are several others on this forum that also have EV experience. I have also been on this forum since almost day one and I did own a Scout II. There are many new members on here and that is great and lots of veteran members that have significant concerns about EVs and that is ok. There is a lot of bad info out there (go figure!). I am going to ask that those of you familiar with EVs not chide those that have concerns, but rather teach and encourage. I will give a criticism that Scout Motors could do a better job of education on their website. That needs to happen like yesterday! This is a community, and a healthy community educates its members. So, I’m going to throw out some things to consider and experiences. For all the new members and those that have questions, ask, read, learn and get excited that we’re even talking about a new Scout in the year 2024!
You probably don’t need as much range as you think you do.
I was an early proponent of a battery Jerry can. But, with current technology it would not provide much, would be way too heavy and likely too expensive. Lastly, it would not be able to fast discharge as quickly as many would expect it to if it were to only charge the main battery. If it were designed as a reserve, it would only provide a few miles at most based on its size. Same goes for the spare tire size extra battery. Very cool and fun idea though. Maybe the technology will get there.
As of this moment, it would be inconvenient (not impossible) to own an EV of any brand as a daily driver and not have charging at home or work. That sucks for many people for a variety of different living situations. But, it’s getting better every day.
Charging on road trips is not that bad at all if you can use navigation. Most captive navigation and certainly CarPlay, PlugShare etc make it easy showing you where you need to stop. PlugShare will even show nearby amenities.
Scout is certainly about freedom. But, with freedom comes responsibility. Be responsible and make sure your charging requirements can be met for your trip. It’s getting better every day with more chargers coming online. We have been absolutely spoiled in this country with the abundance of gas stations. I have driven through most of Australia in the early 2000s. You definitely had to plan and make sure you could reach the next “petrol” station and you had water so you didn’t die because there were no rest areas in the outback. That was way worse than what the current charging structure is in the US at least in most places. Yes, there are plenty of areas that don’t have good charging infrastructure and maybe an EV is not right for those locations yet. Again, it’s getting better every day.
Set up departure times with your charger hooked up if possible. It’s great to get in a pre cooled or heated car and all that power came from the charger, not your battery. For those lucky enough to have a garage guess what…no fumes!
Tire wear is not as bad as what you may read or hear in the media. Well, unless you drive like an idiot all the time. Yes, EVs are heavy and have tons of torque. So do diesel trucks but you don’t hear all the griping about them going through tires. Again, be responsible and check your air pressure and drive properly and you’ll be fine. I’m on 22” performance summer tires with 25k miles on them and they still have plenty of tread.
In 25k miles and 15 months of driving do you know what maintenance has been required? Washer fluid, cabin filter and just ordered a set of wiper blades…that’s it. And it’s a BMW!
Everything is so much easier on the driver and vehicle. Pedal modulation at low and high speed, instant torque on demand, no engine noise or vibration makes the stereo or outside sound so much better, the driver is relaxed in traffic, there is no extra radiant heat from an engine or exhaust, no smell or fumes, handling is great with the battery providing weight at a lower center of gravity, way more room and comfort inside with flat floors, and on and on.
Nothing can please everyone. But, EVs are pretty great if you give them a chance.
You probably don’t need as much range as you think you do.
I was an early proponent of a battery Jerry can. But, with current technology it would not provide much, would be way too heavy and likely too expensive. Lastly, it would not be able to fast discharge as quickly as many would expect it to if it were to only charge the main battery. If it were designed as a reserve, it would only provide a few miles at most based on its size. Same goes for the spare tire size extra battery. Very cool and fun idea though. Maybe the technology will get there.
As of this moment, it would be inconvenient (not impossible) to own an EV of any brand as a daily driver and not have charging at home or work. That sucks for many people for a variety of different living situations. But, it’s getting better every day.
Charging on road trips is not that bad at all if you can use navigation. Most captive navigation and certainly CarPlay, PlugShare etc make it easy showing you where you need to stop. PlugShare will even show nearby amenities.
Scout is certainly about freedom. But, with freedom comes responsibility. Be responsible and make sure your charging requirements can be met for your trip. It’s getting better every day with more chargers coming online. We have been absolutely spoiled in this country with the abundance of gas stations. I have driven through most of Australia in the early 2000s. You definitely had to plan and make sure you could reach the next “petrol” station and you had water so you didn’t die because there were no rest areas in the outback. That was way worse than what the current charging structure is in the US at least in most places. Yes, there are plenty of areas that don’t have good charging infrastructure and maybe an EV is not right for those locations yet. Again, it’s getting better every day.
Set up departure times with your charger hooked up if possible. It’s great to get in a pre cooled or heated car and all that power came from the charger, not your battery. For those lucky enough to have a garage guess what…no fumes!
Tire wear is not as bad as what you may read or hear in the media. Well, unless you drive like an idiot all the time. Yes, EVs are heavy and have tons of torque. So do diesel trucks but you don’t hear all the griping about them going through tires. Again, be responsible and check your air pressure and drive properly and you’ll be fine. I’m on 22” performance summer tires with 25k miles on them and they still have plenty of tread.
In 25k miles and 15 months of driving do you know what maintenance has been required? Washer fluid, cabin filter and just ordered a set of wiper blades…that’s it. And it’s a BMW!
Everything is so much easier on the driver and vehicle. Pedal modulation at low and high speed, instant torque on demand, no engine noise or vibration makes the stereo or outside sound so much better, the driver is relaxed in traffic, there is no extra radiant heat from an engine or exhaust, no smell or fumes, handling is great with the battery providing weight at a lower center of gravity, way more room and comfort inside with flat floors, and on and on.
Nothing can please everyone. But, EVs are pretty great if you give them a chance.
