Post Reveal Suggestions

[Iguy]

To the Scout Team!

Congrats on the reveal! you have created a wonderful product and a lot of thought has gone into it, that is clear! I love the design, the features, and the fact that it's an EV! and the range extender was a great idea! I had a few thoughts to share as a fellow automotive engineer...

1. it looks like there is a start/stop button. I'd highly consider removing it and using the Tesla and Silverado EV strategy of using the brake for on and closing the door for off.
2. Can you share the width of the vehicle without mirrors? Scout was historically a smaller 1/4ton type vehicle and now it seem it's more half ton size. I expected it since it's an EV, but if it's much more than 80" wide, that makes it hard to take off road or on trails and even on city streets. Rivian width is good. My current Ranger Raptor is good but pushing it sometimes.
3. what about the bed width? is it over 48" wide between the wheel wells?
4. I didn't see any cameras or sensors on the vehicles. USS for parking, Rain sensor for wipers, long range and short range radar, cameras, etc. Please don't do the Tesla strategy, it's terrible!
5. Please have a pet mode of sorts! and a camping mode
6. please have a sentry mode for the cameras
7. please have a built in dash cam
8. I noticed the suspension is listed as air springs, but in the reveal it had coil springs. My Ranger Raptor has coil springs with active shocks and I think it's great. Not sure the complexity/cost for air is worth it.
9. Large cup holders for large hydroflask style water bottles is a must.
10. Large mirrors for good visibility. It's worth it, especially for the Terra which will be towing. or a tow mirror option!?
11. Please don't get too fancy with the seats, make really good, soft and comfortable seats with good adjustability and ergonomics. Align it well with the dead pedal and steering wheel and gauge cluster. Great job on the luxury bench seat option too! I love it!

These are all things I found to be universally liked in vehicles, not necessarily specific things I want.

Thanks for reading and if you need any lead calibration engineers, senior suspension design engineers, or vehicle dynamics engineers, let me know! I have lots of experience in all those areas and am currently a lead suspension design engineer!

Thanks,
Ian

 

[J Alynn]

To the Scout Team!

Congrats on the reveal! you have created a wonderful product and a lot of thought has gone into it, that is clear! I love the design, the features, and the fact that it's an EV! and the range extender was a great idea! I had a few thoughts to share as a fellow automotive engineer...

1. it looks like there is a start/stop button. I'd highly consider removing it and using the Tesla and Silverado EV strategy of using the brake for on and closing the door for off.
2. Can you share the width of the vehicle without mirrors? Scout was historically a smaller 1/4ton type vehicle and now it seem it's more half ton size. I expected it since it's an EV, but if it's much more than 80" wide, that makes it hard to take off road or on trails and even on city streets. Rivian width is good. My current Ranger Raptor is good but pushing it sometimes.
3. what about the bed width? is it over 48" wide between the wheel wells?
4. I didn't see any cameras or sensors on the vehicles. USS for parking, Rain sensor for wipers, long range and short range radar, cameras, etc. Please don't do the Tesla strategy, it's terrible!
5. Please have a pet mode of sorts! and a camping mode
6. please have a sentry mode for the cameras
7. please have a built in dash cam
8. I noticed the suspension is listed as air springs, but in the reveal it had coil springs. My Ranger Raptor has coil springs with active shocks and I think it's great. Not sure the complexity/cost for air is worth it.
9. Large cup holders for large hydroflask style water bottles is a must.
10. Large mirrors for good visibility. It's worth it, especially for the Terra which will be towing. or a tow mirror option!?
11. Please don't get too fancy with the seats, make really good, soft and comfortable seats with good adjustability and ergonomics. Align it well with the dead pedal and steering wheel and gauge cluster. Great job on the luxury bench seat option too! I love it!

These are all things I found to be universally liked in vehicles, not necessarily specific things I want.

Thanks for reading and if you need any lead calibration engineers, senior suspension design engineers, or vehicle dynamics engineers, let me know! I have lots of experience in all those areas and am currently a lead suspension design engineer!

Thanks,
Ian

This is great. Can you copy to one of the others then these ideas will be easier for SM team members to find. There’s at least two others . Just do a search and you’ll find them. Better chance they’ll see it on a thread they already look at. Everyone’s opinions count so hate to see it get missed. Thanks

 

[Iguy]

Thansk. I pull the classic engineer blunder and didn't read before posting. I might delete this and post it a thread once I've read though. keep things clean.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

It's all good. Most all of your suggestions are already in process. We are clarifying the dimensions graphic on the website with a new version in the next couple days. Meanwhile the width is 79.9" without mirrors. Welcome to the Scout Community and thanks for the suggestions!

 

[J Alynn]

Thansk. I pull the classic engineer blunder and didn't read before posting. I might delete this and post it a thread once I've read though. keep things clean.

No biggie. I know the group of us who got to go to the reveal are trying to support answering questions and right now we are overwhelmed and dumb struck on how fast the posts keep coming. Just want to help where we can.

 

[EV_Or_Gas]

I shouldn’t have made a separate thread on camper shells yesterday. So here is my suggestion @Jamie@ScoutMotors :

The Terra should have factory camper shell options - will make it a great over
landing and multipurpose rig that way.

 

[Iguy]

It's all good. Most all of your suggestions are already in process. We are clarifying the dimensions graphic on the website with a new version in the next couple days. Meanwhile the width is 79.9" without mirrors. Welcome to the Scout Community and thanks for the suggestions!

That’s why I haven’t responded after lurking here for 2 years or whatever it’s been, every time I thought of something I figured you had it covered.

I will say in my experience as a calibrator, we are in the vehicles a lot and see stuff others don’t. Having an internal way for people to point out issues that’s easy and gets the correct person would be helpful. And make it very clear to report everything. I’m really mostly concerned about software bugs and squeaks and rattles. It’s such a common issue these days and really shouldn’t be.


thanks for staying up late answering all our questions! It’s appreciated!

 

[J Alynn]

I shouldn’t have made a separate thread on camper shells yesterday. So here is my suggestion @Jamie@ScoutMotors :

The Terra should have factory camper shell options - will make it a great over
landing and multipurpose rig that way.

I think that was a good post as it’s a stand alone item. Hoping others will add to wants/needs of a shell. Casual camper or maybe a roof top camp setup for the traveller so this thread may lead to great thoughts. My comment on the other was because I saw at least three very similar threads and didn’t want to see it get over-looked

 

[EV_Or_Gas]

To the Scout Team!

Congrats on the reveal! you have created a wonderful product and a lot of thought has gone into it, that is clear! I love the design, the features, and the fact that it's an EV! and the range extender was a great idea! I had a few thoughts to share as a fellow automotive engineer...

1. it looks like there is a start/stop button. I'd highly consider removing it and using the Tesla and Silverado EV strategy of using the brake for on and closing the door for off.
2. Can you share the width of the vehicle without mirrors? Scout was historically a smaller 1/4ton type vehicle and now it seem it's more half ton size. I expected it since it's an EV, but if it's much more than 80" wide, that makes it hard to take off road or on trails and even on city streets. Rivian width is good. My current Ranger Raptor is good but pushing it sometimes.
3. what about the bed width? is it over 48" wide between the wheel wells?
4. I didn't see any cameras or sensors on the vehicles. USS for parking, Rain sensor for wipers, long range and short range radar, cameras, etc. Please don't do the Tesla strategy, it's terrible!
5. Please have a pet mode of sorts! and a camping mode
6. please have a sentry mode for the cameras
7. please have a built in dash cam
8. I noticed the suspension is listed as air springs, but in the reveal it had coil springs. My Ranger Raptor has coil springs with active shocks and I think it's great. Not sure the complexity/cost for air is worth it.
9. Large cup holders for large hydroflask style water bottles is a must.
10. Large mirrors for good visibility. It's worth it, especially for the Terra which will be towing. or a tow mirror option!?
11. Please don't get too fancy with the seats, make really good, soft and comfortable seats with good adjustability and ergonomics. Align it well with the dead pedal and steering wheel and gauge cluster. Great job on the luxury bench seat option too! I love it!

These are all things I found to be universally liked in vehicles, not necessarily specific things I want.

Thanks for reading and if you need any lead calibration engineers, senior suspension design engineers, or vehicle dynamics engineers, let me know! I have lots of experience in all those areas and am currently a lead suspension design engineer!

Thanks,
Ian

Another thing I was thinking while looking at the reveal video - the rock rails on the Terra can very easily be repurposed for retractable running boards.
These are going to be tall vehicles so steps would help a lot.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

To the Scout Team!

Congrats on the reveal! you have created a wonderful product and a lot of thought has gone into it, that is clear! I love the design, the features, and the fact that it's an EV! and the range extender was a great idea! I had a few thoughts to share as a fellow automotive engineer...

1. it looks like there is a start/stop button. I'd highly consider removing it and using the Tesla and Silverado EV strategy of using the brake for on and closing the door for off.
2. Can you share the width of the vehicle without mirrors? Scout was historically a smaller 1/4ton type vehicle and now it seem it's more half ton size. I expected it since it's an EV, but if it's much more than 80" wide, that makes it hard to take off road or on trails and even on city streets. Rivian width is good. My current Ranger Raptor is good but pushing it sometimes.
3. what about the bed width? is it over 48" wide between the wheel wells?
4. I didn't see any cameras or sensors on the vehicles. USS for parking, Rain sensor for wipers, long range and short range radar, cameras, etc. Please don't do the Tesla strategy, it's terrible!
5. Please have a pet mode of sorts! and a camping mode
6. please have a sentry mode for the cameras
7. please have a built in dash cam
8. I noticed the suspension is listed as air springs, but in the reveal it had coil springs. My Ranger Raptor has coil springs with active shocks and I think it's great. Not sure the complexity/cost for air is worth it.
9. Large cup holders for large hydroflask style water bottles is a must.
10. Large mirrors for good visibility. It's worth it, especially for the Terra which will be towing. or a tow mirror option!?
11. Please don't get too fancy with the seats, make really good, soft and comfortable seats with good adjustability and ergonomics. Align it well with the dead pedal and steering wheel and gauge cluster. Great job on the luxury bench seat option too! I love it!

These are all things I found to be universally liked in vehicles, not necessarily specific things I want.

Thanks for reading and if you need any lead calibration engineers, senior suspension design engineers, or vehicle dynamics engineers, let me know! I have lots of experience in all those areas and am currently a lead suspension design engineer!

Thanks,
Ian

I have to disagree on the start/stop/on/off button, I want to tell the vehicle when to turn on and off, not the vehicle telling me. There always end up being exceptions. I’ve heard numerous examples where people have to bend over backwards to get the car to do what they want, because the designer didn’t think about their case, eg ac and lights automatically turn off when driver exits, even if there are other people in the car. End up having to learn magic hacks like “press brake pedal 3 times before exiting vehicle”. Just give me button and I’ll decide for myself thank-you-very-much.

 

[J Alynn]

Another thing I was thinking while looking at the reveal video - the rock rails on the Terra can very easily be repurposed for retractable running boards.
These are going to be tall vehicles so steps would help a lot.

I will say whether they were rock rails or just side skirts they appeared to be plastic for the concept but guess a more substantial sill/rail will be offered. It was interesting the Traveller was a black sill and terra was painted silver.
I will say with 35’s a running board will be necessary for smaller statured buyers. I don’t know if I’d want to pay for retractable but a fixed running board and maybe hoop steps would be nice

 

[J Alynn]

I have to disagree on the start/stop/on/off button, I want to tell the vehicle when to turn on and off, not the vehicle telling me. There always end up being exceptions. I’ve heard numerous examples where people have to bend over backwards to get the car to do what they want, because the designer didn’t think about their case, eg ac and lights automatically turn off when driver exits, even if there are other people in the car. End up having to learn magic hacks like “press brake pedal 3 times before exiting vehicle”. Just give me button and I’ll decide for myself thank-you-very-much.

Can you clarify. Interested in events you’ve faced as I’ve never had an issue with any on/off/start on any car we’ve owned. Very intrigued

 

[EV_Or_Gas]

I will say whether they were rock rails or just side skirts they appeared to be plastic for the concept but guess a more substantial sill/rail will be offered. It was interesting the Traveller was a black sill and terra was painted silver.
I will say with 35’s a running board will be necessary for smaller statured buyers. I don’t know if I’d want to pay for retractable but a fixed running board and maybe hoop steps would be nice

Yeah. Fixed is far better from a reliability standpoint. I was thinking retractable as it won’t mess with the design of the vehicle.

 

[Iguy]

I have to disagree on the start/stop/on/off button, I want to tell the vehicle when to turn on and off, not the vehicle telling me. There always end up being exceptions. I’ve heard numerous examples where people have to bend over backwards to get the car to do what they want, because the designer didn’t think about their case, eg ac and lights automatically turn off when driver exits, even if there are other people in the car. End up having to learn magic hacks like “press brake pedal 3 times before exiting vehicle”. Just give me button and I’ll decide for myself thank-you-very-much.

I get it the feeling/concern. I felt that way before I owned an EV that did it. You still tell the vehicle when to turn on and off by using the brake pedal. It’s the same way as a gas vehicle where you push the brake so you can press the start button, but it just turns it on for you and you just put it in drive or reverse instead. Having had a vehicle with it, it’s very simple and intuitive and you get no issues with not being able to turn it on or anything. You wouldn’t have to press the brake pedal 3 times to exit. You’d drive up, stop, ideally put it in park and get out. If you forget to put it in park, it does it for you when you open the door and your butt leaves the seat. It’s a lot more simple than it seems. Look at Tesla or the Silverado EV. I promise, no tricks. You do what you already do just without the start stop button.

 

[J Alynn]

I get it the feeling/concern. I felt that way before I owned an EV that did it. You still tell the vehicle when to turn on and off by using the brake pedal. It’s the same way as a gas vehicle where you push the brake so you can press the start button, but it just turns it on for you and you just put it in drive or reverse instead. Having had a vehicle with it, it’s very simple and intuitive and you get no issues with not being able to turn it on or anything. You wouldn’t have to press the brake pedal 3 times to exit. You’d drive up, stop, ideally put it in park and get out. If you forget to put it in park, it does it for you when you open the door and your butt leaves the seat. It’s a lot more simple than it seems. Look at Tesla or the Silverado EV. I promise, no tricks. You do what you already do just without the start stop button.

The new designs do have a push button start button on the steering well

 

[oldgeeksguide]

Can you clarify. Interested in events you’ve faced as I’ve never had an issue with any on/off/start on any car we’ve owned. Very intrigued

No personal experience, as all my vehicles have either been old fashioned with a key, or have start/stop buttons, but I’ve followed a few EVs on YouTube and there are often issues like, car turns off when driver exits, so if you don’t have a specific “camp” or “pet” mode you don’t have a way for folks to listen to music, use ac, use lights, etc. another example was a car that would turn off after 20 minutes. The one I’m referencing above was from a GM review where they were aware of a special (secret?) mode, where the car would only stay on if you tapped the brake 3 times.

The trouble with all these workarounds is that you’re stuck hoping that the designers made a special “mode” or something to support your particular situation, when all you really needed was an on/off switch. It’s fine if there’s an option to enable some automatic system, but no one thinks of everything so it’s good to support a basic “do what I want, not what some designer thinks I want” situation.

 

[J Alynn]

No personal experience, as all my vehicles have either been old fashioned with a key, or have start/stop buttons, but I’ve followed a few EVs on YouTube and there are often issues like, car turns off when driver exits, so if you don’t have a specific “camp” or “pet” mode you don’t have a way for folks to listen to music, use ac, use lights, etc. another example was a car that would turn off after 20 minutes. The one I’m referencing above was from a GM review where they were aware of a special (secret?) mode, where the car would only stay on if you tapped the brake 3 times.

The trouble with all these workarounds is that you’re stuck hoping that the designers made a special “mode” or something to support your particular situation, when all you really needed was an on/off switch. It’s fine if there’s an option to enable some automatic system, but no one thinks of everything so it’s good to support a basic “do what I want, not what some designer thinks I want” situation.

Thanks. Never heard that stuff. I’m still for a button start but now I have a better understand of issue

 

[Harris005]

No personal experience, as all my vehicles have either been old fashioned with a key, or have start/stop buttons, but I’ve followed a few EVs on YouTube and there are often issues like, car turns off when driver exits, so if you don’t have a specific “camp” or “pet” mode you don’t have a way for folks to listen to music, use ac, use lights, etc. another example was a car that would turn off after 20 minutes. The one I’m referencing above was from a GM review where they were aware of a special (secret?) mode, where the car would only stay on if you tapped the brake 3 times.

The trouble with all these workarounds is that you’re stuck hoping that the designers made a special “mode” or something to support your particular situation, when all you really needed was an on/off switch. It’s fine if there’s an option to enable some automatic system, but no one thinks of everything so it’s good to support a basic “do what I want, not what some designer thinks I want” situation.

Not to add another mode, but you got me thinking about tailgating and the vehicle shutting off automatically every 20 minutes. A Tailgating mode that didnt shut off would be nice to avoid this issue when enjoying music.

 

[Iguy]

@oldgeeksguide, I appreciate the thoughts and you’ve kinda convinced me with your last message of the validity.

@Harris005 good idea. Camp mode could work for that though I suppose?

 

[Mousehunter]

Tall is relative. The bottom of the door of my wife's Rubicon (with 35" tires) is 24". I have no trouble getting into it - but when measuring it, I have to admit the drivers side base of the door frame has the paint rubbed a bit - so I bet my wife is stepping there. The bottom of my LJ door is sitting at 28" - I don't have any real problems getting in (but my 12 year old son who is short for his age does struggle). My F250 is a bit different, as the body does not extend under the door - but if I open the door and measure the floor height, it is also 28". I did get it with a retractable step - mostly because I hated the looks of the fixed step. I do use that step every time I get in that truck (well every time it is working, and honestly it has worked much better than I had originally feared - but it can get mucked up occasionally).

Just from pictures - I am expecting the Scout to be a much shorter vehicle than any of the 3 I just listed. Well, unless they offer a factory lift kit. Rubicons come with a factory 2" lift as part of the Rubicon package. My LJ has a 4" lift (4" is necessary to get full articulation with 33" tires and no cutting). The F250 is stock height.