Range and Competitiveness

[Silversoul]

This is just my two cents on the current range estimates for both full EVs and the Harvester models compared to current offerings, particularly from Chevy for the Terra comparison and several EV SUVs from other competitors for the Traveler.

Starting with the Terra, if we're truly seeing this as a truck, the 350-mile range estimate is already concerning in terms of towing. From different testing, most EV trucks lose about half their total range while towing a 7,500lbs load^1. For the Ford F150 Lightning* (320 miles on the Flash model at $70,000) and Rivian R1T* (329 miles at $76,900), two of the major truck competitors right now in terms of pricing and range, this is on par, but for the Chevy Silverado LT* (408 miles at $75,195), it's starting to look worse. Pricing is better than the Silverado (if they can keep it "sub $60,000"), but the range is killing this from being a great truck overall. If you wanted to tow, you're looking at only 175 miles of range. The Harvester addon would make the range better, but then you're dampening the idea of a "full EV" by adding a gas generator to it, not to mention the added cost of doing so will push the offerings of the other manufacturers into a better light anyway.

Looking at the Traveller, this vehicle just does not make sense at $60,000. With a range that just barely beats out Ford* (Mustang Mach-E Premium w/Extended Battery at $49,995), Chevy* (Equinox LT/RS (both are showing the same price right now) for 302 miles on the AWD at $49,095), and Volkswagen's* (ID.4 Pro S AWD with 263 miles at $54,000) offerings, but at a much worse price, and at least beats Rivian's* R1S (since the R2 isn't out yet, 270 miles of range and $76,000 for the BASE model), the price alone makes this an extremely premium SUV, but for the almost $10,000 price difference between their competitors, it makes me wonder why I should buy the Traveler instead of another offering.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the idea of these vehicles, but in terms of base model pricing, I'm concerned that they're going to be outmatched before they even come out. GM is making some crazy strides for efficiency^2 in their trucks, and I don't see them slowing down. Granted, the Scout engineers could also be working on some crazy efficiency to make these vehicles' range better before release, but as it stands, the pricing either needs to be reevaluated for the Traveller, and the range for both needs to be improved to compete against the big brands. I'm holding my reservation until either the price/range doesn't make sense or until mine shows up. With the federal EV tax credit most likely getting the axe, you also have to look at the cost compared to a gas/diesel counterpart. The pricing of the Traveller sets it squarely in the premium SUVs for EV and ICE, which is not a good thing since there's so much competition there, and the Terra at least is on the low end for pricing, but depending on how basic that base model is, could be a bad spot to be in too.

Regardless, I wish everyone at Scout Motors the best of luck, and I can't wait to see more about these vehicles as we approach their estimated release date.

EDIT: I know these SUV comparisons aren't exact, since the Traveller is more of an off-roading centered SUV compared to these city oriented vehicles, I'm under the assumption that the base model is going to be a hybrid of the two, with a package that will "fully upgrade" it to an off-road beast. A better comparison would be specifically with the R1S and the upcoming Jeep Recon (which as of today, I can't find a ton of information on).

* - Pulled from Ford's, Rivian's, Volkswagen's, and Chevy's sites respectively on 12/2/2024
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[J Alynn]

Much of what you say is true. And perhaps this vehicle isn’t for everyone. It’s like comparing the Terra to the new Ram with Range extender. The Ram is intended to tow large /heavy items. That said no matter what vehicle you buy to tow it takes a hit. Large SUVs like Expedition and others are lucky to get 14-16 mpg when towing. It comes down to how you use the vehicle.
I’m all in on the Scouts but the longer I’m here the more I realize this vehicle is probably only right for about 80% of the forum members.
There are others who just want to off-road and don’t believe this is the tright vehicle but I believe most of them will be VERY surprised that the all EV versions will be just perfect. Sadly for towing crowd this might not be it. That’s why large ICE trucks/SUV’s will hang around

 

[Silversoul]

Much of what you say is true. And perhaps this vehicle isn’t for everyone. It’s like comparing the Terra to the new Ram with Range extender. The Ram is intended to tow large /heavy items. That said no matter wha vehicle you buy to tow it takes a hit. Large SUVs like Expedition and others are lucky to get 14-16 mpg when towing. It comes down to how you use the vehicle.
I’m all in on the Scouts but the longer I’m here the more I realize this vehicle is probably only right for about 80% of the forum members.
There are others who just want to off-road and don’t believe this is the tright vehicle but I believe most of them will be VERY surprised that the all EV versions will be just perfect. Sadly for towing crowd this might not be it. That’s why large ICE trucks/SUV’s will hang around

I totally agree. ICE vehicles will always have their place in the market, and maybe this is just one of the instances where they'll have sole control until a massive battery breakthrough occurs. I'm just hoping they can get 400 on full EV. I've been driving an ID.4 for almost 2 years now and love it. I just wish for the price, the range was better. Quite honestly, if Scout used the Utlium battery system and incorporated it into the VW MEB system so module replacements were a thing instead of an entire pack replacement, and hit 400+, it would be perfect. For the average person towing a boat for example, I'd be shocked if more than 175 miles of range was needed. Do I like seeing such a dip while towing? No. Do I like seeing the dip in the winter time? Also no, but it's one of the things that I've grown to live with. It does help that my car only takes a 12-mile hit in the wintertime, but I digress from that.

 

[Chaz26]

I do think for towing, if you're someone who needs to tow long distances and frequently, then this truck, and probably all EV only trucks are not the right vehicle at this time. The difficulty with EVs is the cost vs benefit of more range. 350 miles is going to plenty for 90% of people in everyday use. Putting enough batteries in to get a 500+ mile range will be expensive and most of the time, people aren't going to be using all that range so it's just additional weight and cost for minimal benefit.

They can still be good for towing depending on circumstances, e.g. if you use it for local work and you do under 150 miles per day. My neighbor, for example, has an RV, he tows that but they only tend to go within 2 hours from our house. He has a gas truck but for him an EV wouldn't really be an issue for his use. Now if you were doing longer trips then it wouldn't be as good that's for sure.

I think people just need to be realistic with the limitations and also with what they are using it for. No towing and it should be fine for day to day use. If you are towing under 150 miles, it should generally be fine as well. If you are towing much longer distances, then it might not be the right type of vehicle for you. But even then, if it's just once or twice a year you tow for 500-600 miles then it might be worth the slightly longer/more frequent charging if it's just a couple of times a year. If it's 250+ miles of towing on a frequent basis, I'd probably suggest getting diesel truck.

Also, for longer trips, just as important as range will be charging speed. As a faster charging vehicle with lower range will beat a longer range vehicle with slower charging speeds once the initial advantage of driving further is out the way.

 

[Silversoul]

I do think for towing, if you're someone who needs to tow long distances and frequently, then this truck, and probably all EV only trucks are not the right vehicle at this time. The difficulty with EVs is the cost vs benefit of more range. 350 miles is going to plenty for 90% of people in everyday use. Putting enough batteries in to get a 500+ mile range will be expensive and most of the time, people aren't going to be using all that range so it's just additional weight and cost for minimal benefit.

They can still be good for towing depending on circumstances, e.g. if you use it for local work and you do under 150 miles per day. My neighbor, for example, has an RV, he tows that but they only tend to go within 2 hours from our house. He has a gas truck but for him an EV wouldn't really be an issue for his use. Now if you were doing longer trips then it wouldn't be as good that's for sure.

I think people just need to be realistic with the limitations and also with what they are using it for. No towing and it should be fine for day to day use. If you are towing under 150 miles, it should generally be fine as well. If you are towing much longer distances, then it might not be the right type of vehicle for you. But even then, if it's just once or twice a year you tow for 500-600 miles then it might be worth the slightly longer/more frequent charging if it's just a couple of times a year. If it's 250+ miles of towing on a frequent basis, I'd probably suggest getting diesel truck.

Also, for longer trips, just as important as range will be charging speed. As a faster charging vehicle with lower range will beat a longer range vehicle with slower charging speeds once the initial advantage of driving further is out the way.

I agree that for non-towing, 350 miles is fine. My ID.4 gets on average 280 and for general commuting and trips around the state, it's perfect. I'm not even saying these trucks need to match ICE trucks in terms of range (though that would be great), I just want to see them consistently break through that 400-mile barrier. Hell, if any EV manufacturer consistently breaks it I'd be thrilled. We've been stuck at the 250~ range for so long that it feels like, unless you're spending $100k+, you're not getting any better range. There just has to be a point where it'll give, and we'll finally get the efficiency that starts showing EVs are a truly competitive option for everyone.

 

[CarTechGeek]

Looking at the Traveler, this vehicle just does not make sense at $60,000. With a range that just barely beats out Ford* (Mustang Mach-E Premium w/Extended Battery at $49,995), Chevy* (Equinox LT/RS (both are showing the same price right now) for 302 miles on the AWD at $49,095), and Volkswagen's* (ID.4 Pro S AWD with 263 miles at $54,000) offerings, but at a much worse price, and at least beats Rivian's* R1S (since the R2 isn't out yet, 270 miles of range and $76,000 for the BASE model), the price alone makes this an extremely premium SUV, but for the almost $10,000 price difference between their competitors, it makes me wonder why I should buy the Traveler instead of another offering.

Only the Rivian R1S is close to being in the same class. You will notice that on your Pickup comparison they are competitive, since those are the same class.

But you really can't compare a big full frame, off-road oriented SUV, to a bunch of smaller "Cute Utes". That's an Apples and Oranges comparison.

Another more direct competitor will be the Jeep Recon coming next year, but it's also expected to be around $60K.

 

[Silversoul]

Only the Rivian R1S is close to being in the same class. You will notice that on your Pickup comparison they are competitive, since those are the same class.

But you really can't compare a big full frame, off-road oriented SUV, to a bunch of smaller "Cute Utes". That's an Apples and Oranges comparison.

Another more direct competitor will be the Jeep Recon coming next year, but it's also expected to be around $60K.

True, I suppose I'm going under the assumption that the base model is going to be geared towards more of a hybrid between a typical SUV and an offroading SUV. Do you have any information on the Jeep Recon by chance? It looks like Jeep had posted a video on it, but the video became private and I can't seem to find any concrete information aside from some rumors and speculation on it.

Assuming it is slated to be around $60k with approximately the same range, then the Traveller would indeed be in a good place for pricing and range.

Updating my original post to reflect it's not a direct comparison, regardless.

 

[R1TVT]

I agree that for non-towing, 350 miles is fine.

EV trucks are EXCELLENT for towing, and even a range-reduced 350 number will make a lot of people that tow very happy. There are a $hit-ton of people that tow locally (me being one of them). They might tow utility trailers, trailers with motorcycles, horses, boats or snowmobiles or tow a trailer full of canoes to the top of the whitewater. Think about local contractors towing work trailers. EV trucks are perfect for these use-cases - provided your usage falls within whatever range your truck will afford. Not to mention torque, a low center of gravity, excellent camera & towing tech.

Do you have any information on the Jeep Recon by chance? It looks like Jeep had posted a video on it, but the video became private and I can't seem to find any concrete information aside from some rumors and speculation on it.

Jeep Recon looks to be smaller (I'm guessing a wheelbase that is much closer to a R2 than anything), but I don't think they have published specs yet?

I would agree with the sentiments above. If you need a HD truck to tow BIG stuff, over LONG distances for hundreds of miles, and you want SHORTER pit stops along your multi-leg route, then a diesel 2500 or 3500 is going to be hard to beat. Not sure that is the target market here, given the off-road capability and the desire for the Scout to also have some on-road manners as a daily driver.

 

[CarTechGeek]

True, I suppose I'm going under the assumption that the base model is going to be geared towards more of a hybrid between a typical SUV and an offroading SUV. Do you have any information on the Jeep Recon by chance? It looks like Jeep had posted a video on it, but the video became private and I can't seem to find any concrete information aside from some rumors and speculation on it.

Assuming it is slated to be around $60k with approximately the same range, then the Traveller would indeed be in a good place for pricing and range.

Updating my original post to reflect it's not a direct comparison, regardless.

It's not quite as hardcore as a Wrangler. But it will have a real locking differential, which is very Rare for EVs. It also has removable doors and rear mounted spare, and is seen with some cheap AT tires. There have been many barely disguised models caught in photos.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2025-jeep-recon-prototypes-hit-michigan-roads-with-nexen-roadian-atx-rubber-boots-243100.html

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

EV trucks are EXCELLENT for towing, and even a range-reduced 350 number will make a lot of people that tow very happy. There are a $hit-ton of people that tow locally (me being one of them). They might tow utility trailers, trailers with motorcycles, horses, boats or snowmobiles or tow a trailer full of canoes to the top of the whitewater. Think about local contractors towing work trailers. EV trucks are perfect for these use-cases - provided your usage falls within whatever range your truck will afford. Not to mention torque, a low center of gravity, excellent camera & towing tech.

Yep.
A lot of contractors I know won't go more than an hour from home base--an hour drive each way is losing money. That's easy in an EV truck with 300+ miles range.

 

[J Alynn]

I think the other issue was noted by the comment of 400 mile range. I think with current battery tech, truck weight and hauler needs I just think 400 mile range just isn’t possible with reasonable battery pack size and being cost conscious. The two just don’t meet up-YET! Another few years-maybe but at what cost and range has yet to be determined ?

 

[OIBScout]

I've always thought EV trucks make a lot of sense for contractors for the reasons above. It pays to remember that even Diesels will lose 40% - 50% of their range when towing loads in the 70th percentile plus of their advertised tow capacity.

EVs have a key problem in that our charging infrastructure isn't friendly to vehicles towing (e.g., a 50' long combined TV and trailer). We need pull-through charging if longer distance towing from a light-duty truck is to ever become popular and realistic.

 

[Rocket13foxtrot]

I have to say I'm not concerned about the range because I'm not intending to tow long distances with a Scout. As has been said a number of times now, there are better tools for that. If towing long distance is a primary use case for your Scout (or any EV) as your only vehicle, I think you're correct to be second guessing a reservation...

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

This is just my two cents on the current range estimates for both full EVs and the Harvester models compared to current offerings, particularly from Chevy for the Terra comparison and several EV SUVs from other competitors for the Traveler.

Starting with the Terra, if we're truly seeing this as a truck, the 350-mile range estimate is already concerning in terms of towing. From different testing, most EV trucks lose about half their total range while towing a 7,500lbs load^1. For the Ford F150 Lightning* (320 miles on the Flash model at $70,000) and Rivian R1T* (329 miles at $76,900), two of the major truck competitors right now in terms of pricing and range, this is on par, but for the Chevy Silverado LT* (408 miles at $75,195), it's starting to look worse. Pricing is better than the Silverado (if they can keep it "sub $60,000"), but the range is killing this from being a great truck overall. If you wanted to tow, you're looking at only 175 miles of range. The Harvester addon would make the range better, but then you're dampening the idea of a "full EV" by adding a gas generator to it, not to mention the added cost of doing so will push the offerings of the other manufacturers into a better light anyway.

Looking at the Traveller, this vehicle just does not make sense at $60,000. With a range that just barely beats out Ford* (Mustang Mach-E Premium w/Extended Battery at $49,995), Chevy* (Equinox LT/RS (both are showing the same price right now) for 302 miles on the AWD at $49,095), and Volkswagen's* (ID.4 Pro S AWD with 263 miles at $54,000) offerings, but at a much worse price, and at least beats Rivian's* R1S (since the R2 isn't out yet, 270 miles of range and $76,000 for the BASE model), the price alone makes this an extremely premium SUV, but for the almost $10,000 price difference between their competitors, it makes me wonder why I should buy the Traveler instead of another offering.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the idea of these vehicles, but in terms of base model pricing, I'm concerned that they're going to be outmatched before they even come out. GM is making some crazy strides for efficiency^2 in their trucks, and I don't see them slowing down. Granted, the Scout engineers could also be working on some crazy efficiency to make these vehicles' range better before release, but as it stands, the pricing either needs to be reevaluated for the Traveller, and the range for both needs to be improved to compete against the big brands. I'm holding my reservation until either the price/range doesn't make sense or until mine shows up. With the federal EV tax credit most likely getting the axe, you also have to look at the cost compared to a gas/diesel counterpart. The pricing of the Traveller sets it squarely in the premium SUVs for EV and ICE, which is not a good thing since there's so much competition there, and the Terra at least is on the low end for pricing, but depending on how basic that base model is, could be a bad spot to be in too.

Regardless, I wish everyone at Scout Motors the best of luck, and I can't wait to see more about these vehicles as we approach their estimated release date.

EDIT: I know these SUV comparisons aren't exact, since the Traveller is more of an off-roading centered SUV compared to these city oriented vehicles, I'm under the assumption that the base model is going to be a hybrid of the two, with a package that will "fully upgrade" it to an off-road beast. A better comparison would be specifically with the R1S and the upcoming Jeep Recon (which as of today, I can't find a ton of information on).

* - Pulled from Ford's, Rivian's, Volkswagen's, and Chevy's sites respectively on 12/2/2024
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Agree with what your saying. The only chevy model that can be compared to the Terra is the Silverado EV Trailboss. No news on its range or cost. Hopefully at least 406 and under 80k

 

[J Alynn]

Yep.
A lot of contractors I know won't go more than an hour from home base--an hour drive each way is losing money. That's easy in an EV truck with 300+ miles range.

I just spoke with an acquaintance in my area who works a a larger regional builder and they’re considering changing their whole fleet out to EV. I told him to look at the SM website as I know Jamie said they would likely be doing fleet sales.

 

[J Alynn]

Agree with what your saying. The only chevy model that can be compared to the Terra is the Silverado EV Trailboss. No news on its range or cost. Hopefully at least 406 and under 80k

That all said the only Chevy I’ve ever owned had non stop recalls so personally I have no faith in Chevy, or Ford for that matter-already dumped out Bronco after 1-1/2 years due to significant issues. A Buddy of mine has a Mach-E. Couple months ago he literally pulled into driveway the car stopped and EVERY emergency light in the vehicle came on. They screwed around with towing it, wasted a week of his time, said it was working again but they had no idea why it happened. Needless to say he’s now looking to replace it.
If the new Scout runs forever like the originals and the rust is no longer an issue these may be the best American vehicles ever made. Gonna keep hoping that’s the case!

 

[TreeKiller]

The five places I tow my 5,200lb load most often are at 36 miles, 81 miles, 90 miles, 110 miles and 157 miles from my driveway, and the three longer trips all include a lot of hillwork. Going to be interesting to see if the Harvester will make it all the way to that farthest destination while towing without having to fill up / charge up.

Moab is 461 miles and the Rubicon is 800 miles. Those will probably be a pita, but again are already a pita in my gasser when towing. The extra step of needing to find both a place to gas up and a place to charge up will add complications though.

 

[J Alynn]

While not necessarily apples to apples I saw today the Volvo E-xc90-3-row electric SUV is advertised with 310 mile range and I’m pretty sure that’s the upgraded range battery. That said I’m sure people (some demographics) will cross shop that as well. That said having 350 on the SM EV’s even if upgraded range is pretty good.
Around my area the Volvo XC90 is generally driven by all wealthier/ wannabe rich stay at home moms (I realize that’s not the case with everyone-just my area) so some of that demo will likely cross shop even though they aren’t really comparable vehicles
Just another SUV range comparison was the point of my post

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

The five places I tow my 5,200lb load most often are at 36 miles, 81 miles, 90 miles, 110 miles and 157 miles from my driveway, and the three longer trips all include a lot of hillwork. Going to be interesting to see if the Harvester will make it all the way to that farthest destination while towing without having to fill up / charge up.

Moab is 461 miles and the Rubicon is 800 miles. Those will probably be a pita, but again are already a pita in my gasser when towing. The extra step of needing to find both a place to gas up and a place to charge up will add complications though.

My feeling is by the time the Scout is released the extra time and planning to charge will be doable.

 

[Drzzden]

I was turned onto the Terra for the mere fact the bed is larger than the Rivian and it had the ability to use gas to extend it's distance, or fill in a gap on a road trip where there isn't a charger. I recently drove from VA to WA after a stop in RI and can say there were spots I was nervous we wouldn't make it. Now we were using a back cargo hitch to hold luggage and a roof rack, but my peace of mind would have been much better knowing we had the ability to stop at a gas station.