Scout Motors FAQ - Last update September 4, 2024

[SLO_Scout]

Thanks for the FAQ. I am fed up with the dated tech and poor mileage in my daily-driver ICE SUV. On days I want to drive a basic truck for the joy of driving, I’ll drive my bright yellow Scout II or my Travelall.

On my next vehicle, I want it all. When International Harvester started the Scout 80, the brand was building farm implements and heavy trucks. The Scout was a gamble to build a vehicle that could appeal to their customers (farmers) that were buying surplus army jeeps. The revisions into the Scout 800, the Scout II, the Terra, the Traveler, and Travelall were efforts to change with the market, appeal to a wider market (“It’s not a car. It’s the go anywhere, do anything Scout!”).

I am glad you guys are taking on this difficult task. I have often wondered what the modern IH might have envisioned throughout the years as the “next Scout.” If I am honest, the Scout III concept was as dreadful as many 80s cars were. But you guys get to actually plan the next one. I know this isn’t the same company. I am aware that the Bronco and iD Buzz and other nostalgia-inspired vehicles make this a timely decision for VW to get behind. The difficulty you guys face will be challenging. IH fans enjoy being part of something quite different than the big brands. It is rather counter-car-culture. You have to balance these idiosyncrasies with the modern automotive public.

I am looking forward to it. I started looking at the options to replace my daily-driver, but nothing checks all of the boxes. I am trying to hold out for the new Scout EV. As I said, I want it all:
- Off-road capable (truly)
- Modern electronics
- Safe for the family
- EV
- If removable top isn’t an option, as open-air as can be

If someone can build an EV with good range (can’t charge on a trail) that focuses on capability, dependability, modifications, repairs, cleaning, and tech to support those features without focusing on luxury to justify cost, I would buy that vehicle without the Scout badge. Add well placed honoring of the Scout name in design and badging, and you’ve made a slam-dunk.

You’ve done one better by including us in the idea process! I am excited! Good luck!

Let us have first crack at the reservations, and I’ll hold on with my current SUV to get in line for a brightly colored Scout EV.

 

[shawnpcochran]

I want to know what kind of software they are going to use, I know VW is doing a collaboration with Chinese companies to develop the software for future VW vehicles. That would be fine for China but I don’t want that in my car, just too many security issues when you have to deal with a group that is well known for hacking to steal what ever they can download. I am hoping they use Linux, there are a few companies that are already developing Linux based software for EV’s. This could be cheaper for VW since it could be tax deductible and with more then one company contributing it could cut the cost. Also VW could take what already exists and modify it for their own purposes. It could also be even more secure because many eyes can find vulnerabilities and lock them down. Just my thoughts.

 

[GotScout]

I want to know what kind of software they are going to use, I know VW is doing a collaboration with Chinese companies to develop the software for future VW vehicles. That would be fine for China but I don’t want that in my car, just too many security issues when you have to deal with a group that is well known for hacking to steal what ever they can download. I am hoping they use Linux, there are a few companies that are already developing Linux based software for EV’s. This could be cheaper for VW since it could be tax deductible and with more then one company contributing it could cut the cost. Also VW could take what already exists and modify it for their own purposes. It could also be even more secure because many eyes can find vulnerabilities and lock them down. Just my thoughts.

Your Chinese phone just became very offended.

 

[bburd38]

Any thoughts on keeping the more squared off silhouette of the original Scouts on the new Scout? I realize it's not the most fuel efficient (or front glass friendly) design, but to many of us it's what makes a Scout a Scout. I suspect if you ask anyone who owns one of the originals they would probably tell you fuel efficiency was not the driving factor in the decision to restore them.

 

[GotScout]

Any thoughts on keeping the more squared off silhouette of the original Scouts on the new Scout? I realize it's not the most fuel efficient (or front glass friendly) design, but to many of us it's what makes a Scout a Scout. I suspect if you ask anyone who owns one of the originals they would probably tell you fuel efficiency was not the driving factor in the decision to restore them.

The Bronco is a brick... so it does not seem out of the question from a design/don't design aspect.... But look what RR did... so who knows....

 

[hmcd]

Hattori -

Thanks for the long response, and I'll do my best to try and offer some perspective from my end, particularly on the automotive industry side.

I think when we talk about the original Scout (or any 40-60+ year-old vehicle), it is worth pointing out overall how much the auto industry has changed (yeah, I know, duh, but bear with me...). The Scout 80, like a lot of vehicles back then, had two doors, crank windows, very little sound deadening, no electronics, very minimal wiring harness, a non-insulated top, basic sheet metal prone to rusting, two-wheel (and four-wheel) drive configurations, 3-speed manual transmission, seats with basic rake adjustment, no modern safety equipment and on and on. If we attempted to build a vehicle just like the original Scout, it would not be competitive in the marketplace. It also wouldn't meet current EPA and DOT safety and pollution requirements. Plus, it would likely only appeal to 2-5% of the market at best.

Back-up cameras are required. ABS brakes are required. Electronic stability control systems are required. Multiple airbags are required. Side impact beams are required. Rollover protection is required. Small-overlap protection is required. Seatbelts have pre-tensioners. Consumers expect power windows, power/remote locks, quiet interiors that don't squeak or rattle, cell phone connectivity, security systems, seats with multiple adjustments, fold-down rear seats in multiple configurations, multi-speed wipers, HVAC systems that heat and cool quickly, and on and on and on. Over the last 20 years, the number of features expected and offered at even lower price points has grown 10-fold in some cases. Plus, the computers and electronics to run all of it are just part of the program. Techs must be able to plug in a laptop and run diagnostics, and the results need to go back to corporate so problems can be tracked and solutions provided. I think many of us take for granted all the systems, software, and hardware that are required in a modern vehicle - even if we didn't ask for a good portion of it. The industry before covid did an amazing job holding the line on pricing while adding 2-5x more features. That's the competitive market manufacturers compete in now.

When the Scout 80 was introduced, it was a better alternative to what back then was a stripped-out military Jeep. Until the Bronco came along in 1966, the Scout 80 was unique. Today there are numerous SUVs on the market and strong offerings from both Jeep and Bronco. They all try and match each other's competitive sets, and the result is similar specs and features at the end of the day. It is challenging to differentiate your product today. Because so many basic features are standard on many vehicles, you start getting into expensive unique features like 4-wheel steering and such to try and make your product different. And at the same time, adding complexity and cost as well. Or you try and capture unique software features that no one offers. Either way, it is a lot more difficult in today's marketplace to differentiate your product, and often you only have that advantage for a short time till your competitor offers it as well.

Having said that, we think the new Scout will be different and stand on its own merits. We've said it won't use any existing VW Group EV platform, so you should assume that means good things. There will be new technology unique to Scout specifications. We said it would be rugged, and we will back that claim up. It also has to be competitive in the marketplace, and we know that we can't make everyone happy. But we plan to offer both base value versions and a variety of trim levels at different price points to hopefully offer people what they want.

While from the outside, it may seem like things have been quiet lately, I can tell you that there is a TON going on behind the scenes. Our factory location will be announced soon. We are working with suppliers to finalize contracts on certain pieces, and once that's done, we should be able to share some technical details as well. Our hope is to have a deep dive in a few months on the technical specs underneath the body. The design team is finalizing the concept designs, and work has started on building the first concepts. You will see the concepts later on in the year and we are hoping to invite many of you to come to see them. We will also likely be touring with the concepts as well, so stay tuned. We still have many details to hammer out, but Chris and I remain excited by everything we've seen and heard behind the scenes so far. Thanks for your continued patience and we're looking forward to the journey.

- Jamie

Love it! There's a whole new generation of drivers whose expectations and "basics" have also changed since 1980. I believe Scout is going to do fantastic things with marrying the best parts of the past with the Scout legacy, that we're going to love. It's awesome that you're giving everyone this space for feedback and discussion. Can't wait to see the grand reveal!

 

[germanscoutfan99]

Will Scout sell Cars only in the US or is there a chance we can get Scouts internationally from 2026+?

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

Will Scout sell Cars only in the US or is there a chance we can get Scouts internationally from 2026+?

North America yes, but not initially. Rest of the world hasn't been determined yet.

 

[bbarry840]

The Road to Scout production-keep dreaming

 

[bbarry840]

Below is our Scout Motors FAQ to make it easier to look at the latest information and commonly asked questions. If you see an answer below, that is the official answer for now as we are still a ways out on a large number of decisions. We will update this FAQ and reflect the date of the changes as well as things progress.


SCOUT MOTORS FAQ - Last update: December 7, 2023



Q: WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO BUY A NEW SCOUT VEHICLE?

A: We are currently (December 2023) in the early stages of starting a new automotive company. There are numerous moving pieces that need to come together before we can start building vehicles. That said, we are already making quite a bit of progress, and we aim to start production at the end of 2026. We will debut both of our initial models in the 3rd quarter of 2024 and reservations can be made around the same time. Between now and then, keep an eye out for more teasers, easter eggs, early concepts, business announcements, community visits, events, and much more. We also hope to share numerous behind-the-scenes stories with you and offer some forum-exclusive swag, so stay tuned.



Q: WHAT SCOUT MODELS ARE PLANNED AT THIS POINT?

A: Our current plans include a rugged SUV and pickup truck that live up to the Scout name. Our goal is to ensure they are capable and tough and offer everything you’d expect in a modern vehicle at a price that won’t break the bank. All our vehicles will be fully electric (BEV) when they are introduced.



Q: WHY FULLY ELECTRIC?

A: The electrification of transportation isn’t new, and it isn’t limited to just the United States. This is a global movement in the transportation world. More research is being spent on battery technology than ever before. With more and more of our everyday items utilizing batteries, the push to make batteries more efficient is the future. These are exciting times in the automotive industry.

We’re in a unique position where we have the backing of a major automotive group and the freedom to build these vehicles from the ground up. Without any existing internal combustion engine (ICE) production for Scout vehicles, we have a blank slate to build from. This will allow us to dive head-on into BEV production from the start without the burden of transitioning over from ICE. We have the opportunity to build, from the dirt up, the future of all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs, and we aren't not messing around.



Q: IS SCOUT PART OF VOLKSWAGEN?

A: In September 2022, Scout became the next great American startup when it was officially incorporated in Delaware. Though an independent company, Scout is backed by Volkswagen Group. This provides Scout with the vehicle and production engineering expertise to quickly ramp production of high quality vehicles while also allowing the creativity and agility that an entrepreneurial company needs to thrive. Scout will focus on one thing – bringing a new generation of Scout vehicles to market that are a worthy and modern successor to original Scout, and forging the future of all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs.



Q: WHERE WILL THE NEW SCOUT VEHICLES BE BUILT?

A: The all-new Scout will be proudly made in America in Columbia, South Carolina. This decision solidifies a $2B investment in US manufacturing, the creation of 4,000 or more permanent jobs, and the potential to produce 200,000 or more Scouts annually when operating at full capacity. You can read the full press release HERE.



Q: WHAT BATTERY SIZE WILL YOU USE IN YOUR VEHICLES?

A: We will announce that as soon as we have settled on the final specifications.



Q: HOW MANY ELECTRIC MOTORS WILL YOU USE?

A: That will be announced when the final specifications are ready.



Q: WILL YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLATFORM BE BASED ON AN EXISTING EV PLATFORM?

A: No. The new Scout vehicles are getting a new BEV platform designed specifically for these vehicles, allowing us to make them rugged, capable, and bespoke to their purpose. The new Scouts will utilize an all-new ladder-frame chassis as a committment to build a proper offroad, durable and capable vehicle.



Q: WHAT SIZE WILL THE NEW SCOUT SUVS AND PICKUP TRUCKS BE?

A: We are still finalizing specs, but they will be competitive with other SUVs and pickup trucks in the market.



Q: WILL THERE BE A TWO-DOOR AND A FOUR-DOOR VERSION?

A: At the moment, Scout is only planning for the production of 4-door SUVs and trucks.



Q: WILL THE ROOF BE REMOVABLE?

A: We’ve had everything on the table as we’ve worked through numerous design iterations and squared our concepts with regulatory and safety requirements. This will continue to evolve as we get feedback from consumer product clinics and surveys. Scout’s original DNA is important to us, and in some form or fashion, you’re going to see this in the product.



Q: WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO PLACE AN ORDER/RESERVATION?

A: Shortly after we debut the Scout concepts in mid-2024, we plan to offer a reservation system.



Q: ARE THERE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT SCOUT MOTORS?

A: Of course! We are actively recruiting, growing quickly, and regularly post our open positions here: https://boards.greenhouse.io/scoutmotors.



Q: CAN I GIVE INPUT?

A: Absolutely! You can do it directly in our Scout Community Forums (https://scoutmotors.community.forum). Car companies rarely set up their own community platforms seeking input on new products. We believe transparency is a good thing, and interacting with our potential customers during the development of a brand-new car company is genuinely unique. We encourage you to follow along on this journey and give us feedback along the way.

 

[23Jeep4xe]

Sorry if this has been mentions in any other threads, but I haven't found any info on it. With how fast battery technology is evolving, are your engineers looking at ways the Scout can be forward compatible with new battery tech? That's my biggest gripe with EVs at the moment. You are paying high prices for a product that will be out of date in 3-5 years. It stings on a $1000 PC, but for some a $45-75K vehicle that is worth zero in a decade could be devastating financially. GM say's its Ultium tech is forward compatible, and I have to say.... those who don't follow suit will be likely shooting themselves in the foot.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

There are Tesla owners with more than ten years and ticking under their belt that might disagree with you...

We are always looking ahead at technology and the future including battery technology.

 

[23Jeep4xe]

There are Tesla owners with more than ten years and ticking under their belt that might disagree with you...

We are always looking ahead at technology and the future including battery technology.

Tesla seems to be the outlier. Chevrolets Ultium platform is brand new and barely competes..... actually, charging speeds are worse than a 10 yr old Tesla. Looking forward to more details, and placing a reservation! I currently drive a Jeep 4xe, and wish it was full EV. Lease is up Nov '26..... so the timing is just about right!

 

[GotScout]

Tesla seems to be the outlier. Chevrolets Ultium platform is brand new and barely competes..... actually, charging speeds are worse than a 10 yr old Tesla. Looking forward to more details, and placing a reservation! I currently drive a Jeep 4xe, and wish it was full EV. Lease is up Nov '26..... so the timing is just about right!

So as I suspected… this is a jeep group now. Cool. * jeep wave*

 

[J Alynn]

So as I suspected… this is a jeep group now. Cool. * jeep wave*

I’d call it a
‘Wanna be a Scout crowd’
and knowing Bronco took a lot of sales from Jeep I can’t wait to see what Scout does

 

[Derek]

There are Tesla owners with more than ten years and ticking under their belt that might disagree with you...

We are always looking ahead at technology and the future including battery technology.

To that exact point, I have a good friend with a 10 year old Model S that he daily drives (he bought it used 6 years ago) and it's still an AMAZING car, with 95% of the range it had new.

 

[RebelliousPeasant]

North America yes, but not initially. Rest of the world hasn't been determined yet.

Canada! Canada!

 

[RebelliousPeasant]

Sorry if this has been mentions in any other threads, but I haven't found any info on it. With how fast battery technology is evolving, are your engineers looking at ways the Scout can be forward compatible with new battery tech? That's my biggest gripe with EVs at the moment. You are paying high prices for a product that will be out of date in 3-5 years. It stings on a $1000 PC, but for some a $45-75K vehicle that is worth zero in a decade could be devastating financially. GM say's its Ultium tech is forward compatible, and I have to say.... those who don't follow suit will be likely shooting themselves in the foot.

Battery technology isn't evolving as quickly as you might believe. The improvements are on the order of 1 or 2% per year. They add up over time sure but a 10-20% improvement over a decade isn't exactly going to make your current vehicle obsolete. Furthermore, current battery innovations and efforts are mostly directed at making them cheaper. Newer chemistries like LFP are objectively worse than the more common NCM chemistry when it comes to energy density but they're getting close and are dramatically cheaper. The necessary energy density and durability for current batteries are already where they need to be, cost is the last hurdle. A Model S pack from 2012 is not dramatically different from the ones rolling off the assembly line today. Sure there will be incremental improvements but its not like PC's in the 1990's at all. Your vehicle won't stop working in ten years. If it meets your needs today it will continue to meet those needs a decade or more from now. (The one exception would be the Nissan Leaf but that battery was arguably already obsolete the day that vehicle was launched in 2010. I pity new Leaf owners.)

It also sounds like you might be under the impression that you'll need to replace your vehicle battery? You won't. EV batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle. Unless there's a manufacturing issue (which are rare and typically caught within the first couple of years of production, well within the 8 year minimum battery warranty) you likely won't need to replace the traction battery at your own expense and in all likelihood the pack will outlast the vehicle that it's in, especially if you live somewhere where they put salt on the roads.

Ultium has some cool innovations but they haven't made Tesla packs, or any other automaker's packs (other than Nissan's) obsolete and worthless.

 

[TimmyHil08]

Battery technology isn't evolving as quickly as you might believe. The improvements are on the order of 1 or 2% per year. They add up over time sure but a 10-20% improvement over a decade isn't exactly going to make your current vehicle obsolete. Furthermore, current battery innovations and efforts are mostly directed at making them cheaper. Newer chemistries like LFP are objectively worse than the more common NCM chemistry when it comes to energy density but they're getting close and are dramatically cheaper. The necessary energy density and durability for current batteries are already where they need to be, cost is the last hurdle. A Model S pack from 2012 is not dramatically different from the ones rolling off the assembly line today. Sure there will be incremental improvements but its not like PC's in the 1990's at all. Your vehicle won't stop working in ten years. If it meets your needs today it will continue to meet those needs a decade or more from now. (The one exception would be the Nissan Leaf but that battery was arguably already obsolete the day that vehicle was launched in 2010. I pity new Leaf owners.)

It also sounds like you might be under the impression that you'll need to replace your vehicle battery? You won't. EV batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle. Unless there's a manufacturing issue (which are rare and typically caught within the first couple of years of production, well within the 8 year minimum battery warranty) you likely won't need to replace the traction battery at your own expense and in all likelihood the pack will outlast the vehicle that it's in, especially if you live somewhere where they put salt on the roads.

Ultium has some cool innovations but they haven't made Tesla packs, or any other automaker's packs (other than Nissan's) obsolete and worthless.

Are electric vehicles using lithium pouch cells yet? Or is it still cylindrical cells?

Ik that BMW the company i work under since im a mechanic for a dealership. Some of the gas models use a lithium starter battery instead of deep cycle and cylindrical cells. And BMW was working with NorthVolt on making a Lithium cell but NorthVolt seems to not know how to invest money into tooling properly and is now laying of a bunch of workers.

If yall want to look it up is called project “lighthouse”

https://bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com/sib_attachments/B610614_Attachment.pdf

 

[RebelliousPeasant]

Are electric vehicles using lithium pouch cells yet? Or is it still cylindrical cells?

Ik that BMW the company i work under since im a mechanic for a dealership. Some of the gas models use a lithium starter battery instead of deep cycle and cylindrical cells.

If yall want to look it up is called project “lighthouse”

https://bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com/sib_attachments/B610614_Attachment.pdf

It depends on the automaker. Some use prismatic, some use pouch, Tesla famously uses cylindrical (along with several others), BYD uses what they call "blade" batteries, but the form factor doesn't really matter assuming the engineers know what they're doing. There are advantages and disadvantages to every cell design so it depends on what tradeoffs the automakers are looking to make. The shape of the cell doesn't necessarily make one type better than the other, it's all about how they optimize the entire package as a system that includes management, cooling, and ease of manufacturing/assembly.

And yeah, you've been able to buy lithium-ion 12V automotive batteries for several years now. Nothing too groundbreaking there. A company called CANBAT even makes lithium iron phosphate low temperature batteries but other companies like Eco-Worthy and Dakota make them. Heck, you can even buy them at Wal-Mart!