What kind of tech do you expect enabled in the car or interface?

[vmikee]

Amazon.com

No splicing; just run the power wire for your new device to the fuse box and pick a fuse that is powered how you like (all the time/acc/run)

I've used add-a-fuse's before for various reasons and they work well. The problem with newer vehicles is newer fuse types that don't have a compatible add-a-fuse. In my 2024 E350 most fuses are square boxes and many are three prong. Trying to decipher what they do was also a challenge because it varies based on what type of E350 it is.

But regardless, the point is that it would be really nice if Scout provided easily accessible power points for CB/GMRS radios or other accessories. Newer jeeps have an option for 4 aux power buttons (for things like off-road light bars), but I've not used those, so I don't know how accessories actually attach to them.

 

[LastDayScout]

I've used add-a-fuse's before for various reasons and they work well. The problem with newer vehicles is newer fuse types that don't have a compatible add-a-fuse. In my 2024 E350 most fuses are square boxes and many are three prong. Trying to decipher what they do was also a challenge because it varies based on what type of E350 it is.

But regardless, the point is that it would be really nice if Scout provided easily accessible power points for CB/GMRS radios or other accessories. Newer jeeps have an option for 4 aux power buttons (for things like off-road light bars), but I've not used those, so I don't know how accessories actually attach to them.

I think they plan on it. The center bar on the top of the dash is to hold accessories like a GoPro for example. There is also a bank of configurable switches for accessories.

 

[eightOne]

I've used add-a-fuse's before for various reasons and they work well. The problem with newer vehicles is newer fuse types that don't have a compatible add-a-fuse. In my 2024 E350 most fuses are square boxes and many are three prong. Trying to decipher what they do was also a challenge because it varies based on what type of E350 it is.

But regardless, the point is that it would be really nice if Scout provided easily accessible power points for CB/GMRS radios or other accessories. Newer jeeps have an option for 4 aux power buttons (for things like off-road light bars), but I've not used those, so I don't know how accessories actually attach to them.

From what I remember, they have an internal (cabin) and external (engine bay) harness that those buttons control. Anything pulling decent power should use that as a signal wire to control a relay that passes the full amps. Additionally, I believe it was possible to program the buttons to be either switched or momentary.

All that to say "yes, please" to accessory switches.

 

[Whtmustangt99]

Apple car play

A legitimately good sound system

Off road pages - view of gauges including pitch and roll, temperatures (battery, motor, etc.), gps coordinates, altitude, diff lock and sway disconnect status, etc.

The ability to track your path - use case is exploring off-road, ability to save your path and backtrack it (ability to save, publish/share to the community would be awesome too. Maybe a leaderboard for highest altitude, most off-road driving, things of that nature?)

The ability to control drive modes. Rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, 4x4, 4x4 all locked (front, center, rear)

The ability to turn off traction control and stability control off-road

Rear locker in rwd mode (off-road, so we can have fun)

Presets to save customized drive modes

Ability to configure for larger tires without needing aftermarket support (maybe a gps based speedometer calibration tool - something that compares speedo vs. gps speed to ensure properly configured for larger tires

Charging during specific times, or blackout windows (some of us have variable rate billing)

Bidirectional charging was announced, but data around this on the display. Power consumed, estimated run time remaining, etc.

 

[eightOne]

Apple car play

...

The ability to track your path - use case is exploring off-road, ability to save your path and backtrack it (ability to save, publish/share to the community would be awesome too. Maybe a leaderboard for highest altitude, most off-road driving, things of that nature?)

If they do decide to eschew CarPlay/AA, there better be a strong software side of the house integrating common music streaming services, onX, GPS mapping services, etc. All of which should be able to sign into our existing accounts. I don't want to have to manage synchronizing addresses, etc between the truck and my phone when this is already in-place technology in CarPlay/AA.

 

[Chaparral]

If they do decide to eschew CarPlay/AA, there better be a strong software side of the house integrating common music streaming services, onX, GPS mapping services, etc. All of which should be able to sign into our existing accounts. I don't want to have to manage synchronizing addresses, etc between the truck and my phone when this is already in-place technology in CarPlay/AA.

Some people present at the reveal said CarPlay was confirmed. But I’m going to keep on making the case for it until Scout show it to me.

 

[LastDayScout]

Some people present at the reveal said CarPlay was confirmed. But I’m going to keep on making the case for it until Scout show it to me.

They confirmed it at the UX display. The gentleman said it is just because of consumer demand that they will include CarPlay. He showed me a demonstration of the Scout captive navigation. It was very impressive. He said why would you want to use CarPlay if the built in navigation is so good. My response was I would like to have both.

 

[eightOne]

They confirmed it at the UX display. The gentleman said it is just because of consumer demand that they will include CarPlay. He showed me a demonstration of the Scout captive navigation. It was very impressive. He said why would you want to use CarPlay if the built in navigation is so good. My response was I would like to have both.

Isn't that always the argument they try to push?

"Why would you ever want to use your stuff over what we made?"

My usual answer to that is that most manufacturers spend the time and money for the first, flashy release and then ignore it in favor of money generators. Apple, Android, and the app developers that support CarPlay and Android Auto are continually working to make their software and integrations better. Make a better product and continue to support and improve that product, and you'll organically gain wider adoption. Force feed it, and you'll just piss off that part of your target audience.

 

[Scoutsie]

They confirmed it at the UX display. The gentleman said it is just because of consumer demand that they will include CarPlay. He showed me a demonstration of the Scout captive navigation. It was very impressive. He said why would you want to use CarPlay if the built in navigation is so good. My response was I would like to have both.

If the built-in navigation lets me leave a breadcrumb trail to show where I’ve been on the map (my current nav does this, but it’s several years out of date) and also tells me exactly what lane I need to be in for a turn (Apple Maps does this and I am extremely grateful since I live in a state with rotaries, seven-way intersections, and roads that suddenly dump you out on the highway), I’ll use it.

 

[eightOne]

… also tells me exactly what lane I need to be in for a turn (Apple Maps does this and I am extremely grateful since I live in a state with rotaries, seven-way intersections, and roads that suddenly dump you out on the highway),…

Google Maps also does this. It’s been extremely helpful more than once.

In addition, Google Maps and Apple Maps use current traffic information to give me route options. Also, Google Maps will show a leaf on a the route it calculates to be the most fuel efficient, which isn’t necessarily the fastest.

Another big also is that both of these mapping apps use integrations with email, messaging, recent searches, and typical destinations when I start driving from a particular location at a particular time to have suggestions as to what my destination might be for that drive.

It’s nice to jump in the truck, pull up the navigation software of choice (I use both), tap my destination for that trip, and pick the route that makes the most sense for that drive. For over 95% of my trips, it’s three taps at most to be on my way.


It’s going to be a tall order for any startup company to be able to compete with this right out of the gate, and, coming from the perspective of a software engineer, I don’t see Scout ever having the money to support a software department large enough to compete at the level of Apple and Google. In short, spend your money where it counts instead of trying to entice customers away from CarPlay and Android Auto. Don’t reinvent the wheel because of arrogance. You have a platform with OTA updates, SM. You can enhance and fix the software and UI/UX when you have the profitability to support it. Listen to your bean counters and focus on becoming solvent. Take the base mapping experience from your connections with Rivian and VAG to satisfy the user group that does not use CarPlay/AA, and keep CarPlay/AA for those of us that use and rely on them daily.

 

[vmikee]

The real-time traffic updates and social updates from apps like Waze and Apple Maps are key. I use a mapping app through CarPlay even if I know my route like the back of my hand just to get those updates so I can re-route if necessary. Often the app tells me there is an issue and re-routes for me. I can also use an app like Trailforks to get routing for an off-road route that doesn't even appear on most mapping apps. I would be extremely surprised if Scout was able to account for all navigation use cases in one on-board app. Not even Android or iOS can do that which is why there are so many other mapping applications available.

And another big issue with Navigation that comes with a car is the slow map version updates. With over the air I'm assuming they will be able to push a map update, but in the past you had to pay an outrageous amount to get an old map update. For my Jeep, I think it was like $150 for a map update that was 1-2 years old. Unless the navigation comes with free, regular map updates and real-time social updates like traffic hazards, accidents or speed checks, I'll just continue using the apps on my phone.

 

[Chaparral]

The real-time traffic updates and social updates from apps like Waze and Apple Maps are key. I use a mapping app through CarPlay even if I know my route like the back of my hand just to get those updates so I can re-route if necessary. Often the app tells me there is an issue and re-routes for me. I can also use an app like Trailforks to get routing for an off-road route that doesn't even appear on most mapping apps. I would be extremely surprised if Scout was able to account for all navigation use cases in one on-board app. Not even Android or iOS can do that which is why there are so many other mapping applications available.

And another big issue with Navigation that comes with a car is the slow map version updates. With over the air I'm assuming they will be able to push a map update, but in the past you had to pay an outrageous amount to get an old map update. For my Jeep, I think it was like $150 for a map update that was 1-2 years old. Unless the navigation comes with free, regular map updates and real-time social updates like traffic hazards, accidents or speed checks, I'll just continue using the apps on my phone.

I love the “hazard ahead” feature. This is something that should show up in the instrument cluster. That way even if your main touchscreen does not have maps showing and sound is muted for maps so you’re not getting verbal prompts interrupting what you are listening to, you can still see an alert in the instrument cluster (or heads up display) when you’re approaching a hazard.

 

[Kalel]

For me, it’s nothing short of a fully integrated CarPlay and phone as a key capabilities.

Naturally a Scout Mobile app with on demand data.

Same, walk up to the car with my phone in my pocket — Scout lights up, allows me to enter, when I press “start” the CarPlay is up and going.

Some people aren’t as integrated as I am but my calendar events all have locations entered that are tied to my Apple Maps.

And when I am going upland hunting, the maps all have pins to my favorite places.

This will be my hunting and fishing rig!

 

[ferrarimanf355]

I got a pretty sizable address list on Google Maps, let me import it into the nav system with a few clicks.

Would implementing a Google Built-In system like the GM EVs be a good idea?

 

[MadHatter]

Something I DON'T want: a poorly-implemented driver monitoring system.

Something like this was mentioned earlier in the thread but I just drove a brand new Hyundai. It has a driver attention warning system. If the driver isn't paying attention, the car disables lane-keeping and cruise control. Sounds good enough... until you try to use it. With sunglasses, it will claim the driver's not paying attention (because it can't track the driver's eyes, I guess?). If the driver holds the wheel at the 12 o'clock position, same problem (because hands block the camera?). If the driver squints too much, same. If there are some weird shadows or reflections... you get the idea. The driver attention warning can't be disabled (anymore... I guess it could be on older models but not now), so the vehicle effectively has no cruise control because the driver tracking system sucks. I've read online that Hyundai is doing this as part of easing into NHTSA-mandated passive impaired-driver detection that must be in place by 2026, and they've chosen to use gaze tracking for their implementation. If Scout has to implement something like this, they must do a lot better than Hyundai did, or else allow it do be disabled. Otherwise I'd be sending my vehicle back.

 

[Latrant]

Dashcams always running and recording. Off road undercarriage dashcams. Dashcams with sound enabled when desired. Sound matters because can speak a license plate number when/if not captured by the camera. 4K or 8K resolution.

Telephoto and wide angle front, standard rear and sides, like Tesla. Bed and rear/tailgate camera like Rivian.

External SSD recording and cloud recording. USB c thumb drive recording/transfer for accidents.

Sentry’ mode with live 2-way commo.

Pet mode with cabin camera to check on dogs.

Cabin camera with sound on by default. Outside off by default until event occurs.

HUD much safer
Adaptive Drive beams much safer.
Apple Watch (and android) as key.

Midgate (not tech per se, but…) with roll down window instead of the 12 steps required to deploy in the Silverado EV.

When I use Waze, my Audi Q5 or even Apple CarPlay enabled 2017 CRV puts map on main screen and ‘turn by turn ‘ on my phone, so I use my phone in a cradle as a second screen and more ‘screen real estate. ‘

USB C power, 2A 5V in mirror housing so don’t have to do mirror taps for radar detectors.

Digital camera rear view mirror if loaded down and can’t see out the back of Terra or traveler.

Foot holds in rear corners like Silverado EV.

Better tailgate like GMC/Chevy multi gate .

Vented windows like R2 and roll down window like R2 in Traveler.

Umbrella storage in door (like Bentley). Flash light like Rivian. Hand warmer /backup charger too.

Two glove compartments.

Great voice commands.

At least supercruise.

Compressor like Rivian with Air suspension.

Sunshade for pano.

Remote start/heat/cool.

Long ‘sentry’ mode parking camera for a week or two weeks in an airport parking garage with hot spot integrated connectivity anywhere in the world with good notifications.

Rear door shades. Great for blocking sun from young kids.

Very dark to tinting everywhere but front two windows (will tint them on my own but not allowed in many states.

Blind spot mirrors built into the side mirrors. I know and practice best mirror placement but still more helpful than BSM radar. And cheaper. I add these mirrors to all cars and my three daughters are glad I have. Saved many accidents.

Did I mention Adaptive Driving beams?

Largest frunk possible with NEMA 14-50 240V 40 Amp.

Vehicle to Home. Vehicle to load.

iPad holders front passenger and rear seats.

I’m want massaging seats front and heated and cooled everywhere (not ‘Ventilated’ but COOLED like Hyundai.

That is all. For now.

Cheers

Latrant

 

[ferrarimanf355]

If you guys make the Scout vehicle-to-grid compatible, could you guys team up with GM Energy to make it compatible with their system? It would save a lot of money and development time if you guys could piggyback on an existing system.

Site Maintenance

 

[Latrant]

I sure agree with you on the frozen headlights. A couple of manufacturers are placing heating heating elements in the glass or housing. At least one has tiny wipers, and BMW floods them with wiper fluid. The issue isn't limited to the headlights, but to all lights, cameras, and sensors. Sensors are particularly susceptible because they are mounted low and get the brunt of a road-spray of ice and sand when driving in slushy conditions. I don't particularly care if the parking proximity sensors get covered, but I do object to the repetitious messages about it that take over the dash screen and cover other important driver information. On my Tundra the radar that feeds the speedometer is located mid-grille and easily ices over; that's more serious. There's a whole issue to address about lights, sensors & cameras vs. snow, freezing rain, slush, and mud. How to keep them functional, and how to inform the driver when they are not.

Yarbo robot Snow Blower has heaters at each camera on all sides of the main unit and snow blower module.

SM could do this at the cameras, headlights and wipers.

 

[THil08]

Tilt down passenger mirror when in reverse. My Mini has it and every time I hop in my Silverado I wish I had it. Make parallel parking and curb parking so much easier. And reduces the amount of curb rash, and damages to rims.

 

[TaconicBear]

Yarbo robot Snow Blower has heaters at each camera on all sides of the main unit and snow blower module.

SM could do this at the cameras, headlights and wipers.

Aaaah, yes. Yesterday I had my Tundra at the dealer for new tires and checking a bunch of things. At the end of the day it was done, and the front had moved in with moderate rain. I called home, 40 miles to the north and 1200' higher. I was told it had started to snow. The roads were warmish and bare all the way, but half-way home I crossed the rain-snow boundary. Within a few miles a message took over the forward dash telling me that proximity sensors were not working, then in another couple of miles the radar (collision, lane monitoring, speed) quit with a larger message. While I appreciate knowing when these systems are compromised, (they don't need to be, but that's a different issue), but I don't need a message that blots out most of the useful items on the centre dash. Sure I can push the Return button to clear them, but they are back within two seconds. Far preferable would be a single message, then change the LED behind the appropriate icon on the dash to red until the condition clears.

And the other issue? Any vehicle sold in the north should have (at least as an option) a "Hot Front End Package" which heats the lens/cover of the headlights and directionals, the proximity sensors, and the cover of the radar unit. And actually, why can't the computer notice that I'm going faster than 10mph and put the proximity sensors into suspended mode? They're only there for parking, I think.

Thinking about all the folks who believe their EV Scouts will be adventuring into all sorts of climates and terrains, there probably should be kill switches for all these sensors. While generally they are useful, there are situations (like the above) where they verge on the dangerous. Tundra does have a kill for the proximity sensors (works for fields of tall weeds), it auto-resets each time the driving mode changes and that seems appropriate behaviour.

Summary:
Heated or self-cleaning surfaces for front facing lights and sensors, at least as a "northern option".
Parking Proximity sensor kill switch.
Parking Proximity sensor auto-off at speeds >10mph.
Single "disabled" warning, followed by icon colour change for disabled/compromised systems.
Radar sensor kill switch for weather or other situations where it is in appropriate, (with auto-reactivate).