The legend of the American 4×4 returns 100% electric thanks to Volkswagen

Electric car news

Car enthusiasts, prepare yourself for a sensational return to the world of electric all-terrain vehicles! The Volkswagen group has just resurrected an iconic brand from the 60s and 80s: Scout. This renaissance is not happening halfway, since the German firm immediately unveils two daring electric models: an SUV called Traveler and a pick-up called Terra. These newcomers clearly have the much-publicized Tesla Cybertruck in their sights. Let’s dive into the details of this announcement which promises to shake up the robust electric vehicle market.

An American heritage reinvented for the electric age

Scout is not a creation from scratch. This brand has its roots in American automotive history, with the International Scout, an emblematic 4×4 marketed between 1961 and 1980. Volkswagen, owner of Navistar (the former manufacturer of the Scout), decided to revive this name from its ashes, but this time in the form of an independent company within the group.

This strategic decision aims to conquer the American market for electric SUVs and pick-upsa booming segment where Tesla has already made a name for itself with its Cybertruck. By resurrecting Scout, Volkswagen is not only launching new vehicles, it is also awakening the nostalgia of off-road enthusiasts, while propelling them into the era of electromobility.

Traveler and Terra: two concepts that impose

The two vehicles presented, although concepts for the moment, already give a striking glimpse of what Scout intends to offer. The Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup share a robust and modern aesthetic, with a front end reminiscent of that of the Ford Bronco or the Hummer EV.

The Terra is distinguished by its generous cargo bed of approximately 1.68 meters longideal for professionals or adventurers who need to carry equipment. The Traveler, meanwhile, sports a spare wheel in the rear, capable of accommodating off-road tires up to 35 inches.

The technical characteristics announced are impressive:

• A range of 563 kilometers according to the EPA cycle
• And phenomenal torque of 1,355 Nm
• An 800 volt architecture allowing super-fast charging up to 350 kW
• Towing capacities of up to 4.5 tonnes for the Terra and 3.2 tonnes for the Traveler
• A payload of approximately 900 kg for both models

Cutting-edge technology for versatility

The interior of Scout vehicles is both refined and high-tech. A large horizontal touch screen sits in the center of the dashboard, complemented by an imposing digital instrument cluster. This apparent sobriety hides advanced technology, particularly with the presence of the bidirectional chargingallowing vehicles to serve as a mobile energy source.

Scout also innovates by offering a version with range extenderintegrating a small heat engine. This option would make it possible to achieve a maximum range of 800 kilometers, thus meeting the needs of users traveling very long distances or operating in areas where charging infrastructure is still limited.

The ground clearance of 30 centimeters and the possibility of equipping off-road tires demonstrate that Scout has not forgotten its off-road roots. These vehicles are designed to be as comfortable on the road as they are off the beaten track.

Strategic positioning on the market

Scout is clearly targeting the American market with these new models. The announced entry price of 50 000 dollarsgovernment aid included, positions the brand in a competitive segment. This attractive price, combined with the brand’s heritage and the announced performance, could seriously shake up the competition, including the Tesla Cybertruck.

Production is expected to begin in 2027 in South Carolina, marking Scout’s return to home soil. Although not currently planned for the European market, these vehicles could potentially cross the Atlantic if success is achieved in the United States.

Ecological impact at the heart of the strategy

By launching Scout as a 100% electric brand, Volkswagen affirms its commitment to more sustainable mobility. The performances announced in terms of autonomy and all-terrain capabilities demonstrate that electric vehicles can meet the needs of the most demanding users without compromising on performance.

The integration of bidirectional charging also opens the way to new uses, such as powering electrical tools on a construction site or supporting the electricity network during peak consumption. This feature could be particularly useful in rural areas or in the event of a power outage.

The rebirth of Scout marks a turning point in the history of the electric automobile. By combining the heritage of a legendary brand with the most advanced technologies, Volkswagen demonstrates that the transition to electromobility can be made without renouncing the past. The Traveler and Terra are not simple electric vehicles, but true declarations of intent: the future of automobiles can be both electric, efficient and true to its roots.

While production won’t begin until 2027, the excitement is already palpable. These newcomers to the off-road electric vehicle market promise to redefine the standards of the segment. It remains to be seen how the competition, led by Tesla, will react to this offensive from Volkswagen. One thing is certain: the next few years promise to be exciting for fans of robust and versatile electric vehicles.

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