Scout Motors has received more than 160,000 reservations for its upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, with about 87% of customers choosing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions rather than the originally planned battery-electric variants.
The reservation data highlights a stronger-than-expected preference for range-extender technology among prospective buyers. Chief executive Scott Keogh had previously expected a roughly 60/40 split in favor of the EREV models.
Scout Motors was revived by Volkswagen in 2022 as a purely electric brand inspired by the historic Scout off-road vehicles. However, the company later adjusted its strategy to include EREV models as growth in the U.S. battery-electric vehicle market slowed.
The EREV powertrain combines a 63 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a four-cylinder generator that extends the vehicle’s total range to about 500 miles. The battery alone provides roughly 150 miles of electric driving range.
By comparison, the fully battery-electric Terra and Traveler models are expected to offer around 350 miles of range.
Other automakers developing electrified pickup trucks and off-road vehicles have also explored range-extender solutions. Ford Motor is working on a range-extender option for a future version of its F-150 Lightning, while Ram and Jeep are expected to introduce EREV models.
Both the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV will be produced at a new manufacturing facility currently under construction in South Carolina. Scout plans to launch the EREV versions first, reflecting higher demand.
Pricing is expected to begin below $60,000, though the company has not confirmed whether the EREV models will carry a higher price than the battery-electric versions.
Scout Motors’ launch strategy has also prompted legal challenges from dealers affiliated with Volkswagen. Dealers in Connecticut and New York filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that Scout should follow Volkswagen’s existing franchise agreements.
Additional lawsuits have been filed in Colorado, California and Florida.
Scout Motors has said it operates independently from Volkswagen’s dealer network and continues to support a direct-to-consumer sales model.
