Scout’s Return to LA Auto Show Teases Electric Adventure Vehicles Designed for the Long Haul

Scout Motors returned to the LA Auto Show this week with two cars that draw on American history while addressing the reality of modern roads. After years of quiet development, the Traveler SUV and Terra truck, both electric at their core, made their near production debuts. Production in South Carolina will start late next year with deliveries in 2027.

Reservations are at 130,000 and almost everyone is opting for the variant with a gas generator to extend the range. That’s a realistic option: the full electric version gets 350 miles on a single charge and the extended version gets over 500 miles by only using a small gas engine to recharge the battery. Because there’s no direct drive from the engine to the wheels the electric motors smooth, immediate torque is consistent throughout. Buyers like that extra peace of mind especially for trips far from charging stations. The smaller battery in the extended model, around 60 kilowatt-hours of lithium-iron-phosphate cells, keeps weight down and cost in check while the pure electric uses a larger 120-kilowatt-hour nickel-manganese-cobalt pack for those longer pure electric runs.

Design changes were limited to the daytime running lights which were changed from intricate panel integrations to simple stamped inserts to maintain the clean, purposeful look while removing manufacturing obstacles. Both the Traveler and Terra have the boxy, upright look of the original 1960s models with a rear window line that rises just so for that iconic profile. Bodies sit on frames built for work, with a robust rear axle that no other electric car has. This configuration, with locking differentials front and rear, allows these trucks to crawl over obstacles that would stall other vehicles. Ground clearance is enough to handle 45 degree inclines and the suspension absorbs hits from rocks or ruts with ease.

Power comes from electric motors at each axle, all-wheel drive is standard. Scout claims 1,000 lb-ft of torque across the lineup, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds when you floor it. The Terra has over 10,000 lbs of towing capacity, it’s a real work truck for trailers or boats. Off road the vehicles have been proven through prototypes that have logged thousands of miles in Swedish winter and American backcountry.

The Traveler has plenty of room inside, seating 7 across 3 rows and a cargo area that expands when the seats fold flat. Materials are tough and can handle dirty boots and sandy hands. Up front a 16.2 inch display with a 24:9 aspect ratio sits low in the dash so you can keep your eyes on the road. Controls combine real volume or climate knobs with phone touch motions so the dashboard feels familiar yet forward thinking. Satellite connectivity provides Wi-Fi throughout the cabin even in areas with no cell signal.

Charging is North American standard with ports on the front fender for easy access. An 800v system can pull up to 350kw at public stations, most trips will take less than 30 minutes to charge the battery. Bidirectional flow converts the vehicle into a power supply, 120 or 240 volt outlets for tools on the job site or appliances during an outage. This versatility extends to residential backups, the Scout can power a full household for hours. Production will use batteries from Volkswagen’s network, keeping supply chains stable as volumes grow.

Scout will sell directly to customers through internet platforms and showrooms in major cities, eliminating the middleman. Entry pricing will be under $60,000, but final pricing will depend on options and market conditions at the time of launch.
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