Volkswagen continues to report significant advancements in its efforts to revitalize the Scout nameplate as an all-electric brand. According to Scout Motors’ New Year’s video teaser, the highly awaited electric counterparts of the iconic Scout vehicle will debut in “summer 2024.”
However, it remains unclear if the summer debut will feature production models or mere concept versions.
What’s currently known about the Scout EV?
EV-a2z previously reported Volkswagen’s strategic partnership with Austrian automaker Magna Steyr to produce the two Scout EVs in Graz, including an electric SUV and pickup truck.
The two major automakers will closely work together to design and build the two highly awaited Scout EVs.
In hindsight, VW teased last year a boxy electric SUV with short overhangs and a pickup truck. According to Motor1, both models will get inspiration from the iconic International Harvester Scout from the 1960s to 1980s.
However, the modern models will have electric powertrains, aligning with the brand’s new direction towards EVs. In addition, it will have a significant focus on off-roading capabilities.
The original Scout
International Harvester initially launched the original Scout model in late 1960 to rival the popular two-door Jeep CJ 4×4. At that time, the Scout markets were a “whole new idea in low-cost transportation” and the SUV market leader.
However, its production concluded in 1980. Its former parent company also became Navistar International under Volkswagen’s Traton Group.
In a significant development, Volkswagen announced plans two years ago to revive the Scout brand with an all-electric variant. It initially set the production timeline in 2026.
It seems that the plans have been progressive, as the company is now on track to reveal the new models in the summer of this year.
“Scouts go first. Scouts go farther. Scouts always come back to lead the way.”
Volkswagen
Production
According to Car Buzz, VW will make the Scout a semi-American brand by having Austrian Magna Steyr build the vehicle. However, it will also undergo production in a South Carolina factory to gain access to the federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act in the US.
It will also go through development in Michigan, which houses Scout’s Innovation Center. The report further claimed that the plant will begin production in 2026, coinciding with VW Group’s timeline in transferring EV production to the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
VW’s SSP platform will launch in 2026 and offer a maximum output of 1,700 horsepower. However, the upcoming Scout EVs may only enable 400 to 800 horsepower, just enough to hit a wide range of current and upcoming workhorses, lifestyle trucks, and SUVs.
We can expect to learn more about the upcoming Scout EVs near its official debut in the third quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, production is expected to start by late 2026, followed by a market launch shortly after.
