VW's Scout Reveals Its First Rugged EVs to Take on Rivian - Business Insider

Volkswagen's Scout brand is back with two new electric trucks, which will also come in a plug-in hybrid variety.

Scout unveiled pre-production models of the Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV at an event in Nashville this week.

In addition to the expected all-electric versions of the rugged cars, Scout announced extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) configurations. EREVs are a newer plug-in hybrid technology that uses a smaller internal combustion engine to recharge the battery and increase range.

Scout's addition of a plug-in hybrid option comes as green-car shoppers flock to these more accessible electric options.

The fully electric versions of Scout's new vehicles are expected to deliver about 350 miles of range on a full charge, the company said. The EREVs, however, will deliver more than 500 miles of range with the help of a gas-powered generator.

The event marked the opening of $100 reservations for the Terra and Traveler, which are set to start production in 2027. Both body styles and electrification options are available to order on Scout's website.

The VW-backed EV company said both vehicles will have a retail starting price below $60,000 before tax incentives. The price for the Terra pickup truck's base model will start at $51,500 after tax incentives, while the Traveler starts at $50,000, according to Scout.

Those price points make Scouts quite a bit more affordable than other electric SUVs on the market today. Affordability is a key issue for electric cars entering the market right now, as wealthy early adopters have fled the segment.

Scout's rugged trucks are likely to compete directly with outdoorsy EV brand Rivian, which also offers electric pickup trucks and SUVs. (Scout's backer Volkswagen and Rivian inked a $5 billion deal earlier to collaborate on EV software).

The Rivians are more expensive, with the R1T pickup truck starting at $71,700 and the R1S SUV starting at $75,900.

On capability, Rivian's R1T delivers 11,000 pounds of towing capacity, potentially edging out Scout's Terra estimated towing capacity of more than 10,000 pounds.

R1S and Traveler are tied at over 7,000 pounds of towing capacity.