- The vast majority of Scout reservations are for the extended-range hybrid version (EREV).
- Plenty of Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1S/R1T owners have reserved the Scout Traveler and Terra.
- The Traveler SUV seems to be the more popular choice between the two.
Scout Motors' new electric vehicle concepts are aiming to blend old-school charm with new-age tech.
The Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck will offer features like physical buttons and optional bench seats but also embrace modern technologies like an 800-volt system and zonal architecture, along with proper off-roading prowess, of course.
And just a few days after the reveal, it seems like they're catching the eyes of traditional car buyers, who are especially excited about the extended-range hybrid version (EREV).
According to a crowdsourced reservation tracker posted on the Scout EV Forum, 81% of those who have entered their order information have opted for the "Harvester" EREV.
The Harvester label refers to Scout's EREV system, where an engine and a gas tank power a generator that recharges a battery, which in turn powers the electric motors connected to the wheels. Harvester is an ode to International Harvester, which manufactured Scout off-roaders between 1961 and 1980.
The forum reports that as of Monday morning, over 600 known people had reserved the Scout EREVs. About 58% have opted for the SUV, 34.5% for the truck, and 7.7% for both. Regarding the powertrain choice, 81% have opted for the EREV and 19% for the fully electric version. And 52.5% are non-EV owners.
Update: A Scout Motors spokesperson sent us some observations since the launch event, which seemingly confirm the popularity of the EREV models.
"Consumer response to the reveal of the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck is extremely positive, validating what we learned from the Scout community and several consumer product clinics at which we tested various product concepts," the spokesperson said. "This has resulted in a high volume of reservations that have surpassed internal expectations. Presently, two-thirds of reservations are for the Scout Traveler SUV and one-third are for the Scout Terra truck. The Harvester range-extender, connection-focused features like the bench seat, and a return to tactility and utility are resonating with consumers, and we’re seeing that enthusiasm reflected in reservation counts."
Gallery: Scout Traveler SUV And Terra Pickup Concepts
Scout's pitch is likely resonating with traditional gas SUV buyers, as many Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler owners have reserved the Traveler SUV, as per the reservation tracker.
There's no EREV in the U.S. currently (The Chevy Volt was one), but several automakers are betting on them. The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is expected to be available early next year and Hyundai also has outlined plans to launch one by the end of the decade.
EREVs work like EVs, with an engine for backup. When the battery drains, the engine fires up to power the generator, which recharges the battery and drives the wheels. That may sound counterintuitive. What's the point of an electric car that runs on gas? Well, it's more nuanced than that.
EREV engines run at peak efficiency—unlike typical gas cars—and can be plugged in like an EV to recharge, using the engine only as a backup. So, it could make sense for buyers who chug miles and especially those who tow or haul often. Plus, they don't have to worry about all the range and charging anxieties.
The Scout EVs are expected to enter production at an upcoming $2 billion plant in South Carolina by 2027 and the automaker is hoping to launch them at under $60,000 before incentives, taxes and fees.
Update Tuesday, Oct. 29: Here are more stats on reservation trends from the Scout Motors forum:
Model
Electric + Gas (Harvester): 80.6%
Full-Electric Only: 19.4%
Traveler SUV: 59.8%
Terra Pickup: 32.7%
Both: 7.5%
Will Option Which Roof Type?
Steel: 24.4% (steel roof option has been confirmed, although it wasn't shown at the reveal)
Cabana: 20.7%
Glass: 17.7%
Undecided: 37.2%
Will Option Front Bench Seat?
Yes: 30.7%
No: 45.4%
Undecided: 23.9%
*Production front bench seat will fold and have cupholders
Will Option Heavy-Duty Factory Winch?
Yes: 25.9%
No: 46.2%
Undecided: 27.8%
Previously/currently own an EV:
Yes: 30.7%
No: 45.4%
Top 10 popular states by reservation:
CA, TX, FL, CO, AZ, WA, PA, SC, GA, NC
Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
