As automakers navigate an uneven transition to full electrification, extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are rapidly gaining attention as a pragmatic middle ground. Scout Motors, a newly revived brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, placed an early bet on this technology—and early demand suggests the strategy is resonating strongly with buyers.
Reservations Show Strong Preference for Gas-Extended Models
Scout Motors revealed that approximately 85% of its current reservations are for extended-range versions of its upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. Only 15% of buyers have opted for fully electric variants, according to Scout CEO Scott Keogh.
Since unveiling the two vehicles in October 2024, Scout has amassed more than 150,000 refundable reservations, signaling substantial early interest. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2027 at a newly constructed manufacturing facility in South Carolina.
Demand Exceeded Internal Expectations
Keogh acknowledged that customer preference for EREVs far exceeded internal forecasts. “We expected interest, but not at this scale,” he said, noting that initial projections leaned closer to a 60/40 split rather than the current 85/15 ratio.
Because of this imbalance, Scout now expects its EREV models to launch before the fully electric versions, a move Keogh described as the most logical response to market demand. He reiterated that view during remarks at the BloombergNEF Summit in San Francisco.
Why Scout Embraced the EREV Approach
Scout began exploring range-extender technology in mid-2023, analyzing global market trends and consumer sentiment. China’s rapid adoption of EREVs played a role, but equally influential was persistent consumer anxiety around charging access, towing, and long-distance travel in the U.S.
Rather than relying on traditional plug-in hybrid systems, Scout’s design uses a gas-powered generator solely to recharge the battery, never directly driving the wheels. This preserves the driving characteristics of an EV while reducing dependence on charging infrastructure.
“We felt this approach removed a lot of friction,” Keogh said. “It keeps what people love about EVs while removing the stress.”
Range, Battery, and Performance Details
Scout’s range-extended models, branded as “Harvester” EREVs, pay homage to the brand’s historical roots. These vehicles are expected to deliver around 150 miles of all-electric range, powered by a 63 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery.
When supplemented by a four-cylinder onboard generator, total driving range is projected to reach approximately 500 miles, exceeding most fully electric trucks currently on the market. Fully electric Scout models, by comparison, are expected to offer around 350 miles of range.
Scout has stated that pricing for its trucks will start below $60,000, though it has not yet clarified whether the EREV variants will carry a premium over their fully electric counterparts.
EREVs Gain Momentum Across the Industry
While Scout did not invent the EREV concept, it is among the first modern automakers to aggressively reintroduce it to the U.S. market. The BMW i3 with a range extender was previously the last notable example, while the technology has surged in popularity in China.
As U.S. EV demand softens and regulatory pressure eases, other automakers are now following a similar path. Ford has confirmed plans for a range-extender option on a future F-150 Lightning. Jeep, Ram, Hyundai, and Kia have all announced EREV programs targeting trucks and large SUVs.
For Scout, this broader industry shift has reinforced confidence in its strategy. What once felt like a solitary gamble now appears aligned with a growing consensus.
A Transitional Technology With Broad Appeal
EREVs promise a balance between electrification and practicality. They offer quiet operation, instant torque, and lower operating costs, while preserving the long-range flexibility that truck and SUV buyers expect.
For Scout, the reservation data suggests that many consumers are not rejecting electrification outright—but they are not yet ready to rely on batteries alone.
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