Latest news with #ScottKeogh
Bloomberg
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
How Scout Motors Sees the Future of EVs
The Senate draft of President Trump's tax bill provides 100% bonus depreciation on plant and equipment, domestic R&D expensing, and will allow the deduction of interest on loans for vehicles assembled here in these United States. But will those incentives outweigh the elimination of EV tax credits and the threat of section 899, the so-called revenge tax on foreigners, so important to an EV-maker like Scout Motors, which is owned by Germany's Volkswagen? Scott Keogh, Scout Motors President & CEO joined Bloomberg Open Interest to discuss the implications and the road ahead for EVs. (Source: Bloomberg)
Bloomberg
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
VW's Scout Is Rethinking EV Designs to Cut Rare Earths, CEO Says
The head of Scout Motors said the upstart automaker is engineering some components to reduce the need for rare earth materials, an issue that has become critical to the car industry and taken center stage in US trade negotiations with China. The Volkswagen AG -backed company, which plans to produce electric and hybrid vehicles, is exploring adjustments to brakes and drive units, Scout Chief Executive Officer Scott Keogh told Bloomberg TV in an interview Tuesday.
Motor 1
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Scout Will Use a Naturally Aspirated VW Engine Made in Mexico
Although range anxiety is gradually becoming less of a problem as technology progresses, it remains a significant concern when shopping for a large truck or SUV. Weight is the main enemy of efficiency and, consequently, range. That's why some automakers are promoting a stop-gap solution until battery technology becomes fully viable for long-range, heavy-duty vehicles. A range-extending gas engine is a temporary fix to unlock those precious extra miles. Scout's new models will primarily be EVs, but there will be an option for a range extender. The engine will be manufactured in Mexico and dubbed 'Harvester' as a nod to the long-defunct company that originally built the Scout. Volkswagen Group's Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz disclosed this detail during the first-quarter earnings call, cited by Automotive News . He also noted that the engine will skip turbocharging. Photo by: Scout Motors The four-cylinder engine will be sourced from the VW Group's plant in Silao, Mexico, which has been operational since 2013. Previously, Scout CEO Scott Keogh described the range extender as a 'good, high-output, four-cylinder, small engine.' As for its placement, the turbo-less unit will be mounted behind the rear axle. Scout's Senior Director of Strategy commented that the ICE is 'so far away you don't hear it , you don't feel it, so you still get the sensation of driving a quiet, small electric vehicle.' The body-on-frame Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV are projected to cover 350 miles in standard guise. With the Harvester option, they're expected to reach the 500-mile mark, but with only 150 miles of pure electric range. While the standard models will come with an estimated 120-kWh battery pack, the Harvester-equipped versions will use roughly half that capacity. In terms of performance, Scout estimates the Terra and Traveler will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in three and a half seconds. Adding the range extender will increase that time by a full second. The four-cylinder VW engine won't drive the wheels directly; its sole purpose is to serve as a generator, recharging the battery on the go. Scout Traveler Electric SUV 40 Source: Scout Motors Scout is far from the first to adopt a gas engine as a range extender in an EV. The Chevrolet Volt and BMW i3 offered similar setups as early as the 2010s, and the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger will use a larger V-6 in the same role. Scout's parent company, VW, plans to offer range extenders in China first, before bringing the technology to Europe. Although Scout debuted its new models last October, series production won't begin until late 2027. The Terra and Traveler will be assembled at a new $2 billion factory in Blythewood, South Carolina, which is expected to create over 4,000 jobs. Up to 200,000 vehicles could be produced annually, an ambitious goal that Antlitz believes could be achieved, thanks in part to the Harvester version. These Scout models won't really clash with an existing Volkswagen product, considering that the first- and second-generation Amarok are not sold in the United States. The recently announced first-gen model replacement is unlikely to get a US visa either. Additionally, VW doesn't have an off-road, body-on-frame SUV in its portfolio. Scout Terra Electric Pickup Truck 36 Source: Scout Motors The Return Of Scout: Scout Is Back: Meet the Traveler SUV and Terra Pickup Scout's EVs Will Have a Gas Range-Extender Option Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A gas engine-equipped Scout is coming, CEO says
Scout Motors is doubling down on extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) as a way to ease drivers into the EV transition. The company recently shared new details about its upcoming gas range-extender-equipped models, which are proving to be more popular than their battery-electric (BEV) counterparts. With a four-cylinder engine and an EV powertrain, Scout's EREVs will offer a total range of about 500 miles, including 150 miles of pure electric is positioning its EREVs as a middle ground for buyers who may not be ready to fully commit to an EV. The EREVs will be equipped with a smaller battery—between 60 and 70 kWh—compared to the BEVs, which will have a battery capacity in the 120 to 130 kWh range, Scout CEO Scott Keogh shared on a recent MotorTrend podcast episode. While the BEVs will deliver around 350 miles of range, the EREVs will extend that to 500 miles by incorporating a gas-powered range extender. The four-cylinder engine, dubbed the "Harvester," will act solely as a generator and is expected to be sourced from their different powertrains, Scout is ensuring both models remain equally capable. The BEV version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds, while the EREV will take an extra second, clocking in at around 4.5 seconds. Both vehicles' payload capacity is expected to be around 2,000 lbs, and they have similar towing capabilities. The EREV, however, may prove more practical for towing over longer distances, as it avoids the dramatic range loss that can impact BEVs under heavy loads. The placement of the range-extending engine behind the rear axle presents some unique engineering challenges, including cooling and air intake solutions. Keogh hinted at a "creative" approach to managing airflow, though specifics have yet to be revealed. The two models will use different battery chemistries, which will impact their power output. Keogh suggested that the EREV will have a more cost-effective battery, likely resulting in lower performance, though he didn't provide reservations suggest strong interest in the range-extender model, with Keogh confirming that over 50% of pre-orders are for the EREV variant. Additionally, 70% of buyers have opted for the Traveller SUV over the Terra pickup. Keogh also highlighted Scout's commitment to domestic manufacturing, noting that 85% of the company's supply chain is based in the U.S. This ensures less reliance on foreign imports and makes Scout vehicles eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, at least while it's still available. With its blend of electric and gasoline power, the Scout EREV aims to win over buyers who are hesitant about charging infrastructure or range limitations. By offering a mix of extended range and strong performance, Scout is making a compelling case for its latest models. The question now is whether consumers will see EREVs as a true stepping stone toward full electrification or just another hybrid alternative. Either way, with 500 miles of range on tap, Scout's EREVs may be the right fit for those who want to reduce their reliance on gas without fully cutting the hose. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
