4-Cylinder Harvester EREV engine confirmed by CEO Scott! + 0-60mph, range, payload, towing specs discussions

[endlessambition]

Point taken and yes a valid one. There are also many unknowns at this point, and many that could also be a disappointment for me as well and a deal breaker. Manufacturers can seemingly say all the right things three years from production, and then the final product is ultimately just a watered down version of what many of us want.

like then Ram REV . Announced w groundbreaking exterior design at launch show, then they announced the actual truck as just another Ram looking truck like the existing model.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

I can't believe they want to go down the road of designing and building their own generator using a VW (German) engine in the 'American made' Scout. This is something that should be subbed out to a company that is experienced in stuffing generators into confined spaces. It would provide owners with an existing network of Service Centers to take care of the generator, and the Scout EV Technicians would not have to be trained to do gas engine maintenance and repair.

Ski lifts around the world have flat four cylinder stand-by emergency generators built by VW dating back 50+ years.
It’s all good.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Ski lifts around the world have flat four cylinder stand-by emergency generators built by VW dating back 50+ years.
It’s all good.

Yeah, but how big are they, and how many are stuffed under the back end of a vehicle?

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Yeah, but how big are they, and how many are stuffed under the back end of a vehicle?

They were designed to be stuck under and in the back of a vehicle in the first place.
They've engineered liquid cooled too. If anyone can design a compact flat engine it's VW.

The right company getting all the holes in slices of Swiss Cheese to line up.

Liquid cooled:

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

like then Ram REV . Announced w groundbreaking exterior design at launch show, then they announced the actual truck as just another Ram looking truck like the existing model.

I read someplace they dropped it altogether. Is it still a possibility?

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

C.A.F.E. Standards are now rolled back, C.A.R.B. over-ruled by the Feds so us in Calif should have no trouble buying these in-state.

"You can now buy the car you want."

Any further discussion is Political so I digress and hope this forum never defaults to political arguing.

 

[Mr._Bill]

They were designed to be stuck under and in the back of a vehicle in the first place.
They've engineered liquid cooled too. If anyone can design a compact flat engine it's VW.

The right company getting all the holes in slices of Swiss Cheese to line up.

Liquid cooled:

Yes, VW has been making those engines for decades. My concern is with the whole generator assembly. With the output that will be required to charge the battery pack, once they mate the generator portion to the engine I have serious doubts about it fitting underneath like they are talking about. It is a tall order to make it serviceable, not intrude into the cargo area, and keep it high enough that it is not damaged when the vehicle is taken off-road.

 

[Chuckles]

I read someplace they dropped it altogether. Is it still a possibility?

RAM canceled the huge battery version that was to have a range of 500 miles. The version with a smaller battery will still be made but the RAMcharger will be built first.

 

[Scooby24]

VW/Porsche has built more flat four engines than anyone. I have full confidence.

Subaru would like to have a word.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Subaru would like to have a word.

Yes, good point but no where near the numbers what VW has built hopefully the doubters take faith in VWs engineering.

Over 17,000,000 built by VW hopefully they can keep up the innovation with liquid cooled.

 

[ScoutNomad]

CEO Q&A Key Takeaways from @Chuckles:

1). BEV battery will be in the "120's-130's" kWh, EREV will be "60's-70's", but the battery chemistries may be different.
2). Performance of EREV will be 0-60 in 4.5 vs. 3.5 for BEV, due to a "less expensive chemistry".
3). Confirmed the 350 mi BEV range. EREV has a 150-mile range, with Harvester adding 350 miles.
4). Harvester will have a creative solution for cooling.
5). Payload will be the same for BEV and EREV, around 2,000 lbs. Towing will be "about the same".
6). Scott said the engine will be a "good, high-output 4-cylinder small engine that packages well".
7). Scout is an LLC and reports to VW Germany. VW is the sole provider/funder at this time.
8). Scout is structured with the ability to seek strategic partners/outside capital or go public.
9). Would not say if Harvester will cost more, but noted that in-demand features can be more expensive.

ChatGPT AI Summary:

Summary

• Scout Motors Revival: Volkswagen Group is bringing back the iconic Scout brand, with Scott Keogh leading the effort. The company aims to produce electric and range-extended SUVs and pickup trucks.
• Scout’s History & Design: Originally built by International Harvester, Scouts were rugged off-road vehicles with overbuilt engines and unique designs. The new Scout models will retain the classic off-road aesthetic.
• Electrification with a Twist: While initially announced as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), Scout is now incorporating Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs) to offer extended range and address charging infrastructure concerns.
• Manufacturing in America: Scout is building a new factory in South Carolina, aiming to localize 85% of its supply chain and generate thousands of jobs.
• Market Demand & Reservations: Over 70% of reservations are for the SUV model, and a majority are opting for the range-extender version, reflecting consumer hesitation toward fully electric powertrains.
• Strategic Flexibility: By designing the platform to support both BEVs and REEVs, Scout can adapt to market shifts, allowing an easier transition to full electrification if needed.
• Off-Road Capabilities & Customization: The new Scout models emphasize solid rear axles, high-gradeability, and strong towing capacities. They will also offer a broad range of off-road accessories, including lockers, winches, and plow mounts.
• Volkswagen Group’s Role: While Scout operates independently within VW Group, it benefits from access to VW’s industrial infrastructure, cost advantages, and technological support.
• User Experience Innovation: The new models will feature a balance of physical controls and digital screens, ensuring usability in rugged environments while maintaining modern connectivity.
• Battery & Performance Estimates:
  • BEV version: ~350 miles of range
  • REEV version: ~500 miles of total range (~150 miles electric + 350 miles from the generator)
  • Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.5 - 5.0 seconds for BEV, slightly slower for REEV
• Scout’s Future Plans: While focused on the American market, potential future expansions include additional model variations, possibly a larger SUV or a smaller off-road-focused model.
• Direct-to-Consumer Sales Model: Unlike traditional car companies, Scout will sell directly to customers, bypassing traditional dealership networks.
• Competitive Landscape: Positioned between Rivian’s premium adventure branding and traditional American off-roaders like Jeep and Ford Bronco.

Insights Based on Numbers

• 85% of Scout’s supply chain will be localized to North America, reducing reliance on foreign imports.
• 500-mile total range for the range-extended electric model provides a significant advantage over many pure EV competitors.
• 70% of early reservations are for the Scout SUV, indicating strong demand for rugged off-road utility vehicles.
• Over 50% of reservations lean toward the range-extender model, showing that consumers prefer a backup fuel source for long trips.
• 200,000+ units capacity at the South Carolina plant, positioning Scout for significant production volume in the U.S. market.

Podcast:

My .02 cents response to the reported numbers for the EREV is: fantastic!

If it will do 0-60 in ~4.5 with 35's at that size vehicle for the EREV, is a big win.
Expecting a vehicle on 35s, with that size/weight, and that ground clearance with better than reported numbers is a big dream stretch given their stated target price point and today's available technology.
The Rivian vehicle/wheels/tires are not a comparison since avg price $90K+ and nothing on the market today offers what the Scout is targeting (*including drivetrain, and tactile interior buttons). It is truly a unique offering. Folks even getting the Scout BEV should realize that this vehicle will have more maintenance to deal with (though practically nothing compared to a true ICE off-roader) since it will have a rear differential (expecting fluid to service) unlike a Rivian or Tesla with solely electric motors driving the wheels.
Would I like more than 150 miles on battery, sure, but given how I would use as a daily commuter, 150 miles more than fits my daily needs since if LPF can be charged daily to 100%, and with the added bonus of not dealing with EV charge range anxiety for a true long distance road vehicle and offroad adventure vehicle. Choosing an EREV over BEV is already a choice/compromise. The fact that Scout is offering both is a big bonus differentiator since you get a choice. If you want the quickness and 350 miles is adequate for you then get the BEV, else EREV. No other competitor offers these choices as options today.
As others have also stated, I just hope that the VW generator motor is a quiet, reliable easy to maintain for DIY maintenance (engine access, oil changes and tune ups) given its single purpose as a generator.
* Ensuring it can support decent fording depths of water (elevated air intake, necessary breather hoses, etc.)
* Can be also used as a home / RV generator

 

[Scooby24]

Yes no where near the numbers what VW has built, and the subject is VW.

Over 17,000,000 built by VW who I said built the most.
How many By Subaru?

There's really no need to be quite so spicy about the topic...it was moreso in jest. But since you've asked, Subaru's been producing flat 4s (and 6s) since 1966.

I don't have the exact statistics but the last couple of years, at least, they sold nearly a million cars per year.

So....over 17 million? Probably.

Does it matter? Not at all.

 

[TwoJacks]

C.A.F.E. Standards are now rolled back, C.A.R.B. over-ruled by the Feds so us in Calif should have no trouble buying these in-state.

"You can now buy the car you want."

Any further discussion is Political so I digress and hope this forum never defaults to political arguing.

Not so fast there. Cafe standards are not rolled back yet. Duffy has said they will roll them back, But these are laws and changes need to go through the rulemaking process. It took Trump 2 years to make changes the first go around. It’ll take just as long this time.

 

[scoutfrisco]

It took 9 pages before someone started piecing together what Scott laid out as hints. Credit to @blmtnc for piecing this together. The key is that it was a hybrid engine, with a small footprint, non-turbo. Hard to find a VW engine in modern manufacturing that meets these needs. I expect it will be the CBPA 2.0L as blmtnc presumes. The largest NA presence for engine manufacturing for VW is the Silao, MX engine plant.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Not so fast there. Cafe standards are not rolled back yet. Duffy has said they will roll them back, But these are laws and changes need to go through the rulemaking process. It took Trump 2 years to make changes the first go around. It’ll take just as long this time.