Regardless of “cheaper to fuel”… are we considering the grand cost effectiveness of ICE vs Battery?
nice thing about an old Scout is an LS engine works well as a replacement. A new Scout?…. Nah
If VW were smart they’d opt for a diesel “generator”, as we see how well that works in the locomotive industry.
As for the powerplant, VW could align with Caterpillar or another diesel engine producer that is North American, just to keep the “built in the USA” concept.