Harvester Engine (Range Extender) will be a VW engine, quiet, and tucked away

[BigFatBalla]

One very minor concern I have with the Harvester is access for maintenance. I perform my own basic service on my vehicles and am curious to know how easy it will be to service based on the vague references to placement.

 

[Tyler88]

2 best Harvester Range extender ideas I have both are VW group engines:

1. (Fun Option, Suggested Before I just like the idea)- Base 2.0L 4cyl boxer turbo or N/A from Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxer-
>Pros- Plenty of power, sounds great for a 4cyl so it might be enjoyable to hear it turn on in range extender form, not as tall so can possibly fit flat under the scout like in the render where the extender may go.
>Cons- Likely too Expensive, Will probably require premium fuel unless re-tuned but would then make less power.



2. (Realistic Option/Most likely)- 2.0L 4cyl N/A from different VW models
>Pros- Likely more reliable from not having turbos, can take regular fuel, more affordable.

>Cons- Taller layout so may be harder to fit in original range extender location, less powerful

Bonus idea: Turbo 2.0L 4cyl from Golf GTI or Golf R (Shares pros and cons from the first 2 options)
>Pros-Good power, decent sound, Mid-priced between the other two options

>Cons- premium fuel, engine size may be an issue


As much as I like Option 1 and the Bonus option I like being able to use regular fuel and not premium so that is what I would probably pick unless the other engines were reworked to make a little less power, but run on regular 87 octane.

 

[Chuckles]

2 best Harvester Range extender ideas I have both are VW group engines:

1. (Fun Option, Suggested Before I just like the idea)- Base 2.0L 4cyl boxer turbo or N/A from Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxer-
>Pros- Plenty of power, sounds great for a 4cyl so it might be enjoyable to hear it turn on in range extender form, not as tall so can possibly fit flat under the scout like in the render where the extender may go.
>Cons- Likely too Expensive, Will probably require premium fuel unless re-tuned but would then make less power.



2. (Realistic Option/Most likely)- 2.0L 4cyl N/A from different VW models
>Pros- Likely more reliable from not having turbos, can take regular fuel, more affordable.

>Cons- Taller layout so may be harder to fit in original range extender location, less powerful

Bonus idea: Turbo 2.0L 4cyl from Golf GTI or Golf R (Shares pros and cons from the first 2 options)
>Pros-Good power, decent sound, Mid-priced between the other two options

>Cons- premium fuel, engine size may be an issue


As much as I like Option 1 and the Bonus option I like being able to use regular fuel and not premium so that is what I would probably pick unless the other engines were reworked to make a little less power, but run on regular 87 octane.

I wouldn't discount the 1.5 turbo from the Taos. Flat four would be cool, but that would likely have to be imported from Germany. I think Scout will try to source one from the USA or Mexico.

 

[Tyler88]

I wouldn't discount the 1.5 turbo from the Taos. Flat four would be cool, but that would likely have to be imported from Germany. I think Scout will try to source one from the USA or Mexico.

Hopefully if it was used the 2025 version makes a little more power but I would rather a N/A 2.0L be used instead just to help reliability over a turboed engine

 

[Chuckles]

Hopefully if it was used the 2025 version makes a little more power but I would rather a N/A 2.0L be used instead just to help reliability over a turboed engine

I'm most concerned about using a DI-only engine and carbon buildup.

 

[maynard]

One very minor concern I have with the Harvester is access for maintenance. I perform my own basic service on my vehicles and am curious to know how easy it will be to service based on the vague references to placement.

Agreed - maybe we'll get lucky and there will be a removable panel above it and open access from below (like the old VW bus)...

 

[ScoutMagnatta]

One very minor concern I have with the Harvester is access for maintenance. I perform my own basic service on my vehicles and am curious to know how easy it will be to service based on the vague references to placement.

That's been a concern of mine too. Scout Motors states you will be able to do maintenance for 80% in the field. The question is if the Harvester will be in that 80%

 

[ttwntec]

I'm curious as to whether the range extender will be able to function as a generator, and/or run while the vehicle is parked to charge the battery. Back-country camping for extended periods is a big part of what I plan on using my Terra for.

I wholeheartedly agree. This would be a great idea. Up camping get to location run generator to charge battery or get some lights or heat at night. Or driving stop to get lunch, run generator to help get a quick charge if no charging stations available. I know 30 minutes would not be a lot nor replacement a charging station but it might be enough.

 

[ejf]

He doesn’t seem to be aware of the stated 150 mile range for the Harvester battery.

I am not liking the idea of ONLY 150 miles range on pure EV with the harvester. It has been reported that the EV was 350 and the harvestor component adds another 150 for total over 500 mile range. I hope they figure out the configuration as I believe many potential customers had placed reservations with this in mind.

 

[Mr._Bill]

The generator should be an option that goes in the front, where the engine bay would be. Much easier to cool and service, and then all models can get the largest battery pack available.

I'm not looking for an electric truck so that I have that extra space up front to throw crap in. I'm accustomed to four doors and the bed. That space up front is great for a generator and tool storage.

 

[ScoutMagnatta]

The generator should be an option that goes in the front, where the engine bay would be. Much easier to cool and service, and then all models can get the largest battery pack available.

I'm not looking for an electric truck so that I have that extra space up front to throw crap in. I'm accustomed to four doors and the bed. That space up front is great for a generator and tool storage.

Larger Battery adds more weight and cost. They can cut cost and weight of the vehicle making it more accessible to more people. this would allow more people to afford it.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Larger Battery adds more weight and cost. They can cut cost and weight of the vehicle making it more accessible to more people. this would allow more people to afford it.

My intended point was that costs are reduced overall if they are only making one battery pack to use in all the models. They only need one frame design, and they can change the front springs to accommodate the added weight of the generator. I would hope all of this is being discussed as they work on the design for production.

 

[ScoutMagnatta]

My intended point was that costs are reduced overall if they are only making one battery pack to use in all the models. They only need one frame design, and they can change the front springs to accommodate the added weight of the generator. I would hope all of this is being discussed as they work on the design for production.

Oh I understand, I too would also like to see them just do a standard flat battery pack. No large battery pack or max pack BS like Rivian does. I hope its just the 120kWh giving you 350 miles of Pure EV range. Then Harvester model would have a slightly smaller Battery Pack to add room for the Gas tank and Generator.

 

[Flyinglow]

Just dubious about the performance while on the gas engine. Own a Volt. Very practical but limited performance when on gasoline. Fine for light load cruising on level ground but strains somewhat on grades. Not sure the Harvester would tow very well or handle extended grades when loaded.

I would likely stick to the BEV and not haul around an engine and gas to power it.