Scout Harvester Range Extender Will Be A Volkswagen Engine
We knew Scout’s upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup EVs would include an option for a range-extending gasoline engine, now we know a bit more.
Key Points
- Scout will offer a gas-powered range extender called "Harvester" for its upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, using a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine sourced from VW’s Silao, Mexico plant.
- The range extender won’t drive the wheels directly, but will act as a generator to recharge a smaller battery pack, extending total range from 350 to approximately 500 miles.
- Production of Scout’s electric trucks and SUVs will begin in late 2027 at a new $2 billion facility in South Carolina, with plans to build up to 200,000 vehicles annually.
Scout's range extender will be a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine manufactured at Volkswagen Group’s Silao, Mexico, plant. According to VW Group CFO Arno Antlitz, who disclosed the details during the company’s Q1 earnings call, the gas engine will not feature turbocharging and is being developed specifically for Scout.
Scout's range-extending "Harvester" engine will be mounted behind the rear axle and will not be mechanically linked to the wheels; instead, it will act solely as a generator to recharge the battery pack, similar to the system that will power the incoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
Scout’s electric-only Terra pickup and Traveler SUV are projected to deliver a 350-mile range using a 120-kWh battery. With the Harvester engine and a smaller battery estimated around half that size, the range is expected to increase to 500 miles, though only 150 of those will be purely electric.
While the gas-assisted versions will offer longer range driving distances, performance will be mildly affected. The standard EVs are expected to accelerate from 0–60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, with the range-extended versions requiring about a second more.
Scout has already previewed both the Terra and Traveler, though production is not scheduled to begin until late 2027. The vehicles will be built at a new $2 billion factory in South Carolina, where Scout expects to create more than 4,000 jobs and build up to 200,000 units annually.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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I really doubt it will be affordable. Look at Rivian... pricey.
If they made an ICE version of this I think it would be very popular. EV only really limits the market. I like the look of it, but no interest with the current powertrain options.