Scout Motors, the company that introduced iconic trucks over 40 years ago, has now revealed an electric truck concept called the Scout Terra.
While this vehicle is still technically a concept, its design closely resembles what Scout aims to deliver on the road by 2027. The Terra has certain resemblances to other electric pickups but manages to showcase a distinctive style all its own.
Scout Terra: In-Depth Look
The Terra is built on a body-on-frame architecture that doesn’t share components with other Volkswagen products, despite Scout being a member of the larger Volkswagen Group.
The company plans to offer the truck as a fully electric model with a targeted range of about 350 miles.
For drivers hesitant about committing entirely to electric power, the Terra will offer an optional gas-powered generator as a range extender, which can recharge the battery when necessary. With this generator, the Terra is estimated to have a total range exceeding 500 miles.
Although the concept of a range extender isn’t new, it represents a practical approach embraced by several upcoming vehicles, like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
While the implementation may vary, the core goal remains the same: addressing range anxiety, particularly for drivers interested in off-road adventures or extended journeys.
For many truck buyers, having a range-extender option is a smart feature that enhances the vehicle’s versatility.
Powertrain details remain limited, but Scout has disclosed that a dual-motor setup will be available, delivering up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
According to Scout, the Terra will reach 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds and will operate on an 800-volt electric architecture. Standard equipment will include a Tesla NACS port, enabling charging speeds up to 350 kilowatts.
The Terra is designed for utility, with a payload capacity of up to 2,000 pounds and a towing capability of 10,000 pounds. Although its payload surpasses that of Rivian’s R1T, its towing capacity falls slightly behind both the R1T and trucks like the Chevy Silverado EV.
Built for rugged performance, the Terra features hardware that rivals today’s gas-powered trucks. The truck’s underpinnings include a solid rear axle, a front sway-bar disconnect, and two mechanical locking differentials.
Scout reports that the Terra will offer a foot of ground clearance and the ability to ford water up to three feet deep.
Design: Function Meets Style
Taking in the Terra’s design, comparisons to the Rivian R1T’s aerodynamic, smooth curves are almost inevitable. However, while the two trucks might look related at a glance, Scout’s attention to detail gives the Terra a unique character.
Like the Rivian, the Terra includes a front trunk or “frunk” with space for a few bags or for use as a cooler. The Terra also boasts a 5.5-foot bed, a foot longer than the R1T’s, along with two 120-volt outlets and a 240-volt plug for powering tools and appliances.
The front of the Terra is bold and square, with horizontal LED daytime running lights and a black grille bearing the classic, offset Scout logo.
A prominent skid plate extends up into the front fascia, reinforcing the truck’s adventurous, off-road appeal. At the back, the tailgate features a rectangular lighting element, also displaying the offset Scout logo, creating a playful design that merges nostalgia with modern aesthetics.
Interior: Bold and Distinctive
The Terra’s interior is just as visually striking as its exterior. Given Volkswagen’s significant influence and investment, it’s notable that Scout has developed an interior design uniquely its own, featuring vibrant colors, bold textures, and an array of physical buttons and knobs.
The Terra’s infotainment system also sets it apart from anything else in the VW Group’s lineup. Although Volkswagen recently announced a partnership with Rivian to develop software, there’s no indication that this partnership has influenced Scout’s system.
A Truck for Tomorrow?
Like many new vehicle announcements, the Terra is still some time away from hitting the market, with Scout presenting it as a concept vehicle close to its final form.
Scout Motors has already broken ground on a new production facility in South Carolina, where both the Terra and its SUV counterpart, the Traveler, will be manufactured. Production is anticipated to start in 2027.
This timeline presents a potential challenge for Scout: While the Terra’s specs are competitive with today’s top EV pickups, the electric vehicle space may shift considerably over the next four years.
Scout Motors plans to use a direct-to-consumer sales model, allowing buyers to order the Terra online without needing to go through a traditional dealership.
The Terra’s starting price is expected to be around $60,000, with the possibility of further reductions through government incentives.