We Need To Talk About The Future Of Scout!

[@dalejones4322]

Thank you Tommy for explaining this. I never fully understood the difference between hybrid and range extender vehicles. This was super informative

[@CJ-rk5eg]

You can thank the Chevy Volt 2010 that introduced the range extending technology - 4 cylinders acting as electric generator to the electric motor driving the wheels, but the ICE engaged with the battery at high speeds. A perfect bridging technology which makes sense for off reading too.

[@johntenpas70]

Great discussion. I've been driving my Gen 2 Volt for eight years now (180k miles) and it's still a fantastic combination of electric capability for local driving and gas for road trips. It was ahead of its time, and here we are 14 years after the first Volt was sold and there's surprisingly few PHEV options out there. The Scout looks awesome and I think the decision to offer a range extender is a good one, I just hope it can do everything on gas that it can do on battery, like the Volt.

[@timalan7406]

2.0L Diesel to electric generator is the way to go. Locomotives have been doing this for decades (called a transmission system).

[@rossthompson4990]

I was looking for this comment before I made it. I didn't have to scroll to far down to find it.

[@Stetrain]

Diesel has the issue of emissions controls, DEF, etc. With electric to provide torque and efficiency, a gas generator will probably give good results without the issues of diesel.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m with you on the diesel generator. That’s what my locomotives use and we absolutely abuse those engines. Still, hoping Scout pulls this off as I reserved one with a gas generator. If they don’t, I’ll just buy some old Jeeps and mod them to modern standards.

[@robertsynoski4875]

I put in my reservation for the BEV version. I'm very skeptical about the range extender and think many people are going to be very disappointed when the details come out. Plus it's going to add a min. of $10k to the price. I may change my reservation after more info is revealed. I'm in wait and see mode.

[@BillSauceify]

Same I need to see how the Range Extender will actual work first. and I agree i think the price will be 8k-10k for the Rex.

[@ruly999]

the rex version will have a smaller battery which will offset some or all of the cost. I reserved the bev version because don't tow long distance, which (along with no home charging) are the only real reasons to get the rex. other arguments for the rex about charging infrastructure are fud. the charging infrastructure is improving all the time. I've owned a bev for 8 yrs, driven dozen different models of EVs for 100k miles or more, probably into the 100s for public charging sessions by now, rarely had any issue. so I would not get the added complexity and maintenance of the rex unless it's really actually needed (and not justified by fud).

[@MrJordanwain]

In the UK the Rouge is an X Trail and the E Force 213bhp version is a gas vehicle where the engine doesn’t drive the wheels only generating electricity for the electric motors to drive the wheels. Unfortunately there is no plug in option.

[@jackpittens796]

I don't completely agree with the statement that directly connecting the range extender gas motor to the drivetrain is more efficient than going thru a generator to the electric motor. If the power demand was high that you needed all the gas motor power to drive the vehicle, then yet that would be true, but I would assume that the range extender motor is large enough that in most driving situations the demand would be much lower than its capacity. I think for most of the time it would make more sense to run the range extender to run at its optimum efficiency and charge the battery, and let the vehicle drive off the electric motor. I think this saves the complication of being able to connect and disconnect the gas motor from the driveline, saves needing a transmission, and gets rid of software trying to balance the electricity and gas power going to drive the vehicle.

[@olebloom1641]

I'm hoping for reliability as well. Unfortunately VW AG is no longer known for making long lasting quality vehicles. I wonder if they got the Atlas to stop falling apart in peoples driveways?

[@kilofireb8584]

I love the idea, but if there too expensive, they might as well call it now. Everyone's trying to hit this 40 to 65k price point but truth be told, that's a really big monthly bill for most buyers. I want to see a version start around 35k. Hit that price point and these will do well.

[@OliviaChayay]

Every release is a little masterpiece. Thank you for your hard work and love!🐄🌲🦮

[@stephenreaves3205]

I LOVE the idea of the range extender, I just am worried that it is such an afterthought that they might screw up the implementation

[@sunchaser999]

The idea of a ranger extender is great. I’m concerned about its reliability though. Especially for those that may not necessarily be using it on a regular basis except for emergency use.

[@MadModernMan]

will likely be similar to other geni types in that it will have some type of 'test mode' that will initiate due to lack of use to keep parts lubed & gas mixed. believe the volt has something like this...but also home back-up geni's that sit for very long periods of time w/o use. we shall see but i'm very excited about the future of this tech in the US. truly feel like its the bridge the market has been looking for. now to see if this thing makes it to market, lol.

[@guentherwilke2055]

A Porsche boxer engine is definitely an out-of-the-box approach. I wonder how much more it would cost vs laying an L4 on its side. I wouldn't be surprised if Robin offers an FB derived range extender, perhaps with Atkinson cycle.

[@ram64man]

I think your missing the obvious, it won’t be a flat 4 it will be the 1 litre 3 cylinder, making 85hp or 105hp more than enough for a generator at 35kw output remember it will still get the Californian air emission standard so still require less than 10% battery , my gut is telling me they will use the id3 64kwh pack with the range and 79kwh with the pure ev since it will all come out of Chattanooga parts bin given the reshuffle vw are doing

[@broncobill3902]

Tommy, how are they going cool this engine. Where would the radiator go? The current frunk configuration really limits radiator placement. What do you think?

[@Cubanb407]

I’m a fan but as we all know tech is constantly changing it’ll be interesting to see how it’ll stand against the competition by the time it rolls off the lot

[@eBikerHowie]

This brand is DOA. VW is closing three plants in Europe. They are laying of 10s of thousands of employees. And the rest have to take a huge pay cut. They will also shut down low performing brands. Couple that with the fact that Scout will be a North American brand (small market), high priced vehicle, no dealer network (because it will be direct to consumer), and the Dealers are crazy made about this, and won't be available until 2027 or 28....I just don't see how this will be viable. Unless, they go to Rivan to outsource the entire project. Remember, they just invested billions of dollars in Rivan.

[@mattpaarlberg2264]

Small block diesel was the correct answer. Scout won’t last 5 years and would already be bankrupt without huge VW backing. Simple, mechanical and reliable is what real end users want.

[@jebediahkerman3946]

Game-changing tech that's been around in locomotives since the 1930s. Really wish someone would put a diesel-electric setup into RVs. Oh, wait. Edison Motors is going to offer conversion kits that will work in a motorhome. Can't wait.

[@texandy89]

The company will lose money just like with every EV maker.

[@ribbit1964]

Cool vehicle but - BIG BUTT! - pricing might kill it. At $50k, it’s already at an outer edge of maybe but 2 production years down the road, too much will happen - we shall see. At least, I’m still curious to see what happens

[@stevekniess3665]

Thanks Tommy

[@Stack_Silver]

Good things happening at VW. They are making the needed changes to get out from the old and into the new!

[@plokmko0]

100 hp 1000cc Flat TWin !!! 500cc cylinder displacement is the German ideal size for an engine and the rest of the world seems to agree. With the flat twin you can have the same cylinder for more economy of scale with the head rotated 90 degrees to the bore to have the ports horizontal ... BMW have been doing it forever.

[@sonofagun1037]

Why cant they mount a sideways swing gate spare tire mount for the truck so you still have the full bed

[@MrJordanwain]

Ducati is part of the VW group so it could be a motorcycle engine. Hopefully not woefully small like the i3!!

[@Kahless00]

The future is all you can talk about. Damn things aren't even going to be out until 2027. They announced too early.

[@trendel13]

I know I'm still waiting for the Canoo. I don't even know if any of those were shipped. Alot of this is vaporware

[@juanirving276]

This is my biggest worry. Especially with the price. I'm not too sure they'll be able to keep it at the 50k price in 2027

[@danielstefanovic2604]

@@trendel13 isnt canoo on the brink of bankruptcy?

[@tindy128011]

The more competition the better it is for the consumer

[@Aldeeezzy]

They want those preorder deposits 💰

[@shanghaidiscovery2664]

Li auto in China has a range of SUVs with range extenders. Big high end vehicles. they have already sold over a million of those, would be nice to see TFLEV do a trip to China to show their viewers what is going on there, and the L9 by Li Auto is probably a better way to benchmark the scout

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Somewhere I heard it called a generator. That makes me assume it's just that, a generator to recharge the battery for 150 more miles.

[@christophersiano969]

Why would you want all the downsides of a gas engine (maint, fuel, leaks, etc.) for something that you'll nearly never use? Seriously, how many people really go beyond the electric range of this vehicle? Sure, there are exceptions and I think those people will love this. People who tow, those who REALLY get off-grid, and those that live in areas poorly supported. However, those are some fairly rare exceptions. I fear that most people who buy this will do so for that "what if" fear and then a year or so into ownership wish they had bought the bigger battery and not the dinosaur they haul around doing nothing.

[@AlucardFeeds]

Man Vw must be hating they damaged their diesel reputation.

[@lucwilson1]

Tommy - it's Volt, not Vault lol (that's how it sounded when you pronounced it ;)

[@perkinsgalen]

Thats a great 75% picture size at 4:01 😅

[@QuattroOutdoors]

I placed a reservation on the extended range Traveler. Looks like I am in the majority.

[@timdodge7536]

The pure EV version makes more sense because of much reduced maintenance and fuel costs.

[@cartopia6161]

For YOUR application. I need something with a range extender.

[@stephkent2736]

Go tow in the mountains and tell me we don't need range extenders with current technology.

[@cinthe3]

Cool truck. Pre orders are lacking hard tho

[@WheresHerb]

It's really all about price. Maybe prices will come down soon, but who knows.

[@laneyemmons4257]

Deboss Garage is using diesel engines in their conversion kits.

[@TNRVG]

The big question is will it still run/move if the "range extender" dies? Hybrids are way more complex than an electric or ICE vehicle so more can go wrong. If its just an electric generator then it should continue to run if the generator dies.

[@craigmcdermott2921]

Some people would benefit from being open to learning more TRUTH about Toyota Hybrids. Toyota Hybrids are both: a) proven to be reliable b) in some ways, have fewer traditional ICE- related components: no serpentine belt, no starter, electric A/C. Learn more at Car Care Nut. Toyota Hybrid owners can expect their cars to reliably last beyond 300K miles and 12 years. Lower maintenance costs than their ICE 4 cylinder engines; true.

[@OldThomMerton]

The range extender version will be the way to go!

[@Nikephorus]

This is what they should have been doing from the beginning.

[@shawnp4840]

The Volt does not have all the power if you let the battery die. Drives pretty well with some charge in the battery, is a whiney dog on gas only.

[@robervin9107]

Tremendous job team leader tommy

[@frankrider6192]

I thought the 2025 Dodge Ram was going to be offered with an EV Range Extender.

[@Ancho1987jaja]

4:05 niice

[@MrRaitzi]

I want scout erev. But those VW bosses unlikely give us cars we want in Europe. They make only shit here.

[@dougvaughan818]

I feel if Rivian fails Scout will buy them

I say go all in on the EV version.. why... a lot less maintenance..less to go wrong.. cheaper to operate.. I dont tow so perfect for me..

[@Toycollector33]

And the chevy Volt.

[@markschmitt8651]

Why they have engine in the rear, they do not need a trunk in the front plus normal vehicle have a engine in the front , plus reason they do not use a diesel because they are more expensive and are heavier

[@LoneWanderer479]

It's not really that customer excitement has shifted towards hybrids. Its that the government regulations have forced companies to produce more hybrids in addition to EVs to meet emission standards. Either way I think its a great option for customers that have range concerns!

[@karlInSanDiego]

We've got to talk about the fact that EV trucks are the least profitable EV segment because batteries are still a giant cost. VW is struggling and may be on life support mode. Scout is a gamble on an unlaunched brand. Any CEO in their right mind would cancel the whole affair. As you said, Scout is a long dead brand name, 44 years, two generations. I think the flat four still relies on horizontal orientation for oil pan/dry sump well. This isn't a 2 stroke motor, so no magical gravity defying positioning. My guess is it will live where the i3 Rex lived if the brand isn't shut down. This country has too many trucks and SUVs. We can't afford more toys for boys. The whole point of EVs is to address the Climate Crisis, but Rivian and others seem to be getting a free pass by the press on their vehicles' LCAs. Rivian's own impact report estimates materials and production of the R1T exceeding 39 tons of CO2e, making it a dead man walking in a zero emissions world. But truck people don't care about our crashing the planet or they suck at emissions math. Reduction was never the end goal. Elimination of GHGs is the end goal. And EV manufacturers only come clean occasionally in impact reports that no one reads.

[@jebediahkerman3946]

Lol, the climate "crisis", you mean the one that was gonna kill us all in 10 years, 20 years ago?

[@danclary6609]

They want the deposit money. Ford got over 100k deposits x100$ and collected intrest on it for almost 2 years. Free money

[@JustinEsquibel]

Put a deposit on both hybrids

[@Van_Liberty]

More parts…More money

[@Cjdergrosse]

They have immense challenges ahead, Rivian/Tesla/Lucid can all go without dealers because they never had them. VW has an entire dealer network. While Scout is owned by VW, so their dealer network is going to go nuclear, to prevent VW from direct-to-consumer sales model like Tesla. VW may have to sell them through a dealer network, or states may not allow them to sell them.

[@lucwilson1]

What a silly set of rules to "qualitfy" as a ranger extender.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Everybody’s broke except for the rich and they’re only getting richer so that’s who you need to concentrate on.

[@NoharaLoco-gw8ld]

Im interested in the truck hybrid. If they actually deliver them with the specs they claim and in the price range claimed then I will be in the market for one. That being said, 2027 is a long way off, the ev market is dying, and its only a matter of time until the other manufacturers wise up and put out their own versions. Ford already has one with the ranger but foolishly refuses to sell it here in favor of the garbage lightening they cant sell. Gm has their head up their ass as usual. Ram has a 1500 hybrid coming that I would have been interested in but they are making the mistake of aiming it at the luxury market. In all honesty I will probably do the edison/deboss hybrid conversion to a regular truck and flip off the manufacturers. They keep trying to force full ev and thats just not going to work. Anyone with half a brain understands the reasons why its a foolish pipe dream

[@scotturich]

When it comes to an off-road vehicle or work style truck. All electric is still not viable not because of the electric it’s because of infrastructure. Plus as some who has a 4xe it was nice way for me to try out electric without having to worry about the downside. I now bought a Chevy Bolt and what I’ve learned is only electric is only good for city driving, commuting and all those things only work if you have a level 2 charger at home. In the end companies need to focus more on helping build charging infrastructure vs building vehicles that can’t be charged anywhere.

[@ferkdizzle]

Scout!

[@ien2023]

All talks and no action. They haven't even show the real tech yet. So don't hold your breath.

[@Crab44]

I don't even know why they'd bother making the all electric just make them all range extenders

[@steveallwine1443]

It’ll come down to the price. If it’s an additional $10k option to just travel 150 miles, on a fast charging EV that already goes 350 miles, it won’t be all that useful.

[@jeanmenieur]

4:04 75% picture size

[@JogBird]

after the good news yesterday, Scout is gonna have to change their plans

[@MrJordanwain]

Put a V6 diesel in the scout!!

[@hidden7soul]

@@MrJordanwainyeah, there has to be a V6 version.

[@texandy89]

There is no future of Scout since they went woke and made it only EV so the Scout name has been destroyed since their is no ICE engine sorry but no thanks no future if it does not have a ice engine they ruined the Scout name for doing this quite frankly they should've never even made a scout or something should've just left it alone.

[@bjsimon802]

The Free market dealership model works. Now VW will make huge profit on a one sale price like Apple Does, you are forced to pay the gouging price for one of these. You can't negotiate the price. Also Dealership provide jobs, which AI is taking away

[@hamshipey4279]

It should have a gas engine. Making an EV just become a novelty......and thus will not have mass appeal.

[@mcsike7264]

Tesla amd byd did it so why can't they

[@timalan7406]

Let's help our fellow citizens in California. Manufactures, PLEASE stop appeasing California at the cost of everyone else? Trust me, California will submit to the will of the other 49 states, or their knuckle headed politicians will get thrown out.

[@drumraven12]

More electric crap... pass