With demand for all-electric vehicles cooling after years of upward movement, automakers have since shifted gears strategically to compensate. That includes Ford, which delayed the launch of the second-generation Ford F-150 EV to 2027, and also announced that the very first model to ride on its new low-cost EV platform will be a mid-size pickup, which could wear the Ford Ranger nameplate. Whatever it ultimately decides to call that future Blue Oval EV pickup, it will have yet another rival when it does eventually launch – the new Scout Terra.
The Scout Terra was unveiled alongside its SUV counterpart, the Traveler, as the first two models to come from the revived brand. Otherwise, those two models are essentially the same in most areas, and that includes mechanicals. Both feature body-on-frame construction, a solid rear axle, mechanical locking differentials, and all-electric power. However, Scout will also offer what it calls the “Harvester” specification that is effectively an extended range EV with a gas engine and a small fuel tank, which helps extend range from 350 miles in the regular EV to upward of 500. Specs are elusive at the moment, but Scout did note that the quad motor Terra will do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and churn out 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
The Scout Terra will also come with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port from the factory – enabling it to use Tesla’s Supercharger network without an adapter – and it utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture that allows users to take advantage of DC fast-charging speeds of up to 350 kW. Max payload is estimated to be around 2,000 pounds, with more than 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. With room for up to 35-inch tires, a foot of ground clearance, and roughly three feet of water fording capability, the Scout Terra clearly has serious off-road chops – and a rather decently-sized 5.5 foot-long bed, as well as an optional front bench seat for those that desire room for six inside the cabin, which is filled with physical controls.
As for pricing, the Scout Terra is expected to start out around $60,000, but production isn’t slated to start until 2027. However, since it’ll be built entirely in South Carolina, the pickup (and SUV) will qualify for current tax credits, which would lower the price considerably for those that can take advantage – though of course, a lot can change over the next two years. Regardless, it’ll be interesting to see if other automakers follow suit and offer extended range EV variants of similar models along with traditional EV powertrains moving forward.
Comments
It’s not real until it’s real, but I like that front bench seat. No overly obtrusive center console hogging up space. No stupid screen above the dashboard. Very clean lines. 500 miles of range is a nice “feel good” target. The small engine is a good idea too. If you are in a hurry, you can just fuel up and go. The small engine will help overcome a lot of anxiety people have about EVs. These Scouts are a real threat to Ford/Bronco.
PS I was motivated enough to go tho the Terra website to learn more. My compliments to their website developers. It is an intriguing website and very engaging. After looking at their website, I think this vehicle is an even bigger threat.
Hardly anyone wants an EV.