Electric off-road vehicles are becoming popular, and Volkswagen wants in on the action. A new Volkswagen Scout 4×4 could be part of the equation.
Volkswagen is exploring the possibility of reviving its electric off-roader plans using the rugged, ladder-on-frame chassis developed by Scout Motors. Originally inspired by the iconic Scout vehicles of the ’60s and ’70s, Scout is building electric SUVs and pickups in the U.S., with potential crossover use by other VW Group brands like Audi. If plans proceed, VW’s 4×4 EV wouldn’t arrive until the early 2030s.
Clearing the muddy waters
Scout Motors is currently part of Volkswagen, but it is an independent company. The company could become part of VW’s plan for the future. Scout is an American brand that launched a series of off-roaders made by International Harvester in the 1960s and 1970s to rival the Jeep Wrangler. The partnership between VW and Scout Motors could bring a new electric vehicle platform to develop off-road SUVs and a pickup truck that will also utilize the platform for future EV off-roading fun. The Scout models built in the 1960s and 1970s are different from what we will see from VW and Scout Motors but could serve as the inspiration for new EVs.
Terra and Traveler are names to know
Wither VW utilizes the Scout name or not is uncertain, but the Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV will be offered wit electric powertrains. They will also be offered series hybrid powertrains, which means they operate utilizing a gas-powered engine as an electric range-extender, much like the Ram 1500 REV pickup truck. The software and powertrains are currently being developed during a new joint venture between VW and Rivian.
A step forward in American manufacturing
If these new Volkswagen Scout 4×4 EVs become a reality, they will be built at a new plant in the United States. The factory is currently under construction in South Carolina, and the new off-road EV models are due to be launched around 2028.
To give this new off-roader the proper build, a bespoke ladder-on-frame chassis is being developed. This should give the new Scout vehicles enough off-road capabilities to actually compete with the Jeep Wrangler. Of course, the Wrangler has longevity and reputation on its side, but some buyers could find a new Volkswagen-based off-road SUV a good option.
A first for the EV world
Currently, none of the electric off-road SUVs on the market utilize a body-on-frame platform. This is a good place to begin to ensure some success in this space. Considering the previous success of such platforms for off-roading, it only makes sense that VW begins with this foundation and builds out from there.
In addition to the new EV platform, the American Volkswagen team will need to give this Scout SUV enough efficiency to make sense. If its to be an electric off-roader, it needs to be equipped with generous driving range, while being light enough to be agile on the trails. Imagine how easy it could be to get a heavy electric vehicle stuck in the mud if it’s not properly equipped.
Nothing new for VW
An electric off-road SUV has been on the minds of Volkswagen engineers for several years. Plans were launched in 2020 for an electric off-roader under the internal name of ID Ruggdzz. Originally, this SUV was to use a variation of the MEB platform to serve as an SUV that could rival the Land Rover Defender, but it was scrapped in 2023 during a change in Volkswagen leadership. Now, plans for a Volkswagen Scout 4×4 have emerged and could be exactly what’s required to give the EV market a shot in the arm.
Another name in the mix
Volkswagen is more than just a car brand, its an entire group of several vehicle brands, including Audi. The idea of an off-road SUV utilizing a ladder-on-frame platform has Audi leaders interested in potentially utilizing the platform to build a luxury 4×4 off-roader. This could be a big deal for VW and Scout, giving them a truly luxurious off-roader that could compete with Land Rover in the space.
The new Volkswagen Scout 4×4 has gained incredible interest from various parts of the market. This new electric off-roader isn’t expected to appear until after 2030, but it could be a foundational model that allows VW to challenge the Jeep Wrangler and Audi to challenge the Land Rover Defender for dominance in this off-road space.
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