Blythewood, S.C. – Scout Motors, an electric vehicle startup backed by Volkswagen, has garnered approximately 212,000 reservations for its upcoming Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV, as the company progresses towards completing its new $2 billion manufacturing plant in South Carolina. CEO Scott Keogh shared these insights during an interview, indicating that full production is set to begin next year, with customer deliveries expected in 2028.
While these reservations reflect strong initial interest, they do not guarantee sales, as evidenced by past trends in the U.S. automotive market with other anticipated electric models. Keogh expressed optimism that the reservations could double by the time production starts, highlighting the importance of converting interest into actual sales. "The big thing for us is how much of the initial production can we 100% presell," he stated.
The company has indicated that construction of the plant is in its final phase, with a strategic focus on offering electric hybrid variants known as extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), in addition to fully electric models. These EREVs, featuring an engine as a backup generator, have drawn significant reservations, with 87% of consumers opting for them and 75% selecting SUVs.
Scout aims to launch EREVs first, followed by all-electric versions, emphasizing affordability with both models expected to start under $60,000. The EREVs are projected to offer more than 500 miles of range, while the EVs are estimated at around 300 miles. Keogh aims for Scout to achieve 100,000 units sold rapidly to gain a competitive edge in the market. The company’s plant construction is about 85% finished, alongside a $300 million supplier park.
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