It has been almost a year and a half since Scout Motors first introduced the Terra truck and Traveler SUV to the public. The reaction was generally favorable, if you recall—most individuals I spoke to appreciated the design, and rather than limiting them to EVs only, Scout also assured models with gasoline range-extenders. There was much to look forward to at the event, where reservation lists opened for $100 deposits. For those who haven’t received a refund yet, Scout has a status update: It will still take a couple more years.
The information comes straight from Scout CEO Scott Keogh. During a discussion with members of the Automotive Press Association last week, the executive stated, “When do I envision the cars in the possession of a physical customer? I see that occurring sometime in 2028.” This schedule aligns with a February report from the German outlet Der Spiegel, which pointed out technical difficulties that would postpone Scout production.
“The first thing I want to avoid is playing the communication game of, ‘What specific day and what hour are you launching the car?’ when we’re undertaking something as ambitious as this,” Keogh elaborated. “So the most vital aspect to me is, one, we’re on track, and we’re on schedule. Secondly, putting an outstanding product in the hands of a customer is an absolute home run, without question.”
Keogh mentioned the reveal of the Terra and Traveler concepts. At that time, they indicated that “cars will come down the line in 2027.” He asserts that nothing has changed, although people assumed that deliveries would begin right after.
“These initial phase [prototypes] will roll out in 2026,” Keogh stated. “That will be a few dozen vehicles, but it will allow us to test a lot of elements on the platform. Then we’ll develop a second generation. We’ll create a third, then we’ll move to a fourth. So we will continue this from ’26 through ’27.”
“Is it significantly distant from what we communicated in October of ’24? I would say no,” Keogh continued. “More importantly, are we executing the strategy? I would say yes. And, of course, when I mention executing the strategy, you have to get the timing just right, ensuring everything is done with the maturity, you don’t overhire and overstaff before you can generate revenue, correct? And this is the approach we will always be taking.”
When asked about the reported technical challenges, Keogh shared his viewpoint:
“There are obstacles every minute of every day, and we’re overcoming those continuously. So there’s no exact ‘Oh, my God’ technical challenge that cannot be addressed. Or this is a roadblock, or this is an issue. It’s physics merging with everything, and there are constant difficulties. We have a new team. We have a completely new platform. We have an entirely new software architecture being implemented. But genuinely, I believe what we’re doing is extraordinary and impressive. So I don’t perceive roadblocks or technical failures. What I see is an automotive startup venture. And this is perfectly normal for me.”
“So, no, I don’t see overwhelming obstacles. I see daily issues we’re overcoming, full stop.”
One such obstacle might relate to the towing capacity of the range-extended trucks. Keogh informed Jay Leno last year that Harvester models will haul 5,000 pounds, while the full EV variants will have a towing capability of up to 10,000 pounds. Allegedly, Scout has “some solutions” for that inconsistency, as Keogh noted at the APA gathering last week. Exactly what those solutions entail remains unclear right now.
Recognizing the lengthy timeline until these vehicles reach production, Scout will need to maintain interest among potential buyers. The enthusiasm was high during the reveal, but is now waning—and we aren’t even halfway to the delivery date yet.
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**Scout Customers Will Not Get Their Trucks Until ‘Sometime in 2028,’ Says CEO**
In a recent statement that has raised considerable concern among future buyers, the CEO of Scout, a nascent electric vehicle company, announced that purchasers of the highly-anticipated Scout trucks will not receive their vehicles until ‘sometime in 2028.’ This disclosure is part of the company’s comprehensive strategy to enhance production and guarantee quality in their electric truck offerings.
Scout, which seeks to establish a foothold in the competitive electric truck market, has attracted attention with its commitments to robust, adaptable vehicles designed for both urban and off-road settings. However, the prolonged delivery timeline has sparked doubts and inquiries regarding the company’s production capabilities and supply chain management.
The delay is linked to various factors, including difficulties in sourcing components, especially semiconductors, which have been in limited supply worldwide. The automotive sector has experienced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to production slowdowns and extended lead times for new vehicle models. Scout’s CEO highlighted the necessity of delivering a product that fulfills the elevated expectations of consumers, which requires a thorough and meticulous production process.
Aside from supply chain hurdles, the company is also dealing with the intricacies of establishing manufacturing facilities while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Scout is dedicated to sustainability, and the CEO reaffirmed that the company is focused on constructing a responsible and eco-conscious production line.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from prospective buyers. While some are hopeful about the potential for electric trucks and are prepared to wait for a high-quality product, others express dissatisfaction over the lengthy wait period. Many consumers are worried about the consequences of such delays, particularly as competition in the electric vehicle market escalates with established automakers and new participants alike racing to present innovative solutions.
Scout has indicated that it will keep customers updated throughout the production journey and is investigating methods to expedite delivery schedules. The company is also investing in research and development to enhance its technology and boost manufacturing efficiency.
As the electric vehicle sector progresses, Scout’s commitment to quality and sustainability will be essential in determining its success. The extended wait for the trucks may challenge the patience of early adopters, but the aspiration is that the final product will validate the delay and solidify Scout as a significant player in the electric truck market.
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