scout motors' all-american icons revived with two electric models

an electric vehicle for work and play

This week at Southall Farm & Inn in Edison, Tennessee, designboom witnessed Scout Motors’ unveiling of its highly anticipated electric Traveler SUV and Terra truck, marking an exciting return for this legendary American brand. It’s been 44 years since the last Scout was produced. Since then, the brand has become known for its dedicated following of enthusiasts, who appreciate the brand for its design heritage that is at once agricultural and undeniably cool.

The first Scout was conceived in 1961 to be rugged and resilient — good for farm work and family outings alike — and throughout the sixties and seventies, the vehicles became All-American icons. Hard times saw the last Scout produced on October 24th, 1980. This week, exactly forty-four years later, the beloved brand has been revived with respect for its adventurous roots and rich design legacy. This new lineup brings an approach that is at once fresh and familiar, balancing nostalgic charm with hope for a cleaner electric future. Designed with a deep appreciation for the original models, these vehicles speak to a new generation of off-road enthusiasts eager for capability and environmental consciousness.

images courtesy Scout Motors, unless otherwise stated

scout motors revived with terra truck and traveler suv

The design team at Scout Motors dove deep into the archives of the original vehicles, intent on crafting an electric vehicle that captures the brand’s character without just replicating past models. ‘A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion,’ said Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer at Scout Motors. ‘It should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster.‘ Benjamin’s words resonate through each line of the Traveler and Terra, with rugged, minimalist exteriors that emphasize capability without excessive ornamentation.

The bold proportions of the Scout Traveler and Terra evoke strength, with short front overhangs and substantial ground clearances that lend off-road capability. Both models maintain a so-called ‘eight-day-a-week’ versatility, for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and off-road adventures. The vehicles’ solid rear axles and robust body-on-frame construction is a furtherance of their rugged design and an homage to the durability of early Scouts.

the first Scout, produced 1961 | image © designboom

rugged build and tactile details

The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck are both made for all-terrain, and will be capable of fording nearly three feet of water and handling challenging inclines and obstacles. The Terra truck, Scout’s first electric pickup, is especially equipped to appeal to the DIY and outdoors communities, boasting a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds and a payload capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Traveler SUV offers over 7,000 pounds of towing capability.

True to Scout’s tactile approach — and a rejection of the ‘futuristic’ touch screen interiors of most EVs today — drivers can engage with physical features such as door handles, grab bars, switches, and dials, creating a hands-on experience often absent from modern electric vehicles. The design team placed a strong emphasis on making these vehicles functional tools for drivers, with features like the Traveler’s split tailgate and the Terra’s power outlets, allowing owners to plug in heavy-duty tools or even support a home in case of a power outage.

Scout Motors unveils its all-electric Traveler SUV and Terra truck in Edison, Tennessee

350-500 miles of range

With its commitment to both heritage and innovation, Scout Motors took a deliberate approach to the powertrain, offering both fully electric and range-extended options. The electric versions of the Traveler and Terra boast up to 350 miles of range, while the range-extended models — powered by Scout’s proprietary ‘Harvester’ system — provide over 500 miles of travel. Both systems allow drivers to embrace electrification on their own terms without sacrificing Scout’s renowned toughness.

The electric Scout Traveler and Terra further honor the original Scout models’ visual language with their clean, horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a simple aesthetic. A nod to the past, these details still maintain a fresh identity for a new era. The black, vertical ‘mask’ design on both the front and rear of each vehicle subtly references the original models, while the offset Scout logo was planned to suggest an artist’s signature.

Scout’s original 1960s spirit is reflected with bold proportions, short overhangs, and rugged aesthetics

Underlining its commitment to American production, Scout Motors announced plans to manufacture these vehicles in South Carolina, a move that will generate over 4,000 U.S. jobs. Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors, says, ‘We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.’

The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck showcase how a brand deeply embedded in American automotive history can be reinvented for a cleaner, greener future. With design and engineering centered in Michigan and production set for South Carolina, Scout Motors has brought the ‘Made in America’ legacy back into focus. At their core, these vehicles remain true to the original Scout mission, which is to create versatile, durable, and dependable vehicles that celebrate the outdoors, connect drivers to their surroundings, and support a sustainable future.

the electric vehicles blend nostalgic design cues like horizontal day-running lights