--- title: "Scout CEO Reveals Nearly All Its Electric Truck Buyers Want a Gas Engine: TDS" date: "2026-02-02" modified: "2026-02-02" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/scout-ceo-reveals-nearly-all-its-electric-truck-buyers-want-a-gas-engine-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Scout CEO Reveals Nearly All Its Electric Truck Buyers Want a Gas Engine: TDS ![Scout]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Short, dense, and quick, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one sport. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. πŸ”ˆ If you happened to be on vacation last week we wanted to give you a heads up that *The Drive* launched its [first podcast, called *The Drivecast*](), with episode 1 now live on both [Apple Podcasts]() and [Spotify](). 🚨 Today, *The Drive* will kick off The Drive Awards 2026 with category winners revealed each day this week leading up to The Drive Car of the Year 2026 winner being revealed on Friday. The first cup of coffee is gone, the second is in hand, and it's going to be another big week here at *The Drive*. Let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spent the weekend finishing up my week with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport and have come to appreciate how it's a truck that will do much of what people actually need while being easy to live with. ⛽️ [Scout CEO Scott Keogh said]() the automaker now has over 150,000 reservations for its electric truck and SUV, though the team is surprised that roughly 85% of those are for the extended-range variant with a gas-powered generator. πŸ“‰ Tesla's European [sales slump continued]() with French sales falling 42% last month and 88% in Norway. ⭐️ One of Mercedes' largest shareholders said the new S-Class is [the "last shot" for the automaker's CEO]() to prove the historic company can retain the luxury crown. πŸͺ¦ Lexus confirmed the [LC will exit production]() after the 2026 model year, which was widely expected. πŸ’° Polestar announced an [equity financing round of $400 million](). 🏎️ President Trump signed an executive order to [bring an IndyCar race](), dubbed the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, to Washington, D.C. in 2026. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ford's reportedly [in talks with Chinese electric-car maker Xiaomi]() about forming a partnership to build EVs in the U.S. πŸ“‰ [BYD sales slumped 30%]() in January as demand in China cools off. πŸ”Œ CATL said it [has a new battery]() that fast charging won't kill with the ability to retain 80% capacity after being fast charged for 1.1 million miles. 🏁 Weekend Race Results: - Formula E Miami E-Prix: Mitch Evans took the win for Jaguar TCS Racing. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()