--- title: "Scout’s Range Extender Will Be a VW Engine That You Won’t Even Notice" date: "2025-01-14" modified: "2025-01-14" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/scouts-range-extender-will-be-a-vw-engine-that-you-wont-even-notice" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen Group News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "pickup" - "scout" - "suv/crossover" --- # Scout’s Range Extender Will Be a VW Engine That You Won’t Even Notice ![Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup.]() *\Scout Motors\* When [Scout Motors]() finally uncovered its electric Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, one of the more interesting reveals was their range extender option. Range extenders haven't been in vogue for some time, falling out of favor after cars like the [BMW i3 ]()and [Chevrolet Volt](). Customers didn't much like those coarse, gravelly motors ruining the otherwise quiet EV experience, especially since they were only there to generate some extra electricity for the battery. Why not just add more batteries instead? Well, Scout's offering is said to be better, using a small [Volkswagen Group]() engine so far behind the passengers that they won't even notice it while it's running. At CES 2025, Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh said that a range extender wasn't originally in the plans, according to [*Edmunds*](). However, Scout not only wants its EVs to be capable of venturing far off the beaten path, but to do so where charging infrastructure is lacking. "We've always positioned Scout as a brand that wants to be a 50-state brand, sold everywhere," said Keogh. ![]() **Scout Motors** The specific engine Scout will use for range extender duty is still under wraps. However, since Scout is under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, the engine will likely come from a parts bin somewhere in Wolfsburg. The smallest [Volkswagen]() engine offered in the United States is the 1.5-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Jetta and Taos. But since the engine only has to act as an electricity generator for the battery, Scout might be able to get away with using one of VW's smaller-displacement Euro-market engines. If you've ever driven a BMW i3, you'd know that range extenders aren't always the most enjoyable things to use. When that little Bavarian scooter engine kicks on, it sounds and feels like there's a lawnmower in the trunk. The i3 also loses a ton of power while relying on the gas engine for electro-juice. But Ryan Decker, head of strategy at Scout, says there's nothing to worry about in their implementation. Since the Scout is body-on-frame, with a traditional truck-style ladder frame, there's plenty of room in the back of the chassis to hide the little range extender away. "It's so far away you don't hear it, you don't feel it, so you still get the sensation of driving a quiet, small electric vehicle," said Decker. ![]() **Scout Motors** Keogh also squashed any fears that either Scout model would lose power, off-roading ability, or towing capacity when the gas engine kicks on. "You still have 100% gradability, you still have all the ground clearance, you still have a frunk, you still have all of the things." Having a range extender option might make Scout a more intriguing offering than the [other electric SUVs]() and trucks, come 2027. Range anxiety is the biggest hurdle for off-road enthusiasts to clear when it comes to electric vehicles. What happens when you run out of juice in the middle of nowhere? But having the gas range extender to rely on as an emergency backup should provide some peace of mind for those customers. And, naturally, Scout will sell you a jerry can to go with it. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()