Volkswagen's revived Scout Motors brand has officially unveiled its first two electric vehicles, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, marking a significant milestone in the company's electric comeback. The two vehicles, designed for off-road enthusiasts, boast affordable price tags, with a starting price under $60,000 before incentives, making them competitive with other electric off-roaders like Rivian's R1S and the upcoming R2.

Scout Motors, which was acquired by Volkswagen in 2020, has been working towards revamping the classic off-road brand for the electric era. The company, led by former Volkswagen Group America CEO Scott Keogh, has invested heavily in creating a unique EV platform and designing vehicles that cater to American tastes. The Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck are the first fruits of this labor, featuring body-on-frame designs and an 800-volt architecture that enables fast charging.

One of the standout features of the Scout Motors' vehicles is their emphasis on mechanical controls, a deliberate departure from the touchscreen-heavy designs of many modern EVs. The company is betting on the appeal of chunky buttons and tactile controls to win over customers who crave a more hands-on driving experience. This approach is likely to resonate with off-road enthusiasts who value the connection between driver and vehicle.

Scout Motors' decision to sell its vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing traditional dealerships, has sparked controversy. A group of Florida car dealers has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that its direct-to-consumer sales model violates state law. The dealers are seeking a court injunction to block Scout Motors from selling vehicles in Florida without a license from the state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Despite this challenge, Scout Motors remains committed to its vision of rethinking the car-buying experience. The company's decision to adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model is seen as a bold move, one that could potentially disrupt the traditional automotive retail landscape. With Volkswagen's backing, Scout Motors is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.

The production of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck is slated to begin in late 2026, with a full production ramp-up expected in 2027. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Scout Motors' entry is likely to shake things up, offering customers a unique blend of off-road capability, electric power, and mechanical charm.

In a broader context, Scout Motors' revival is a testament to Volkswagen's commitment to electric vehicles. The German automaker has invested heavily in its EV ambitions, including a $1 billion investment in Rivian, a company that Scout Motors will likely compete with in the electric off-road segment. As the automotive industry continues its transition to electric power, Scout Motors' entry is a significant development, one that could have far-reaching implications for the future of off-road driving.