International Harvester Scout revived as electric SUV and pick-up

Scout Motors, the Volkswagen-backed revival of American 4x4 brand International Harvester, has revealed its first two models.

The Traveler is an electric Land Rover Defender rival, while the Terra is an electric pick-up truck that will rival the likes of the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck and Chevrolet Silverado EV.

The two have been unveiled in near-production concept form, with both due to enter production in 2027.

They will be based on a body-on-frame platform that's said to be completely unrelated to the Volkswagen Group's MEB and PPE architectures for electric cars, with 800V electricals.

The batteries and electronics will be supplied by Canadian firm Magna. 

Originally conceived as a pure-electric revival of the original Scout models, made between 1960 and 1980, the pair will now be offered with optional petrol range-extenders.

Michigan-based Scout said this is down to both a downturn in interest in EVs, coupled with buyers “expressing concerns about the ability to recharge while on the road”.

With the range-extender equipped, the Terra and Traveler will be capable of driving more than 500 miles between fill-ups, up from the standard 350 miles. 

Scout has yet to confirm a battery size but has said its platform can support charging at rates of up to 350kW. 

The Traveler and Terra offer a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain, putting out a combined 1000lb ft of torque, giving the SUV a 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.5sec.

Visually, the pair retains their forebears' bluff-edged styling, with a long bonnet and a well-defined shoulder line.