Compared to the R2, what makes the Scout a compelling alternative?

[Kipa]

I haven't read up on the Scout other than a couple pieces when it was announced. I'm seeing numerous posts/replies indicating that the poster would be passing on the R2 for the Scout. I'm curious for those who're up on the known details/rumors on the Scout, why would one prefer it to the R2?

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[Jeremy3292]

I've seen this and am also curious. Scout is right here in South Carolina where I live and to me it seems very similar to Rivian, just rugged-ish. We know it'll have very similar software due to the joint venture with VW also. LATE 2028 for the SUV and 2030 or so for the pickup. LONGGGG way away.

 

[hammick]

No way to answer that question until/if Scout makes it to production. Current status is SUV delayed until 2028 and truck until 2030. We cancelled our deposit. I think EREVs are an answer to a problem that doesn't exist and hopefully Scout just releases BEVs.

 

[Jeremy3292]

No way to answer that question until/if Scout makes it to production. Current status is SUV delayed until 2028 and truck until 2030. We cancelled our deposit. I think EREVs are an answer to a problem that doesn't exist and hopefully Scout just releases BEVs.

85% of their preorders are for EREV, but I agree with you.

 

[R1TCA]

Disregarding software and delivery questions: They’re such different form factors I don’t think a 1:1 comparison can be all that nuanced.
Scout showed many physical buttons, bench seats, extended range ice generator inside.
Size seems much larger than R2 more akin to R1.
Not sure about suspension but pretty sure those were also different systems.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

Range extender

 

[VC_Rivian]

I've seen both Scouts in person multiple times, but it's still nowhere near production. It's much more comparable to an R1. It's not a comparable alternative to an R2. It will not be priced similarly, if it even comes out at this point. With that said, it looks great in person.

 

[shamoo]

I haven't read up on the Scout other than a couple pieces when it was announced. I'm seeing numerous posts/replies indicating that the poster would be passing on the R2 for the Scout. I'm curious for those who're up on the known details/rumors on the Scout, why would one prefer it to the R2?

Maybe you're referring to one of my posts. I've said it a few times here.

I love my Rivian R1S, and 99% of the time I have zero range anxiety because I rarely drive more than 25 miles a day. In over three years of ownership, I've probably charged away from home only about 10 times, and even then it was usually for less than 30 minutes.

That said, as my son gets older, I want to do more exploring. For example, when I drive from Southern California to Las Vegas, I'd like to spend time exploring desert trails along the way. I want to visit places like Moab, go camping, and venture farther off the beaten path without constantly thinking about where I'm going to charge.

The challenge is that charging infrastructure becomes much more limited once you leave the main highways. Between SoCal and Vegas, fast chargers can be spread out, and if you spend time exploring trails in the desert, you have to keep a close eye on your remaining range. When you get back to pavement, there's still have another 50 to 100 miles to drive before reaching the next Level 3 charger. That makes it harder to relax and enjoy the trail.

When I go off-roading with friends, the nearest trails are typically 1.5 to 3 hours away just to reach the trailhead. That means leaving home at 4:00 AM, driving there, stopping to charge, and then starting.

The Scout is interesting because I think it looks great and offers the Harvester range extender, which supposedly provides up to 500 miles of range. That would eliminate all the concerns I had up top. It also appears to be designed even more for the off-road crowd, which I like. When the Scout comes to market, I probably won't need a third row anymore, but I also don't want something as small as the R2.

That said, who knows? The R1S is serving me well right now, and I still have more than two years and roughly 30,000 miles of warranty remaining. The R2 feels too small for my needs, and the Scout has already been delayed and could easily slip another year or more.

I'm optimistic about the Scout, but we'll have to see how things play out.

 

[VandalSibs]

One thing to keep in mind is that the charging infrastructure build out, from any of the networks, is far from over. Rivian, Tesla, IONNA, and even EA are all building new sites. There will come a time (and it's sooner than you think in my opinion!) where chargers will become as common as gas stations.

I remember my first EV, and there were maybe three chargers between Spokane and Seattle, on the main freeway between them. Now, there's more than that in the small town of Ritzville alone.... And I'm just talking about DCFC/Fast Charging!

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

One thing to keep in mind is that the charging infrastructure build out, from any of the networks, is far from over. Rivian, Tesla, IONNA, and even EA are all building new sites. There will come a time (and it's sooner than you think in my opinion!) where chargers will become as common as gas stations.

I remember my first EV, and there were maybe three chargers between Spokane and Seattle, on the main freeway between them. Now, there's more than that in the small town of Ritzville alone.... And I'm just talking about DCFC/Fast Charging!

True. But the charging network will never be more advanced than the gas station network. At least not in the next couple decades.

With an ICE car, you can bring more range with you. That’s why everyone has extra gas cans with them. You can’t do that with an EV. And even with the extensive gas station network, you need extra gas on hand.

Range extended EVs solve the issue. I can now get all the benefits of an EV and have 700 miles of range and more gas strapped to the car if I need even more range. And I will have all the power I need overnight. Hell, extended range EVs can theoretically go farther off grid than an ICE car.

 

[Great Gatsby]

For me, several things. I really like the styling. It is similar to Rivian but slightly more aggressive. Physical door handles. I am not a "GIVE ME BUTTONS" guy but physical door handles are one of those things that I don't know why we have complicated into oblivion.

I have 0 interest in the EREV. It will be slower, likely more problematic, tow less and 95% of the time I will be hauling extra weight for no reason. I will go for the BEV. I don't mind charging stops and it will come with 800v and 350 miles of range. This would be perfect IMO 0-60 in 3.5s is also impressive. I hope the cabana roof makes in it production and I am in LOVE with the bench seat idea in the front. Spare can be added to the back and it comes in orange and also has an option for a red interior.

It all comes down to what makes from the concept. As advertised, this is my dream car. I have zero expectations that this will arrive at $60k. I am expecting closer to $80k if not higher once optioned up. I'd be okay with that if they can meet close to what they are promising.

Building is Rivian the software, VW backing and expertise - I expect growing pains but with these two groups behind them, I have more faith than I normally would.

This IMO is not an R2 competitor. I simply like the R2 a lot and Rivian as a brand. This is the best car out IMO for the price, so this is why I'm getting it in the meantime. The Scout will be bigger and at a different price point and probably less sporty. I also like the Rivian community much more. I looked at the Scout forum briefly and got turned off by all the ICE people pretending like they know about EVs and what they should and shouldn't have.

Scout is in a weird place. I think they will make it and produce cars and if they can deliver 90% of what they promise, I'll be a customer. Trying to balance EREV with their BEV will be a challenge though so I hope they figure it out.

 

[RivAW]

I haven't read up on the Scout other than a couple pieces when it was announced. I'm seeing numerous posts/replies indicating that the poster would be passing on the R2 for the Scout. I'm curious for those who're up on the known details/rumors on the Scout, why would one prefer it to the R2?

It's not IMO. It looks good and has the option of adding a gasoline engine to extend range to ~500 miles.....but it's also delayed for several years and only imaginary at this point. Also, VW doesn't exactly have a great history of reliability.....(or other "history" for that matter)...

 

[BigSkies]

There's not enough info to make a good comparison. VW's recent releases had a big enough gap between initial hype and final product that there's a lot to be skeptical of.

Remember when everyone thought the ID.Buzz was going to be the most amazing vehicle ever?

I'd love it if Scout made a highly compelling alternative. But I'm in a "see it to believe it" mindset before I have much of an opinion either way.

I think there's less than a 60% chance that Scout makes it to the market, and if they do, maybe a 50/50 shot at making something with a compelling value proposition.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I haven't read up on the Scout other than a couple pieces when it was announced. I'm seeing numerous posts/replies indicating that the poster would be passing on the R2 for the Scout. I'm curious for those who're up on the known details/rumors on the Scout, why would one prefer it to the R2?

None. Apples to oranges. The Scout is much larger and with design/engineering decisions to mimic some ICE traits. The Scout's platform is more like traditional body-on-frame large trucks/SUVs—and will drive like one too. The R2 is smaller and a better fit for those not looking for larger full sized vehicle. It's also a EV-first design/engineering approach. Two completely different vehicle segments, performance specifications, product personalities, price ranges, and core audiences.

 

[jrmbadger]

There's not enough info to make a good comparison. VW's recent releases had a big enough gap between initial hype and final product that there's a lot to be skeptical of.

Remember when everyone thought the ID.Buzz was going to be the most amazing vehicle ever?

I'd love it if Scout made a highly compelling alternative. But I'm in a "see it to believe it" mindset before I have much of an opinion either way.

I think there's less than a 60% chance that Scout makes it to the market, and if they do, maybe a 50/50 shot at making something with a compelling value proposition.

Yeah, this is my fear with Scout. Interesting product for sure, but it seems that the EV space is full of over promises and under-delivery. For example, I'm still waiting on that solid-state battery Toyota EV that can go 600 miles without recharging that is perpetually to be released "next year" according to Toyota.

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