Speculation - will Scout use the new EV battery announced by VW?

[BeerParty]

VW just unveiled "a standardized battery cell to use across its electric portfolio."

Volkswagen's EV Battery Dreams Are Coming Together

The VW Group's new

insideevs.com

From the article: "Developed by VW subsidiary PowerCo, the prismatic cell will debut in the automaker's line of affordable EVs launching in 2026."

According to the September 2025 Automotive News article (https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/scout/an-scout-battery-source-0907/) Scout Motors is getting its batteries from PowerCo in Canada. The new cells they announced will be available in both NMC and LFP battery chemistries, which I believe matches what we heard would be used in the Scouts (I remember LFP was proposed for the EREV/Harvester).

So, how likely is it that Scout will be using this new battery cell? With the timing, it could go either way. Scout test mules should be on the road already, so Scout's initial design might be "too early" to use these cells. On the other hand, Scout might be testing the early prototypes of these cells. Production of these cells is scheduled to start in Canada next year, so they would be ready for the initial Scout deliveries if everything stays on schedule.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

If there weren’t these foolish tariffs in place and if they weren’t randomly changing day-by-day, I’d say it’s very likely. But I don’t know how the supply managers are choosing to deal with the uncertainty. A year ago, this option would be a no-brainer.

While a formal contract reportedly hadn’t been signed by the Munich IAA Mobility Show, it seems clear this is the path Scout Motors would like to take.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/scout-motors-source-batteries-vw-102206131.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHTGLCyrNrRsygJn-4R7k8wQlrUv2kx8rlblo4LKkNzdYzU1VfBMWjSknOu5HnLG45IVM_2JWy3Kl1JNiMKSQR8V5fMp7rnamVt9JshJBaz7AkzWiLZ0QA0olNgZTNaunLlTxLu2AxSrm8cREa3yYl86cc8sVLp5RKj-zlhHPhu4

 

[J Alynn]

VW just unveiled "a standardized battery cell to use across its electric portfolio."

Volkswagen's EV Battery Dreams Are Coming Together

The VW Group's new

insideevs.com

From the article: "Developed by VW subsidiary PowerCo, the prismatic cell will debut in the automaker's line of affordable EVs launching in 2026."

According to the September 2025 Automotive News article (https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/scout/an-scout-battery-source-0907/) Scout Motors is getting its batteries from PowerCo in Canada. The new cells they announced will be available in both NMC and LFP battery chemistries, which I believe matches what we heard would be used in the Scouts (I remember LFP was proposed for the EREV/Harvester).

So, how likely is it that Scout will be using this new battery cell? With the timing, it could go either way. Scout test mules should be on the road already, so Scout's initial design might be "too early" to use these cells. On the other hand, Scout might be testing the early prototypes of these cells. Production of these cells is scheduled to start in Canada next year, so they would be ready for the initial Scout deliveries if everything stays on schedule.

I thought start date in Canada was 2027 based on the article. In that case they be short the first year unless they slow rolled them or imported them from overseas but then the tariffs would impact the costs?

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I thought start date in Canada was 2027 based on the article. In that case they be short the first year unless they slow rolled them or imported them from overseas but then the tariffs would impact the costs?

My guess is that they’ll have NMC batteries produced in Germany and Spain first, then when the Canadian plant is operational, they’ll shift to those.

These articles also suggest that the Harvester might be released a bit later than the BEV if the Harvester uses LFP.

 

[EV_Or_Gas]

My guess is that they’ll have NMC batteries produced in Germany and Spain first, then when the Canadian plant is operational, they’ll shift to those.

These articles also suggest that the Harvester might be released a bit later than the BEV if the Harvester uses LFP.

That is highly possible - but on the flip side because the reservations and pent up demand is so much more for the Harvester there won't be big delays I think.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

That is highly possible - but on the flip side because the reservations and pent up demand is so much more for the Harvester there won't be big delays I think.

The problem isn’t demand. As far as we know, Scout’s plan is to use LFPs in the Harvester. According to various reports, PowerCo's LFP manufacturing may not be ready in time for Scout’s planned production dates. If the LFPs aren’t available from PowerCo, Scout's option will be to either go with a different manufacturer or delay release of the Harvester until the PowerCo LFPs are available. Neither is a great option to face, so I’m sure Scout Motors procurement managers are doing their best to avoid this scenario.

This is all rumors and nobody on the outside really knows what’s going on, myself included.

 

[J Alynn]

The problem isn’t demand. As far as we know, Scout’s plan is to use LFPs in the Harvester. According to various reports, PowerCo's LFP manufacturing may not be ready in time for Scout’s planned production dates. If the LFPs aren’t available from PowerCo, Scout's option will be to either go with a different manufacturer or delay release of the Harvester until the PowerCo LFPs are available. Neither is a great option to face, so I’m sure Scout Motors procurement managers are doing their best to avoid this scenario.

This is all rumors and nobody on the outside really knows what’s going on, myself included.

I agree and truth be told, I suspect since we don’t have tons of answers the harvester models are still being resolved. If plant was functioning right now I suspect they could pretty much start building the BEVs almost immediately but guessing engineering is several months or more behind on harvester which sucks for the majority BUT this would allow SM to ease into production with the BEVs first since it’s a lower percentage.