Extra, Extra....Read All About It!
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From all of us at Scout Motors, welcome to the Scout Community! We created this community to provide Scout vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers with a place to engage in discussion, suggestions, stories, and connections. Supportive communities are sometimes hard to find, but we're determined to turn this into one.
Additionally, Scout Motors wants to hear your feedback and speak directly to the rabid community of owners as unique as America. We'll use the Scout Community to deliver news and information on events and launch updates directly to the group. Although the start of production is anticipated in 2026, many new developments and milestones will occur in the interim. We plan to share them with you on this site and look for your feedback and suggestions.
How will the Scout Community be run? Think of it this way: this place is your favorite local hangout. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere, talk to people who share similar interests, request and receive advice, and generally have an enjoyable time. The Scout Community should be a highlight of your day. We want you to tell stories, share photos, spread your knowledge, and tell us how Scout can deliver great products and experiences. Along the way, Scout Motors will share our journey to production with you.
Scout is all about respect. We respect our heritage. We respect the land and outdoors. We respect each other. Every person should feel safe, included, and welcomed in the Scout Community. Being kind and courteous to the other forum members is non-negotiable. Friendly debates are welcomed and often produce great outcomes, but we don't want things to get too rowdy. Please take a moment to consider what you post, especially if you think it may insult others. We'll do our best to encourage friendly discourse and to keep the discussions flowing.
So, welcome to the Scout Community! We encourage you to check back regularly as we plan to engage our members, share teasers, and participate in discussions. The world needs Scouts™. Let's get going.
We are Scout Motors.
I have wanted this from Google Maps ever since I started using it XX years ago....of course adding in Google Maps data to help better plan out an EV trip/charging is a massive bonus. This plus the rest of their software stack including well-reviewed phone integration is ally I could want out of an infotainment system.
SC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ.
Paywalled, If someone can figure out a way around it. I'm sure there will be more articles written about this soon.
www.postandcourier.com
Paywalled, If someone can figure out a way around it. I'm sure there will be more articles written about this soon.
SC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ
DOJ wants to kill state laws that stifle competition and has targeted franchise laws like in SC that bar automakers from selling direct to consumers.
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The U.S. Department of Justice wants to kill state laws that stifle competition and has targeted franchise laws like the one in South Carolina that prohibit vehicle manufacturers from selling directly to consumers.SC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ.
Paywalled, If someone can figure out a way around it. I'm sure there will be more articles written about this soon.
SC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ
DOJ wants to kill state laws that stifle competition and has targeted franchise laws like in SC that bar automakers from selling direct to consumers.
The federal effort could open a new battle in a long-running South Carolina war between traditional vehicle dealers, who sell their inventories under contracts with major manufacturers, and electric car makers, who claim they can offer lower prices by selling directly to consumers.
Direct vehicle sales to consumers are illegal in South Carolina, one of 17 states with laws still on the books that ban vehicle manufacturers from operating their own sales or factory repair centers. Fierce lobbying by the S.C. Auto Dealers Association, which represents 270 local dealers, blocked a proposal this year that would have changed the law, and an influential state senator who has been a key supporter of dealerships said it has little chance of resurrection.
The DOJ's anti-trust division intends to step in as its new Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force began studying state laws that it says serve special interests at consumer expense. President Donald Trump in April ordered agencies to reduce anti-competitive laws that create monopolies and make it harder for new companies to break into markets.
Roger Alford, principal deputy assistant attorney general, said in a recent Senate hearing that the task force received more than 400 public comments identifying what could be considered monopolistic laws, including recurring complaints about state vehicle sales laws that “stifle the free market.” He said DOJ will work with the Federal Trade Commission to revise these and other laws.
https://www.postandcourier.com/myrt...cle_dabee2b9-aede-4253-84b1-fdec1edc667d.html
https://www.postandcourier.com/busi...cle_c45e0257-9dfd-4ae4-b4d2-960c7b8470b3.html
Alford said the department will work within state legislatures and with attorneys general to bring changes, but, if necessary, it will seek congressional action to preempt state laws.
It is uncertain how the new federal focus will fare in South Carolina, where the Legislature in February soundly defeated a proposal to change the franchise law. Solicitor General Robert Cook concluded in an advisory opinion on Feb. 7 that it would be illegal for manufacturers "to sell new cars to South Carolina consumers or to repair cars."
Sen. Larry Grooms, the longtime chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee who supports the dealers, said he was unaware of the DOJ effort but does not believe federal preemption would be successful.
"I don't see how, knowing the makeup of Congress right now, almost evenly divided with a slight edge for Republicans on both sides of the houses, you'd be able to preempt laws in 17 states," he said.
Grooms said his "door is always open" to ideas for new legislation. "I'm always willing to listen, but I can't imagine the Justice Department being able to give compelling reasons why the General Assembly of South Carolina should advance legislation to undo our franchise laws."
https://www.postandcourier.com/news...cle_e99be3ca-d270-4a00-bc8b-c01e9cb95ba4.html
Electric vehicle makers such as Scout Motors Inc., which is investing $2 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Blythewood, contend that direct sales shave thousands of dollars off of consumer prices that would go to dealerships under the state law.
Blair Anderson, Scout’s vice president for government and regulatory affairs, said in a statement, "We’ve seen in open states that direct sales work for consumers, workers, and even dealers. But when states block choice and protect entrenched interests at the expense of the American consumer and the American worker, it’s time for someone to step in."
Proposed changes to the state’s franchise law have brought intense industry lobbying on both sides, pitting established electric car makers like Tesla, Rivian and Scout against the influential S.C. Auto Dealers Association.
Thousands of South Carolina residents are now buying new electric vehicles over the Internet, but they have to accept delivery in a state that allows direct sales. South Carolina law also forbids manufacturers from opening factory authorized service centers, which has forced owners to travel to repair centers in North Carolina, Georgia and other inconvenient locations.
In recent months, Elon Musk’s popular Tesla began directing South Carolina customers to an under-the-radar service location outside Columbia, which has no outside signage and can only do “light repairs,” according to an employee. After great fanfare early last year about its intention to open a regional parts distribution center in Fountain Inn, Tesla quietly opened the warehouse late last year with a few employees and has no signs identifying the company. Tesla did not respond to questions.
Rivian, a Michigan-based manufacturer whose electric trucks are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, late last year began scheduling South Carolina customers using its app to a new service location near Spartanburg that does have company signage. It also has revealed on its web site that it will soon open a service location in Ladson, news that has been enthusiastically received on social media by Rivian owners. Rivian did not respond to questions.
The state motor vehicle agency would not comment on specific locations that have opened in possible violation of the law. A spokesman said the agency will refer any reports of unauthorized repair shops to the State Law Enforcement Division for further investigation.
Some of the state franchise laws forbidding direct vehicle sales to consumers have been in place for decades, despite strong criticism from outside experts. Some states have lifted restrictions in response to growing consumer demand for electric vehicles. Others have amended their laws to grant exemptions to certain popular manufacturers.
In shareholder reports, Tesla and Rivian have cited state laws blocking direct sales as an impediment to future growth.
I dont like SCADA or how much influence car dealerships have over politics, but so much for States Rights I guess.
I would prefer this to be controlled at a state level even if I disagree and feel this is a slippery slope.
If the federal government said Bill Gates can build a nuclear power plant next to my house, I would be pretty upset but there would be nothing my local representative could do about it.
I would prefer this to be controlled at a state level even if I disagree and feel this is a slippery slope.
If the federal government said Bill Gates can build a nuclear power plant next to my house, I would be pretty upset but there would be nothing my local representative could do about it.
I'm sorry but I just have to point this out even more. Yes because Marin County is awesome but just look at the integrations happening here allowing all of these things to happen within a single pane of glass inside a full version of Google Maps.
I think youre the only person so far that appreciated how big of a quality of life improvement this is.
Stoked for my Rivian homies but really hoping Scout can get a slice of this integration too.
This is so good it could very easily sway a purchase decision. I've said previously that if a $40K 4Runner can offer a tow hitch standard then a $60K Scout better have it...well Google Maps integration is now standard on Rivians... I hope Nicole @ Scout is paying attention and I'm sure she is given she's ex-Rivian.
PowerCo and QuantumScape Announce Landmark Agreement to Industrialize Solid-State Batteries
Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) today announced they have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. Upon satisfactory technical progress and certain royalty...
Under the non-exclusive license, PowerCo can manufacture up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year using QuantumScape’s technology with the option to expand up to 80 GWh, enough to outfit approximately one million vehicles per year. The companies believe this high-touch engagement represents the fastest way to achieve gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology to meet the growing global demand for better electric vehicle batteries. The agreement supersedes an earlier joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape to co-manufacture batteries.
The agreement creates a highly collaborative partnership that amplifies the companies’ core competencies – QuantumScape’s cutting-edge technology and PowerCo’s global capabilities in industrialization and manufacturing facilities. It will feature a combined workforce initiative to accelerate the industrialization of QuantumScape’s technology. A large, dedicated scale-up team, composed of experts from both companies, will execute on the industrialization activities.
QuantumScape’s technology platform is based on the company’s proprietary solid-state ceramic separator, which enables the use of a pure lithium-metal anode – a transformative innovation that is designed for exceptional energy and power density, fast charging and a robust safety profile. Together, the companies will target a product that will be scaled-up for integration in a Volkswagen Group vehicle series.
“We want to redefine the future of battery technology, bringing the most sustainable and cutting-edge battery cells to our customers,” said Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo. “We have been collaborating and testing QuantumScape prototype cells for years now and we are looking forward to bringing this technology of the future into series production. QuantumScape’s technology is poised to enter a pivotal stage where PowerCo’s specialized expertise, resources and global factories can help facilitate the transition to industrial-scale production.”
“Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and this agreement with QuantumScape will ensure the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet has access to this groundbreaking battery technology for years to come,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology. “We are committed to driving the industry forward to ensure that our electric vehicles set the benchmark for excellence and sustainability.”
“This agreement is a major step in our long-term global scale-up strategy to bring QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal battery technology to market,” said Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QuantumScape. “Combining our cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s expertise in manufacturing and industrialization, this deal establishes a blueprint for a capital-light business approach and positions us at the forefront of energy storage innovation. Working closely with PowerCo as our first customer will help us accelerate commercialization and adoption of these game-changing batteries together.”
To lead PowerCo in this next important phase of collaboration with QuantumScape, Frank Blome stepped off QuantumScape’s board of directors. Blome had served on the board since 2020 as one of the two board members designated by the Volkswagen Group, which continues to be QuantumScape’s largest shareholder. His successor on the QuantumScape board will be announced in the coming months.
“Frank Blome has been an exceptional partner for QuantumScape for many years,” said Jagdeep Singh, co-founder and chairman of QuantumScape’s board of directors. “He has provided invaluable contributions to QuantumScape’s product portfolio strategy and key decisions about industrialization. As we move forward, Frank will continue to be an active partner in this relationship as an anchor manufacturer of our innovative battery technology, ensuring strength and continuity in our collaborative efforts.”
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Was able to open it. If you can’t-I screen captured it so have funSC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ.
Paywalled, If someone can figure out a way around it. I'm sure there will be more articles written about this soon.
SC ban on automakers selling directly to consumers could be targeted by DOJ
DOJ wants to kill state laws that stifle competition and has targeted franchise laws like in SC that bar automakers from selling direct to consumers.
WOW. That’s huge news!PowerCo and QuantumScape Announce Landmark Agreement to Industrialize Solid-State Batteries
Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) today announced they have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. Upon satisfactory technical progress and certain royalty...www.volkswagen-group.com
Under the non-exclusive license, PowerCo can manufacture up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year using QuantumScape’s technology with the option to expand up to 80 GWh, enough to outfit approximately one million vehicles per year. The companies believe this high-touch engagement represents the fastest way to achieve gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology to meet the growing global demand for better electric vehicle batteries. The agreement supersedes an earlier joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape to co-manufacture batteries.
The agreement creates a highly collaborative partnership that amplifies the companies’ core competencies – QuantumScape’s cutting-edge technology and PowerCo’s global capabilities in industrialization and manufacturing facilities. It will feature a combined workforce initiative to accelerate the industrialization of QuantumScape’s technology. A large, dedicated scale-up team, composed of experts from both companies, will execute on the industrialization activities.
QuantumScape’s technology platform is based on the company’s proprietary solid-state ceramic separator, which enables the use of a pure lithium-metal anode – a transformative innovation that is designed for exceptional energy and power density, fast charging and a robust safety profile. Together, the companies will target a product that will be scaled-up for integration in a Volkswagen Group vehicle series.
“We want to redefine the future of battery technology, bringing the most sustainable and cutting-edge battery cells to our customers,” said Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo. “We have been collaborating and testing QuantumScape prototype cells for years now and we are looking forward to bringing this technology of the future into series production. QuantumScape’s technology is poised to enter a pivotal stage where PowerCo’s specialized expertise, resources and global factories can help facilitate the transition to industrial-scale production.”
“Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and this agreement with QuantumScape will ensure the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet has access to this groundbreaking battery technology for years to come,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology. “We are committed to driving the industry forward to ensure that our electric vehicles set the benchmark for excellence and sustainability.”
“This agreement is a major step in our long-term global scale-up strategy to bring QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal battery technology to market,” said Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QuantumScape. “Combining our cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s expertise in manufacturing and industrialization, this deal establishes a blueprint for a capital-light business approach and positions us at the forefront of energy storage innovation. Working closely with PowerCo as our first customer will help us accelerate commercialization and adoption of these game-changing batteries together.”
To lead PowerCo in this next important phase of collaboration with QuantumScape, Frank Blome stepped off QuantumScape’s board of directors. Blome had served on the board since 2020 as one of the two board members designated by the Volkswagen Group, which continues to be QuantumScape’s largest shareholder. His successor on the QuantumScape board will be announced in the coming months.
“Frank Blome has been an exceptional partner for QuantumScape for many years,” said Jagdeep Singh, co-founder and chairman of QuantumScape’s board of directors. “He has provided invaluable contributions to QuantumScape’s product portfolio strategy and key decisions about industrialization. As we move forward, Frank will continue to be an active partner in this relationship as an anchor manufacturer of our innovative battery technology, ensuring strength and continuity in our collaborative efforts.”
This is news good!PowerCo and QuantumScape Announce Landmark Agreement to Industrialize Solid-State Batteries
Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) today announced they have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. Upon satisfactory technical progress and certain royalty...
Under the non-exclusive license, PowerCo can manufacture up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year using QuantumScape’s technology with the option to expand up to 80 GWh, enough to outfit approximately one million vehicles per year. The companies believe this high-touch engagement represents the fastest way to achieve gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology to meet the growing global demand for better electric vehicle batteries. The agreement supersedes an earlier joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape to co-manufacture batteries.
The agreement creates a highly collaborative partnership that amplifies the companies’ core competencies – QuantumScape’s cutting-edge technology and PowerCo’s global capabilities in industrialization and manufacturing facilities. It will feature a combined workforce initiative to accelerate the industrialization of QuantumScape’s technology. A large, dedicated scale-up team, composed of experts from both companies, will execute on the industrialization activities.
QuantumScape’s technology platform is based on the company’s proprietary solid-state ceramic separator, which enables the use of a pure lithium-metal anode – a transformative innovation that is designed for exceptional energy and power density, fast charging and a robust safety profile. Together, the companies will target a product that will be scaled-up for integration in a Volkswagen Group vehicle series.
“We want to redefine the future of battery technology, bringing the most sustainable and cutting-edge battery cells to our customers,” said Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo. “We have been collaborating and testing QuantumScape prototype cells for years now and we are looking forward to bringing this technology of the future into series production. QuantumScape’s technology is poised to enter a pivotal stage where PowerCo’s specialized expertise, resources and global factories can help facilitate the transition to industrial-scale production.”
“Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and this agreement with QuantumScape will ensure the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet has access to this groundbreaking battery technology for years to come,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology. “We are committed to driving the industry forward to ensure that our electric vehicles set the benchmark for excellence and sustainability.”
“This agreement is a major step in our long-term global scale-up strategy to bring QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal battery technology to market,” said Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QuantumScape. “Combining our cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s expertise in manufacturing and industrialization, this deal establishes a blueprint for a capital-light business approach and positions us at the forefront of energy storage innovation. Working closely with PowerCo as our first customer will help us accelerate commercialization and adoption of these game-changing batteries together.”
To lead PowerCo in this next important phase of collaboration with QuantumScape, Frank Blome stepped off QuantumScape’s board of directors. Blome had served on the board since 2020 as one of the two board members designated by the Volkswagen Group, which continues to be QuantumScape’s largest shareholder. His successor on the QuantumScape board will be announced in the coming months.
“Frank Blome has been an exceptional partner for QuantumScape for many years,” said Jagdeep Singh, co-founder and chairman of QuantumScape’s board of directors. “He has provided invaluable contributions to QuantumScape’s product portfolio strategy and key decisions about industrialization. As we move forward, Frank will continue to be an active partner in this relationship as an anchor manufacturer of our innovative battery technology, ensuring strength and continuity in our collaborative efforts.”
The NADA reminds me of Unions. Not trying to start any disagreement but both have huge political impacts. And both give money to political parties and campaigns.
Now that Google Maps is baked in. How long till we see Wayze? Lol. They are both owned by Google.
Now Jamie is being cryptic about what batteries they are going to use
Morning! I don’t see it as cryptic. He’s stating a fact. They haven’t announced anything yet. We will get facts on batteries and everything else when they have passed their testing and are to the standards that SM has set for themselves.Now Jamie is being cryptic about what batteries they are going to use
We are back to my motto, faith and patience.
Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!!
True but he also discussed a lower tow capacity which still isn’t confirmed either. I’m not expecting change from what is announced and certainly don’t expect solid state but there is always a chance things could change, maybe?
He talked about it on Jay's Garage. Found an article summarizing those points (link)..
"Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE."
..but hey, we're still years out and a lot can happen in that time. For example let's not forget when this journey started, having Rivian software wasn't on the table either or an EREV, etc.
Realized a big difference between Rivian/Scout that I hadn't considered before...Rivian does not do CarPlay while VW and theoretically Scout does. That changes everything.
With CarPlay, you're running a number of apps off your iPhone and your iPhone's data plan then overlaying them on top of your car's infotainment screen. Without CarPlay like on Rivians, you're running those same apps natively within the car's infotainment screen and the car's data plan. For that reason apps like Spotify, YouTube, etc. are paywalled behind a $15/mo subscription fee. Now you're still free to pair your iPhone to the car and run Spotify off the iPhone...but it won't show up on the screen AFAIK.
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