Harvester range extender engine is 4-cylinder and built in Mexico

[No_Remorse]

Interesting announcement...

https://www.thedrive.com/news/scout...red-ev-range-extender-will-be-built-in-mexico

In a somewhat surprising move given the current international trade climate, Scout Motors announced that it will source a gasoline engine from Volkswagen Group Mexico to serve as its optional onboard “Harvester” range-extender. Per Automotive News, VW Group CFO Arno Antlitz confirmed during the company’s earnings call that the Harvester will be a naturally aspirated four-cylinder of unknown size that will be assembled at the company’s engine plant in Silao [Mexico].

Both the timing and choice of venue for the announcement suggest that VW plans to stay the course despite pressure to move more operations inside U.S. borders, especially given recent signals from the administration that it may be abandoning many of its earlier tariff positions.

 

[endlessambition]

I read the article. So we’ll get a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine as the harvester. So those of you who know mechanics and engines, tell us what this actually means in regards to function or power or strategy versus a turbo.

 

[CyberJoe]

I read the article. So we’ll get a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine as the harvester. So those of you who know mechanics and engines, tell us what this actually means in regards to function or power or strategy versus a turbo.

It doesn’t need a turbo since it’s not actually driving the vehicle. It just needs to run at an optimal rpm to turn a generator to charge the battery. What is important is that it’s lightweight, low vibration, easily cooled and fuel efficient. This article doesn’t tell us any of that other than it’s made in Mexico. The Taos is made there as well and its 4 cylinder engine is not well regarded.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Means smog checks in California.

 

[maynard]

I'm guessing it's gonna be a naturally aspirated version of the EA211... They had a NA version of the EA111 and that motor was replaced in 2013/2014 with the 211...

 

[eStang]

I had hopes that they would be using this https://insideevs.com/news/758296/zf-range-extender-drive-unit/

The cool thing about the ZF solution is that it makes the generator do double duty as a drive motor when the gas motor isn't generating. So there's less redundant weight.

 

[vrgruver]

This totally makes sense to reduce startup costs. Building a new engine manufacturing line would cost far more than any tariff. This also baby steps in to the Scout line. If wildly successful, then they could decide to build an engine production line in the US.

 

[No_Remorse]

I had hopes that they would be using this https://insideevs.com/news/758296/zf-range-extender-drive-unit/

The cool thing about the ZF solution is that it makes the generator do double duty as a drive motor when the gas motor isn't generating. So there's less redundant weight.

I also saw this article but it makes sense if Scout stayed in the VW mother ship from an engine perspective.

 

[Sparkland]

So what that really means is an additional price increase.

 

[Andy_H]

As long as it works !!!

 

[maynard]

I had hopes that they would be using this https://insideevs.com/news/758296/zf-range-extender-drive-unit/

The cool thing about the ZF solution is that it makes the generator do double duty as a drive motor when the gas motor isn't generating. So there's less redundant weight.

Seems like that would have been a great idea!

 

[JesseS]

Means smog checks in California.

Not for the first 5 years, and it may not need it as it doesn't propel the vehicle, after all other generators haven't been required to have it. Just have to wait and see what class CARB puts it in.

 

[Drzzden]

So what that really means is an additional price increase.

Exactly my thoughts as well

 

[JungGravy]

If the tariffs remain the same into 2027, price will increase regardless of where the engine is produced

 

[AJ Lee]

I just hope it will have the hp/ amp output to be able to allow truck to tow 8000 lbs over a long distance. 5k towing is not enough