Hey there! As a long-time truck owner and electric vehicle nerd, I‘ve been buried in all things Silverado EV and Scout EV truck since their announcements. Both automakers are new to the EV pickup game with enticing first offerings.
There‘s a lot of hype and mystery around Chevrolet and Volkswagen‘s upcoming entries. I‘ll dig into the specs, capabilities and backgrounds to see how they stack up. You may end up rethinking assumptions on these modern truck contenders!
Hitting the Road: EV Trucks Go Mainstream
Before looking at the individual trucks, it‘s helpful to understand the contexts they‘ll enter…
Supply and Demand – Waitlists for EV trucks number in the hundreds of thousands. Production can barely keep pace as makers scramble to secure battery components. Early models sell out quickly for those lucky enough to get one. Volkswagen plans for Scout volume production by 2026 when supply forecasts improve.
New Infrastructure – GM and VW bank on expanded charger access enabling road trip readiness. GM partners with various networks for compatibility while VW’s Electrify America subsidiary pushes rapid expansion.
Stiff Competition – The electric Silverado and Scout do not enter gently. Ford‘s F150 Lightning dominates on fame but suffers production woes. Rivian attracts adventurers but its future remains unclear. Both automakers see EV pickups as strategic plays on beloved existing brands.
In short, the electric truck space remains wide open as makers fine-tune range, power and pricing. As consumer interest accelerates, Chevrolet and Volkswagen want you to choose their new trucks over rivals when making the EV switch. Let’s see how they differ.
Truck Showdown: Silverado EV vs Scout EV Compared
Their makers market them differently, but how do specs actually stack up? Let‘s run down key indicators side by side.
Range and Charging
| Model | Max Range | Battery Size | Charging Speed | Charge Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado EV | 400 mi | Ultium 200+ kWh | Up to 350 kW | CCS Type 1 |
| Scout EV | 250-300 mi (est) | 82 kWh (est) | 135 kW (est) | CCS Type 2 |
Advantage: Silverado – No contest on battery size and range. VW still developing dedicated truck platform.
Power and Performance
| Model | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado EV | 510 hp | 615 lb-ft | <4.5 sec | 10,000 lb |
| Scout EV | 402 hp (est) | TBD | TBD | 8,000 lb (est) |
Advantage: Silverado – Off the charts output. Scout rumored figures still impressive but trail GM’s tech.
Off-Road Handling
| Model | Ground Clearance | Approach Angle | Departure Angle | Suspension Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado EV | 10.6 in | 31.8 degrees | 25.1 degrees | NA |
| Scout EV | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Advantage: Tie. Scout an unknown. Expert guesses: 10 in GC, 30+ degree approach/departure, advanced independent rear suspension.
Pricing
| Model | Base MSRP | Available Trims | Tax Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado EV | $39,900 | 5 | $7,500 |
| Scout EV | $49,000 (est) | 3 (est) | $7,500 |
Advantage: Scout. Silverado likely sees price hikes. Overall value depends on preferences.
I won‘t declare an overall winner until the Scout crystallizes but the Silverado‘s stats impress. Scout has big shoes to fill on capabilities once prototypes get testing. Of course final purchases boil down to brand identities…
Do you crave Chevy‘s dependability or VW‘s adventure vibes? The numbers tell part of the equation – gut feel matters too on these fresh options.
Behind the Specs: EV Truck Tech and Timelines
Spec sheet sparring only reveals so much. We have to go deeper on what powers these next-gen workhorses and when they actually hit the streets.
Powertrains – Motors, Batteries and Software
Silverado EV – GM‘s new Ultium Platform underpins their electric offensive. The skateboard-style chassis places lithium-ion batteries flat for stability while spacing electric motors. Flexible modular design allows crewing multiple models quickly.
Software plays a huge role – OTA updates can upgrade battery management systems, replace entire features or fix bugs without shops. It requires meticulous cybersecurity balancing agility and protection.
Scout EV – VW developed its MEB architecture specifically for electric vehicles. Again we see flat battery packs for stability and smooth handling. Volkswagen claims its in-house battery production allows better monitoring and quality control as a differentiator.
The automaker promises its EVs match internal combustion offerings in off-road durability and water resistance thanks to motors‘ simplicity. Volkswagen also pledges continual OTA updates to match GM‘s pace and ease DIY feature additions.
From Drawing Boards to Driveways
When can you actually get your hands on either model outside the auto show circuit? Timing brings very different strategies.
Chevrolet Silverado EV – Fleets already take deliveries but consumer sales kick off in fall 2024 barring delays. Chevy scaled production faster than Ford or Stellantis courtesy of its dedicated Factory ZERO plant. Lower complexity work truck models enter first before feature-loaded editions ship.
Volkswagen Scout EV – Patience pays off for this one. VW just broke ground in Tennessee for its all-new electric truck production hub. We won‘t see retail Scouts until late 2026 at the absolute earliest.
Why wait so long? VW wants to avoid early missteps or recalls by finalizing designs through lengthy prototype testing. The brand also watched Ford‘s difficulties scaling the Lightning quickly when problems popped up.
If you simply can‘t wait several years, the Silverado brings instant gratification. Otherwise place your $100 refundable Scout preorder to lock your build slot for 2026 delivery. Supply shortages should ease by then too.
The Road Ahead: Considerations for Ownership
I get it – you just want to know if these new electric trucks match your lifestyle. Beyond comparing their technical abilities, real world factors affect costs, customization and overall convenience.
How flexible can you get with options and upgrades? Will insurance or maintenance differ over a typical truck? Here‘s what future Silverado EV and Scout EV owners should expect.
Customization – Chevrolet will offer the Silverado EV in Work Truck, RST, Trail Boss and other classic trims. Multiple bed sizes and heights feature along with accessories for commercial buyers. Expect easier personalization thanks to GM’s manufacturing scale.
As a new standalone brand, Scout offers less variety upfront to streamline production. VW hints at special editions for overlanders and work sites down the line. Software unlocks through OTA updates or third-party apps will become essential.
Ownership Costs – Increased software intricacy equates to higher insurance premiums – sometimes 50% over comparable gas models. Scout EV should carry lower rates thanks to safety aids. Simple EV drivetrains offset slightly higher electricity over fueling expenses.
Both brands hint at battery upgrade programs down the road – likely at major costs. Unfortunately lifetime warranties remain rare. But EVs save over gas models on reduced maintenance without messy engine bays or oil changes.
Resale & Used Market – Broad dealer networks give Silverado EVs an advantage here over Scout‘s select stores. Widespread parts sharing among GM EVs also aids later owners over the Scout‘s proprietary components. Of course if VW perfectly balances volumes to demand or strikes niche appeal, residuals could surprise.
In any case, early examples of both see high values for those desiring the latest tech. EV truck supply continues lagging demand for the remainder of the decade. Getting MSRP simply requires patience.
If work needs necessitate acquiring a pickup soon, Silverado EVs hit dealers in 2024. For the Scout, you must weigh locking 2026 preorder pricing against rivals. Resale and depreciation basically become non-factors with waitlists spanning years.
Still Undecided? Key Takeaways on the Contenders
Silverado EV
- Available fall 2024 w/ 400 mile range
- Class-leading power and towing
- $40K starting MSRP
- Familiar Chevy interfaces
- Robust DC fast charging
Scout EV
- Late 2026 availability
- Rugged styling/off-road ready
- MEB platform brings reliability
- Adventure positioning unique among trucks
- VW software and interior expertise
I don‘t think either choice disappoints – they cater to slightly distinct temperaments and timelines. The Silverado EV undoubtedly surpasses the Scout on measurable hauling specs if you need sheer capability today. Preorder data confirms its broad appeal.
But Volkswagen can carve a niche among the EV truck landscape in a few years if Scout models capture off-grid daring and customizable tech. The brand allure holds weight despite gaps behind GM on batteries and motors.
At the end of the day, driving range and max tow ratings matter far less than matching trucks to lifestyles. Level 2 home outlets sufficiently charge daily local needs for most owners. Software over air updates keep these trucks evolving too as GM and VW build out dedicated EV platforms.
Now which sparks your imagination – Silverado‘s dependability or Scout‘s adventure styling? The decision ultimately lies with your goals and timelines. Either brings us closer to an all-electric automotive future whether for worksites or weekends!
Let me know if any other truck tech or comparisons would be helpful. Happy to chat the latest with a fellow EV enthusiast!
