Scout Motors wants EV owners to repair their vehicles without always needing a dealership visit. In a bid to empower customers, the company claims 80% of repairs for its upcoming electric trucks—the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup—can be done independently. During CES 2025, Scout Motors Strategy Director Ryan Decker shared how this goal will be achieved by designing vehicles with removable and easy-to-replace components.
Accessible Design for DIY Repairs
Scout’s repair-friendly approach started during the design phase. Unlike many modern cars with “seamless and fused” aesthetics, Scout opted for accessible bumpers and body panels. “Maybe things aren’t glued—they’re screwed,” Decker noted, highlighting their aim for parts that can be easily unscrewed and swapped out. This design is especially beneficial for off-roaders, who often need quick fixes after rough terrain adventures.
Repair Manuals for Everyone
Scout plans to provide transparent repair guides, ensuring customers won’t face the typical “black box” repair limitations seen in other EVs. This openness is in stark contrast to Tesla’s initial restrictive stance on independent repairs. By offering detailed repair information, Scout hopes to cultivate a stronger bond with customers.
A Controversial Sales Model
Like Tesla, Scout will adopt a direct-sales model instead of using traditional dealerships. However, this strategy has sparked tension with Volkswagen’s franchised dealers in California, who argue that Scout’s direct-sales approach may violate local franchise laws. Despite the controversy, Scout is pressing ahead with its $2 billion South Carolina factory, aiming to begin production by 2027.
By focusing on repairability and transparency, Scout is positioning itself as a driver-friendly brand in the competitive EV market. This approach may indicate a growing shift in the automotive industry toward creating more repairable and user-friendly electric vehicles.
