A Response to the Touchscreen Era
Today’s EVs are full of technology, but something’s been lost in the process—human connection behind the wheel. Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh thinks the industry has gone too far with touchscreens, and he’s not afraid to say it.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Keogh didn’t mince words:
“Modern cars have become sort of dystopian disconnection machines,” he said.
“Everything’s eight layers down. Everything’s on a computer screen. Everyone in the car needs their own computer screen.”
That, he argues, isn’t progress—it’s frustration hidden behind sleek interfaces.
For many drivers, basic tasks like adjusting the temperature or finding a charging option have become distracting exercises in menu diving.
Bringing Back the Basics
Scout Motors is doing things differently. The upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV will include screens, yes—but they won’t dominate the experience. Instead, Scout is reintroducing physical buttons, knobs, and switches that offer instant feedback, tactile control, and no learning curve.
As Keogh told Bloomberg:
“We think mechanical switches give you a connection. We think less screens is better. We think bench seats are cool. We think tailgates are cool. We want to build this real, authentic connection.”
Even functions like charging settings will be easily accessible via buttons—not buried in digital submenus.
This approach isn’t anti-tech—it’s pro-driver.
Safety Meets Usability
This design philosophy isn’t just nostalgic—it’s smart. European safety regulators have begun deducting points from cars that lack physical controls, linking screen reliance to increased distraction.
Buttons may seem old-school, but they help drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Even Volkswagen, Scout’s parent company, has acknowledged going too far with touch controls—and is already course-correcting.
Driving Forward with Simplicity
Keogh believes Americans still appreciate common-sense design.
“There’s no American who said, ‘I don’t know how to turn the fan speed switch.’ Let’s bring those things back.”
In a market full of flashy, complex EVs, Scout’s return to simplicity could be its most revolutionary move yet.
