Key Points
- The Tesla Cybertruck and VW Scout EV are both highly anticipated electric pickup trucks.
- The Cybertruck is expected to have a range of 250 miles on the single-motor variant and over 500 miles on the tri-motor setup.
- The Cybertruck is set to be released in 2023, while the VW Scout EV is targeting a 2025 release date.
- The Cybertruck is priced starting at $39,000, while the VW Scout EV is estimated to be around $40,000.
Which EV wins between the Tesla Cybertruck vs. VW Scout EV? Tesla’s Cybertruck was first announced in 2019, and it seems there is actually light at the end of the tunnel for its release. The much-anticipated debut truck from Tesla could be a game changer.
The VW Scout EV truck has been announced very recently and is targeting a 2026 release date. While electric pickup trucks are nothing on the market, these are something a little bit different.
Users looking for an EV capable of work and daily driving might opt for a truck. While the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning have proven to be popular choices, they’re still on the more expensive end of things. So, let’s see how these upcoming EVs compare to each other, as well as what to expect.
Tesla Cybertruck vs. VW Scout EV: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tesla Cybertruck | VW Scout EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 250 miles on the single-motor variant; the tri-motor setup is aiming for over 500 miles | Optimistic estimates give a total range of over 400 miles |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive for single-motor, all-wheel drive for all other configurations | All-wheel drive |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 14,000 pounds | Unknown |
| Expected MSRP | Starts at $39,000 | Estimated to be around $40,000 |
| Expected Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
| Does It Qualify for Tax Credit? | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port | Tesla’s proprietary NACS charger | J1772 |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown | Unknown |
Tesla’s Cybertruck has little more known about its overall performance. That said, Elon Musk’s EV titan has kept fairly mum about some more of the particulars surrounding it.
Tesla Cybertruck vs. VW Scout EV: What’s the Difference?
Concrete details are sparse for both vehicles, as they aren’t available at dealerships yet. That said, there are some concrete details to be gleaned from test drives and press junkets.
Performance
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Tesla’s Cybertruck carries the same penchant for performance as the rest of the line. Tesla reports the single-motor Cybertruck should be capable of 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds.
The Tri Motor model is the one to keep an eye on, with a blistering 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. All Cybertrucks will come with an adjustable air suspension, which should aid with clearance and ride comfort.
The VW Scout EV is still unknown in terms of overall performance. Top-performing EVs haven’t really been VW’s thing. They are great for daily drivers, so it’ll be interesting to see how their venture into the all-terrain market fares.
The Scout EV truck will be all-wheel drive. This keeps to the spirit of the original 70s Spirit line of vehicles. Both the truck and SUV seem to be calling on the spirit and ethos of the original Spirit line of vehicles, but updated for the modern era.
Range
Tesla is synonymous with a great range for an EV. The Cybertruck is no slouch in this department, with the single-motor variant averaging around 250 miles per charge. The Tri Motor configuration greatly exceeds all expectations, with a purported 500+ miles of range on a single charge.
Now, without proper EPA testing and evaluation, this is pure speculation. However, given Tesla’s track record with the Model 3 and Model Y, it could easily provide a great range on a single charge.
The VW Scout EV is rumored to have a maximum operational range of 400 miles. While this seems a bit far-fetched given the effective range of the ID.4 and other EVs in the product line, technology is always advancing.
VW’s recently announced ID.7 sedan, for example, is claiming to have over 400 miles of range. If VW has discovered a more efficient power delivery system, it could very well deliver on these promises for the VW Scout truck and SUV.
Release Date
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Tesla announced the Cybertruck in 2019 and began taking preorders. It looks like the EV manufacturer is finally going to make good on those promises, with a rumored shipping date of 2023. The year is mostly over at the time of this writing, but there is still ample time for a late 2023 launch for the 2024 production year.
The release of the Cybertruck itself does seem to be looming. More concrete details in terms of pricing and performance have been made available to mainstream automotive news outlets. This would seem to indicate test units are due for review soon enough.
The VW Scout EV Truck isn’t going to be hitting dealerships anytime soon. The EV itself was recently announced. Volkswagen has been taking the time to spin up new manufacturing spaces in the United States. Scout as an imprint will be primarily manufactured in South Carolina.
That said, a 2025 or 2026 release date seems realistic. Volkswagen could very easily unveil a prototype late this year or early next year during CES 2024.
Pricing
Tesla is targeting a suggested retail price of $39,000 for the single-motor variant of the Cybertruck. The dual motor will be $49,900, which is well below any current production electric truck.
The monstrous tri-motor variant should retail for $69,900, which is still priced well below the comparable Rivian R1T with its default trim package. The Cybertruck is a solid midpoint between Model X and Model Y in terms of overall pricing.
It should also qualify for the federal tax credit rebate. These are generally issued per model of vehicle. The reduced credits for the Model 3 have been making the news as it sits.
The VW Scout EV truck is purported to cost around $40,000 or so. Whether it actually retails for this targeted amount will be pure speculation until a proper release.
That said, Tesla and VW both seem to be shaking up the market by providing a lower-cost fully electric truck.
Tesla Cybertruck vs. VW Scout EV: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds.
- The Cybertruck has three major variants for the sake of performance.
- The Cybertruck was seating for up to six passengers.
- The VW Scout EV Truck is VW’s first purpose-built electric truck.
- The Scout EV Truck will be manufactured in a newly opened plant in South Carolina.
- The Scout EV Truck will qualify for a federal tax credit, as it is a domestically manufactured vehicle.
Tesla Cybertruck vs. VW Scout EV: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
So, which of these two vehicles comes out on top? The nod really does have to go to the Tesla Cybertruck. The EV manufacturer has been very forthcoming when it comes to providing details. Tesla’s Cybertruck could very easily launch this year, four long years after its initial announcement.
The Scout EV Truck has too little known about it to truly recommend a purchase at this juncture. That aside, the 2025 release date is still years away.
The Tesla Cybertruck looks to be a promising electric truck and should serve quite well for any user looking for an EV capable of some serious work.
