South Carolina Sparks Economic Revolution with Electric Vehicle Launch

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The economic landscape of South Carolina is poised for a significant transformation with the introduction of two new electric vehicles. On Thursday, Scout Motors officially unveiled the Terra and the Traveler, both fully electric models boasting an estimated range of 350 miles.

The vehicles will be manufactured at a new production facility in Blythewood, which is expected to begin rolling out its first vehicles by the end of 2026. This development is marked as one of the largest economic initiatives in the state, supported by a $1.3 billion incentive package from Governor Henry McMaster. The new facility, projected to cost $2 billion, will cover 1,100 acres and create approximately 4,000 jobs in the local community.

Governor McMaster expressed enthusiasm during the announcement, stating, “It’s an exciting day for South Carolina… the excitement that is here today on this mountaintop is going to be hard to beat.” He emphasized the state’s appeal to automotive manufacturers and the pride in having Scout Motors join the local economy.

The event took place in Franklin, Tennessee, where executives, employees, and supporters gathered to witness the vehicle reveal. Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors, noted that the plant will be capable of producing 40 vehicles per hour once operational.

The Terra vehicle features a 5.5-foot bed, a spacious center display, front storage, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while paying tribute to the historic Scout from the 1960s. The Traveler, the new SUV model, retains a similar design aesthetic and offers features such as a glass roof and a split tailgate.

Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer, expressed confidence that the new models will cater to the needs of hardworking individuals in South Carolina. The company is already in discussions with local K-12 schools and technical colleges to create training programs aimed at preparing the workforce for these new job opportunities.

With the construction of the Blythewood plant progressing well—nearly 78 percent of the assembly building’s foundation is complete and 57 percent of the steel is installed—local officials are optimistic about the impact of the automotive industry on the community. Joern Petri, Vice President of Plant Launch, highlighted the broader economic benefits, noting that the presence of an automotive factory supports various local sectors.

Both models will be priced between $50,000 and $60,000, and as of Thursday, Scout Motors has begun accepting reservations for customers interested in these new electric vehicles.

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