American Axle & Manufacturing has landed the supply order for Scout Motors’ front electric drive units (EDUs) and rear e-Beam axles, it revealed in a statement. Scout is an EV manufacturer preparing to launch two models – an SUV and a pick-up truck – in 2027.
AAM will supply the front EDUs and rear e-beam axles for both the Traveler SUV and Terra pick-up truck, which will be built on a common body-on-frame chassis. The value and scope of the supply agreement were not disclosed.
A front electric drive unit (EDU, or e-axle) converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. An e-beam axle, or e-axle, is a beam axle that incorporates an electric motor, inverters, and transmission into a single unit to drive the rear wheels.
While the Scout vehicles will be 100-percent battery powered, they will incorporate a small gas engine that will function as a generator to charge the battery, known as an “extended-range electric vehicle” (EREV) option.
Detroit-based American Axle is a Tier One automotive supplier that develops and manufactures driveline technologies and systems for electric, hybrid, and internal-combustion engine vehicles. its products include axles, driveshafts, differentials, clutch modules, and disconnecting driveline systems. It also operates an extensive metal-forming business, with forging operations that produce components for engines, transmissions, drivelines, and other parts.
Scout Motors is building a $2-billion manufacturing complex in Blythewood, S.C. The company is backed by Volkswagen Group AG and the vehicles will adopt software and electrical architecture from Rivian Motors, though it is an independent company. The brand and styling are intended to evoke the series of four-wheel-drive vehicles that International Harvester produced from 1961 to 1980. VW acquired Navistar, International Harvester’s successor company, in 2021.
“We are honored to support the rebirth of the iconic Scout brand and play a significant role in these important vehicle launches with AAM’s award-winning electric drive technology,” stated AAM chairman and CEO David C. Dauch. “Additionally, Scout and AAM share a commitment to American design, engineering and innovation with both companies having a strong presence in the U.S.”
