Scout Motors’ first outing at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas will be a big deal, with the fledgling automaker back from the dead with new EVs and big plans. The company announced today that both its Traveler and Terra EVs will be on display at the
booth, but more importantly, that the pair of models will offer in-vehicle satellite connectivity, allowing Wi-Fi access almost anywhere. An inside look at the logic behind the automaker’s user interface was also provided.
Scout Motors Aims For Connectivity Anywhere
According to Scout, around 70-percent of the customers it surveyed stated “in-vehicle satellite connectivity was important and they would be interested in an in-vehicle satellite internet option.” Wi-Fi hotspots are nothing new in cars, but the idea for satellite connectivity is a unique one. It’d theoretically allow owners to connect to the internet pretty much anywhere, and the feature will come pre-wired from the factory in both the
. Scout didn’t mention anything about a supplier for the system, and the company’s use of the phrase “pre-wired” already suggests that users will be paying for access to the feature, likely in monthly installments.
Scout Details Its User Experience
Scout Motors provided further information on the user experience each of its models will provide, saying the system will be “human-centered.” “We listened to our customers and created an experience that’s intuitive, versatile, and uniquely Scout,” said Chris Benjamin, Scout Motors Chief Design Officer. “Our Community UX is grounded, warm, and approachable, yet it’s innovative and modern, offering everything drivers need without overwhelming their experience.”
Scout touts a “connected experience,” but it sounds like the company could be pushing a lot of controls into screens: “From HVAC adjustments to vehicle settings, quick access controls utilize familiar gestures, such as a swipe-down interface, to offer an instinctive, smartphone-like experience.” The company does say the interior will feature buttons, and we know from the above photos that some climate functions will be tied to buttons, but the degree to which they are tied isn’t clear yet.
TopSpeed’s Take
While browsing Twitter in the middle of the woods may not sound appealing, having a line of communication with the outside world certainly has safety benefits. The ability to use your car as a satellite way station may make it easier for first responders to find it if something goes awry while exploring, for example.
As for Scout’s user interface, the waters are still muddy. It’s tough to say just how tactile the interior of the Terra and Traveler will be, but Scout is at least aware consumers have a preference for intuitive and easy-to-use interiors with buttons over a dizzying array of screens and menus.
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