TELO MT1. This is a really cool truck.
The TELO MT1 is a breath of fresh air in a world where pickup trucks seem to grow bigger and brasher by the year. This compact electric truck, designed by San Carlos, California-based startup TELO Trucks, dares to ask: why does a truck need to be massive to be useful? At just 152 inches long—roughly the size of a Mini Cooper—the MT1 packs surprising utility into a pint-sized package, making it a compelling option for urban dwellers and weekend adventurers alike.
First, let’s talk about the design. The MT1’s cab-forward layout, with its flat front and minimal overhangs, maximizes interior and cargo space without wasting an inch. It’s not the prettiest truck—some might call its boxy, utilitarian look a bit too reminiscent of a delivery van—but there’s an undeniable charm in its purpose-driven simplicity. The 60-inch bed is larger than the Rivian R1T’s, and with a folding midgate, it can extend to handle 8-foot-long items like plywood or surfboards. Add the “Monster Tunnel” storage compartment under the bed, and you’ve got clever, practical solutions that make this tiny truck feel far more capable than its footprint suggests.
Performance-wise, the MT1 offers two flavors: a base single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with 300 horsepower and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup boasting 500 horsepower. The latter promises a 0-60 mph sprint in about 4 seconds, which feels almost absurd for something this small—though it’s less about drag-strip bragging rights and more about ensuring it can handle real work. Battery options include a standard pack with a 260-mile range or a 106 kWh long-range version offering up to 350 miles. Fast-charging at 250 kW can reportedly add 210 miles in 20 minutes, which is solid for a 400-volt system. TELO’s decision to stick with off-the-shelf powertrain components keeps costs down, though it might leave some EV enthusiasts wishing for cutting-edge tech.
Inside, the MT1 seats five comfortably, a feat made possible by smart packaging rather than magic. The interior is minimalist but functional, with digital screens for gauges and infotainment paired with physical controls for essentials. Materials like biodegradable cork add a sustainable touch, aligning with TELO’s eco-friendly ethos. Optional solar panels from Aptera, generating up to 15 miles of range daily, are a neat bonus—though they’re more of a gimmick than a game-changer unless you’re parked in perpetual sunshine.
On the capability front, TELO claims a payload of up to 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. These figures are impressive for a truck this size, rivaling some midsize gas-powered pickups. At 4,400 pounds, it’s lighter than most electric trucks, which should help with efficiency and agility. Early prototype drives suggest it handles more like a car than a traditional truck, with a low center of gravity and tight maneuverability that make it a dream in city traffic or cramped parking lots.
Pricing starts at $41,520 for the base model, climbing to $49,999 for the dual-motor, long-range version. That’s not cheap—especially compared to the Ford Maverick hybrid—but it’s competitive for an EV with this level of innovation. TELO’s $152 reservation fee (a nod to its length) has lured over 5,000 preorders, signaling strong interest. Production is slated to begin in 2025, with the first 500 units hand-built before scaling up in 2026. Still, launching a new automaker is a brutal challenge, and TELO’s ambitious timeline and specs will need serious funding and execution to become reality.
The MT1 isn’t perfect. Its flat front raises questions about crash safety (though TELO insists it’s testing rigorously), and the lack of a hood might turn off traditional truck buyers. Range estimates aren’t EPA-certified yet, so take them with a grain of salt. And while it’s built for urban utility, it’s not a hardcore off-roader—10 inches of ground clearance is decent, but don’t expect it to crawl rocks like a Wrangler.
In short, the TELO MT1 is a brilliant rethink of what a truck can be: small, efficient, and genuinely useful. It’s not trying to outmuscle a Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T—it’s carving its own niche for people who need a truck occasionally, not a lifestyle statement. If TELO can deliver on its promises, the MT1 could be a game-changer. For now, it’s an exciting prototype with big potential—and a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.
People In This Video
No users are tagged in this video
Tags
No tags available yet
