Telo MT1: A Mini Electric Truck with a Big Mission
The future of electric vehicles isn’t just about luxury sedans anymore. The focus is shifting to battery-powered options with reasonable price points and unique utility. Telo Trucks, a California-based startup, is at the forefront of this trend with its MT1 truck. The MT1 aims to be a smaller, more affordable alternative to the large, expensive trucks currently dominating the market. The target price is $42,000 before incentives, with a size comparable to a Mini Cooper.
Backing the project are some significant names in the automotive world. As Motor Trend reports, Telo’s financial backers and advisors include Tesla’s original founders, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, along with Andy Palmer, a veteran executive from Nissan and Aston Martin.
Recently, Telo Trucks announced a critical milestone: the first fully drivable pre-production prototype of the MT1 has hit the road for testing. “Telo Trucks is defining a new category of pickup trucks that meets a significant market need for sustainability, size and functionality across both consumer and fleet audiences,” the company stated. “These capabilities in the size of a mini truck are only possible as an electric vehicle.”
If Telo can deliver on its specifications, the MT1 will be a compelling offering. Features include a novel design with various configurations, a mid-gate, and a Rivian-style ‘gear tunnel.’ Battery options are expected to be 77 or 106 kWh, with fast charging up to 250 kW. The truck is targeting a zero to 60 mph time of four seconds and a range of up to 350 miles (560 km). Telo aims for a payload capacity of up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) and a tow rating of 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg). The MT1 is ideal for urban gear hauling.
The MT1’s design is compact, with wheels positioned near the corners. The company emphasizes interior space, claiming it is comparable to a Toyota Tacoma, all within a Mini-sized body, putting a premium on sustainable materials like biodegradable cork.
Designer Yves Béhar said in a statement, “We designed the future of utility transportation by maximizing every inch to provide comfort without compromising performance or capability. Telo brings more features, space, and practicality than any other vehicle on the road today.”
Telo Trucks is currently receiving pre-production assistance from Aria Group, an EV and restomod company, but remains a small company in terms of employees. They are using a proprietary battery pack designed to save space. From here, Telo plans to continue durability and safety testing with the MT1 before starting limited production later this year.
Can Telo Trucks succeed? That’s the question many ask about automotive start-ups, given the industry’s high failure rate, especially in the current economic climate. However, there is strong demand for more affordable options, especially within the American market. If the MT1 can deliver on its promises, it may find a receptive audience that’s not being served by larger, more established players.
