U.S. electric vehicle (EV) startup Telo reached a significant milestone on March 6 with the unveiling of its initial pre-production prototype of the MT1 electric pickup truck.
Pre-production vehicles play a crucial role in the automotive development process, serving as the final stage of testing and certification before customer deliveries. These prototypes give engineers a chance to identify and resolve any manufacturing issues that may arise.
The Telo MT1’s pre-production prototype features what appears to be a fully refined interior. The dashboard incorporates the prevalent floating display panel design, with digital screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Consistent with modern trends, the cabin makes use of sustainable materials, including cork accents.
According to Telo, the MT1 offers ample space, with rear-seat legroom comparable to a full-size crew cab pickup truck. It also incorporates a tunnel storage system located under the bed, a design element similar to Rivian’s R1T.
The MT1 first appeared as a concept two years ago. The company began accepting reservations late last year, concurrently confirming a starting price of $41,520. For that price, buyers will receive a 152-inch-long electric truck with a footprint comparable to a Mini Cooper, while providing seating for up to five adults and a 60-inch bed, which is larger than the Rivian R1T’s bed.
Despite its compact size, the MT1 is engineered to handle real-world truck duties. Telo claims a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds, and a tow rating of 6,600 pounds. Thanks to a midgate design, the MT1 can even accommodate 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood, 9-foot surfboards, and other long items behind the front seats.
The base model is equipped with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain rated at 300 horsepower, paired with a ‘Standard’ battery pack, offering a targeted range of 260 miles. An optional ‘Long Range’ battery pack, providing an estimated range of over 350 miles, is available for an extra $3,980. Moreover, customers can opt for a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, delivering approximately 500 hp, for an additional $4,500.
Production of the pre-production MT1 was handled by contract manufacturer Aria Group. Telo reports that it currently has more than 5,000 reservations; however, the company has not yet disclosed where full-scale production will take place. Telo still has time to finalize its plans, as the next step for the MT1 is an extensive testing program, which is planned before certification, expected to be completed by next winter.
