The world of electric vehicles is brimming with innovative designs, yet translating these concepts into production-ready vehicles remains a significant challenge. Even established automakers face daunting economic hurdles in the EV market, leaving many promising designs as mere concepts. Among these startups, the Telo MT1 pickup has emerged as a particularly intriguing design. Promising to be the “world’s most efficient mini pickup truck,” the MT1 aims to offer Toyota Tacoma-like capabilities in a footprint comparable to a Mini Cooper or even the VW ID. EVERY1 concept.
The Telo MT1 has taken a major step forward toward reaching the market as the company announced that it now has a physical prototype on the road. The Telo team confirmed their pre-production MT1 vehicle is testing in California. The brand even provided photographic evidence of the MT1 testing in several locations in Los Angeles as proof of their progress. The testing is focused on safety and durability, with the company hoping to achieve homologation—certification that it meets federal requirements for sale—by next winter.
While a firm timeline is still unavailable, Telo is accepting pre-order reservations on its website for $152—the same number as the vehicle’s length in inches—and claims to have already received more than 5,000 reservations. Telo is aiming high with the MT1. Its 152-inch length matches that of the Mini Cooper. Its cab-over design allows seating for five passengers with a four-door cabin, and boasts a five-foot bed, the same length as a short bed Tacoma. The Telo MT1 is targeting a range of up to 350 miles with a 106 kWh battery pack. A short-range version will offer 260 miles. The dual-motor AWD model is slated to have 500 HP. The single-motor variant is designed to carry a 2,000-pound payload, around 300 pounds more than a Tacoma. Additionally, the vehicle will recharge quickly, replenishing from 20 to 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes.
The Telo MT1 also boasts new features that have been seen in other electric trucks, such as the Rivian R1T’s “Monster Tunnel” on the bed for storing gear and the Chevrolet Silverado EV’s pass-through midgate, offering storage up to eight feet long with the tailgate down.
Telo MT1 Specifications
- EV Range: 260/350 miles
- Horsepower: 500 HP
- Payload: 1,700/2,000 LBS
- Length: 152 inches
- Battery Size: 106 kWh
- Price: TBD
- Arrival Date: TBD
Telo’s approach, starting with a clean sheet, offers advantages in EV design, allowing them to rethink vehicle designs from the ground up. The automotive industry is challenging for any new company, and the MT1’s targeted specs do seem almost too good to be true. While the prototype testing is encouraging, there is still a long road ahead before the MT1 becomes a production vehicle. Telo will need to prove it can produce and sell the vehicle at a reasonable price point.
