It might seem like a high price for a small truck and it is but it’s still half of the price of other electric trucks on the market detailing the magic of what makes the Telo MT1 special in the electric vehicle (EV) market. This diminutive pickup truck, which is only a little longer than a Mini Cooper, is breaking rulebooks on what a new-truck can be.
At a mere 152 inches in length, the MT1 is five full feet shorter than the Toyota Tacoma but has the same bed length, which can fit 4×8 plywood sheets and even 8-foot surfboards. This is done through sheer design brilliance, such as a mid-gate feature that enables the rear seats to fold down, effectively increasing the bed space. There’s also an L-track system along the bed itself for securing cargo, and then the Rivian-inspired lockable storage tunnel, or “monster tunnel,” under the bed for dirty or valuable gear.
The MT1 is low in height but big in performance abilities that would kill many a much larger vehicle. The buyers can opt for a 300hp single motor setup or the 500hp dual motor with a 106kWh battery. The dual motor has a 6,600 pounds towing capacity and 1,600 pounds payload capacity and is priced at an estimated 350 miles range. Charging from 20% to 80% takes only 20 minutes, courtesy of the new generation battery technology.
The creators of the MT1, Jason Marks and Forrest North, have experience at Tesla and Mission Motors, and therefore, they’ve ensured that this truck is not just a novelty but is rather a well-engineered response to the needs of modern urban and suburban existence. As North penned, There’s a lot of wasted space in vehicle designs these days, especially trucks where automakers think an enormous front hood is a key aspect of design. Telo’s design is optimized for utility without compromising on snugness, the exact opposite of the broad footprint of the Cybertruck and others.
The Cybertruck, built with its boxy look and stainless steel material, has been a controversial character among EV fans. While it’s ambitious dream, it’s also excess something that has brought derision as individuals are more and more worried about humongous trucks causing pedestrian fatalities and straining the environment. In contrast, the MT1 offers a saner alternative, marrying functionality and cost. The price is $41,520 for the base model, besting most of the EV pickup trucks available on the market, including the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Within, the MT1 can seat five adults in comfort, with innovative seat designs that provide maximum headroom and foot room. Even 6’10” individuals have been reported to fit comfortably inside the cabin. The cockpit has a broad center touchscreen and driver instrument cluster, although these are yet to be designed. Although some initial prototypes have encountered issues, including knee space and rear seat entry, these seem to be resolvable through seat and steering setup configurations.
The MT1 isn’t only a city runabout it’s off-road-capable, as well. Its front wheels all but on the doorstep of the truck, and with nearly a 90º approach angle, it’s well-equipped to deal with nasty stuff. Telo has suggested upcoming modularization of the MT1 platform, with a mini-SUV variant and even a third row of seating in the bed.
But the road ahead of it isn’t smooth. The world of EV startups is full of cautionary tales, including Canoo, which recently filed for bankruptcy after it was not able to raise enough money and production had to be ramped up. The strategy by Telo to use contract manufacturing for its first run is to avoid such traps, with minimal costs and incremental ramping up of production. With 5,000 bookings already on its hands, the company has undoubtedly hit a note with consumers who want a little but powerful EV truck.
Given that the MT1 is soon to roll off the production line, its popularity can be seen as a harbinger of change in the EV industry where utility and effectiveness overrule sheer size and show. Only time will tell if it can live up to its promise, but its unconventional appearance and budget-friendly price tag make it a leader in the new EV truck category. For drivers fed up with giant trucks taking up space on the road, the MT1 provides a welcome respite without sacrificing usefulness.
Find out more about Telo’s electric compact pickup truck and how it is distinctive here. Contrast it with the Cybertruck and other EV pickups here. Read more about how EV startups face challenges here.
