California-based Telo Trucks just launched the working prototype of its TELO MT1 mini truck in the US. The company claims it has a Toyota Tacoma-like interior space, Tesla-like range, and a MINI Cooper-like footprint. It’s 4 feet shorter than a Ford Maverick but still offers a larger bed.
In a region where large trucks like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and Ram Trucks form a major share, Telo’s main strength could be its compact size and practicality in tight urban spaces.
The Telo truck price starts at USD 41,520 before incentives in the US for the basic single motor 2WD, 300 HP variant. At present the vehicle can be reserved at a refundable deposit of USD 152 only.
Telo Truck Specifications
| Performance : | |
| Acceleration : 0 – 96.5 km/h (0 – 60 mph) | 3.5 sec (for the dual motor version) |
| Top Speed | |
| Maximum Power | 500 HP (380 KW) |
| Maximum Torque | |
| Maximum Electric Range (WLTP) | 563 km (350 miles) |
| Drag Coefficient | |
| Maximum Payload | 907 kg (2,000 Pounds) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,721 kg (6,000 Pounds) |
| Battery Size | 106 kWh |
| Charging time : 20 – 80 percent | 20 minutes |
The Telo MT1 can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in an impressive 3.5 sec in its 4WD, dual motor, 500 HP top variant. While the 2WD single motor, 300 HP variant offers the most range of up to 563 km (350 miles). It also has a payload capacity of 907 kg (2,000 Pounds), little more than the 1,700 pounds of the 4WD variant.
The vehicle has a Battery Size of 106 kWh and can fast charge from 20 – 80 percent in just 20 minutes.
| Dimensions : | |
| Length | 3,860 mm (152 inches) |
| Width | 1,854 mm (73 inches) |
| Height | 1,676 mm (66 inches) |
| Wheelbase | |
| Ground Clearance | 254 mm (10 inches) |
In size, the TELO MT1 is much smaller than its direct rivals, like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, but still offers much more loading space. The Tesla Cybertruck has a 6-foot bed, while the Telo truck offers a 5-foot bed (which extends to 8 feet via an innovative midgate).
It also has a 254 mm (10 inches) of ground clearance and incredible approach / departure angles.
Telo has also partnered with Aptera Motors for integrating solar panels into the TELO MT1.
Design
The TELO MT1 is a cute mini truck whose compact design makes it highly capable of navigating through tight city roads and ideal for operating indoors. In fact, it is of the same size as a two-door MINI Cooper.
With a little adjustment for the third-row seats, it can be transformed into a van that can accommodate up to eight passengers.
The interior is all plain, simple, and functional with natural fabrics offering practical comfort and utility. There are no fancy big screens, high-tech AI features, or luxury finishes.
Telo Truck MT1: In Short
The MT1 from Telo Trucks is a cute, compact electric pickup truck with a size of a MINI Cooper but loading space length more than a Tesla Cybertruck or Rivian R1T. Telo also claims to have an interior space equal to a Toyota Tacoma.
The Telo truck is good for congested urban spaces, and being electric, it’s ideally suited for indoor applications.
Being launched in a country that loves its big trucks, the Telo M1T could either find it hard to compete with them or a great opportunity in a mini truck segment with hardly any competitors at present. The company says that it has received over 5,000 pre-orders so far, which seems to be a good start.
So how do you feel the Telo M1T truck would fare once it arrives in the market? Pen down your comments below.
