Compact Electric Truck Carries 4x8 Plywood for Adventurous Endeavors
In a world where urban mobility and sustainability are increasingly important, TELO Trucks has unveiled its first pre-production vehicle, the MT1. This compact all-electric pickup truck is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, space-efficient vehicles suitable for both consumer and commercial use.
Power and Performance
The TELO MT1 offers two motor configurations: a single motor with 300 horsepower and a dual motor setup with 500 horsepower. The single motor can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds, with a 2,000 lb payload capacity. The dual motor model achieves 0-60 mph in 4 seconds, towing up to an estimated 6,000 pounds [1][3].
Range and Battery
Equipped with a 106 kWh battery pack using NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry, the TELO MT1 provides a driving range of approximately 260 miles, geared towards urban and off-road utility [1][3]. It supports DC fast charging up to 350 kW (though final confirmation on an 800-volt architecture is pending), enabling a 10% to 80% charge in roughly 30 minutes. The vehicle also has vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, allowing energy to be fed back to the grid [1].
Compact yet Practical Design
Despite its small size akin to a kei truck, the TELO MT1 features a 5-foot bed expandable to 8 feet via a drop-down midgate and tailgate. It can comfortably carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood. The crew cab seats five adults, including tall passengers up to 6’8” with ample headroom [1][2]. The design of the MT1 underscores TELO's focus on maximizing utility without sacrificing passenger comfort.
Materials and Build
Initially using composite body panels with plans to transition to stamped metal for production, and the chassis and suspension are reportedly based on the Subaru Ascent platform [5]. The cabin is crafted with biodegradable cork surfaces, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.
Solar-Powered Enhancements and Urban Practicality
Optional solar-powered add-ons such as rooftop, truck bed, and camper shell solar panels aim to support off-grid adventures and enhance sustainability [4]. The MT1, branded with personality and a compact footprint, is intended to carve a niche market, balancing urban maneuverability with pickup utility and even the capability to drift, adding to its appeal in crowded city environments [2].
Tech and Platform
Mostly using off-the-shelf Bosch powertrain components, with some proprietary integration, it includes a more "finished" vision unlike some competitors who offer a more open, modifiable platform [5].
Funding and Significant Milestone
The funding has allowed TELO to accelerate development and position itself in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. The unveiling of the MT1 marks a significant milestone for TELO, which raised $5.4 million in a strategic funding round led by venture capital firm Neo [6].
In summary, the TELO MT1 blends a compact size ideal for city driving with powerful electric performance, practical design for urban and outdoor use, fast charging, and sustainable features such as solar power and V2G capability, making it a unique offering in the compact electric pickup segment [1][2][3][4][5]. The seating configuration in the MT1 provides rear passengers with the legroom typically found in larger crew cab trucks, further underscoring its commitment to passenger comfort. The TELO MT1 is a bold step into a new category of electric pickups, prioritizing a smaller footprint while maintaining utility.
- The TELO MT1, set to revolutionize urban mobility, promises electric-vehicle technology in a compact all-electric pickup truck, suitable for both consumer and commercial use.
- The electric truck comes with two motor configurations, offering power options of 300 horsepower or 500 horsepower, and can tow up to an estimated 6,000 pounds.
- With a focus on sustainability, the MT1 is equipped with a 106 kWh battery pack and features solar-powered add-ons, enabling it to charge faster and operate off-grid.
- The vehicle's compact yet practical design encompasses a 5-foot bed expandable to 8 feet, comfortable seating for five adults, and potential solar-powered enhancements, making it a versatile choice for city driving and off-road utility.
