Compact Electric Truck Carries 4x8 Plywood, Perfect for Compact-Sized Adventures
**California Startup Unveils Innovative Electric Compact Pickup Truck: The TELO MT1**
California-based Telo Trucks has introduced its first pre-production vehicle, the TELO MT1, a compact electric pickup truck that promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle market.
The TELO MT1 stands out for its compact footprint, comparable in size to a Mini Cooper, while offering a surprisingly spacious and reconfigurable interior, as well as robust performance specs.
**Key Features**
At just 152 inches long, the TELO MT1 is one of the smallest pickup trucks on the market. It boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 500 horsepower, enabling a 0–60 mph acceleration in about 4 seconds. The truck is equipped with a large 106 kWh battery pack, targeting a range of 350 miles per charge.
The interior of the TELO MT1 is equally impressive, featuring a reconfigurable cabin with a drop-down midgate between the cabin and bed, allowing the cargo floor to extend over the folded rear and front passenger seats. An optional cap transforms the truck into a three-row SUV with rumble-style third-row seating.
The design of the TELO MT1 is led by Yves Béhar, a renowned industrial designer. It has a minimalist front end with only a 14-inch crumple zone, eschewing a traditional hood. The cabin is crafted with biodegradable cork surfaces, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.
**Progress Toward Production**
As of June 2025, the TELO MT1 is in the development phase, with a functional prototype revealed to the public and media. The vehicle has been featured in high-profile demos, including an exclusive first drive on Jay Leno’s Garage, indicating advanced prototype status and active promotion.
There are reports of significant preorder interest, with some sources mentioning a $20,000 price point and a surge in reservations. However, official pricing and detailed preorder terms from Telo Trucks are not yet widely published. No official production start date or detailed manufacturing roadmap has been announced by Telo Trucks as of July 2025.
**Outlook**
The TELO MT1 is positioned as a highly efficient, urban-focused electric pickup with standout interior flexibility and performance. While it has generated considerable media attention and consumer interest, the vehicle remains in the prototype and pre-production phase as of mid-2025, with no firm production or delivery timeline publicly available.
Prospective buyers and industry watchers should monitor Telo Trucks for updates on manufacturing plans and official preorder details. The TELO MT1 aspires to make a sizable impression on the electric vehicle landscape, and with its innovative design and features, it certainly has the potential to do so.
TELO has partnered with Aria Group, a leading prototype manufacturer, to advance the MT1 through its next stage of development. The company has also received over $5.4 million in funding, which will help accelerate development and position it in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
TELO's CEO, Marks, has stated, "TELO is proving that it is possible for a mini, mighty startup to deliver on time, on budget, and with real impact." With the TELO MT1, it seems that they are well on their way to achieving just that.
- Entering the competitive electric vehicle market, California startup Telo Trucks is developing the TELO MT1, an innovative electric compact pickup truck that aspires to make a significant impact.
- The TELO MT1, with a compact footprint similar to a Mini Cooper, boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 500 horsepower, promising robust performance and a 0–60 mph acceleration in about 4 seconds.
- In collaboration with Aria Group, a leading prototype manufacturer, Telo Trucks is advancing the TELO MT1, targeting a range of 350 miles per charge with a large 106 kWh battery pack.
- The automotive industry and consumers alike are closely watching Telo Trucks, as the TELO MT1's eco-friendly design, flexible interior, and innovative features, such as biodegradable cork surfaces and a reconfigurable cabin, position it as a potential game-changer in the industry and lifestyle landscape of electric vehicles.
