Electric vehicle startup TELO Trucks has unveiled the first pre-production vehicle of its all-electric pickup truck, the TELO MT1.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, TELO Trucks is defining a new category of pickup trucks that meets a significant market need for sustainability, size and functionality across both consumer and fleet audiences. The TELO MT1 combines the most advanced battery technology, led by co-founder and CTO Forrest North, and safety innovations, led by co-founder and CEO Jason Marks, into a compact footprint that is tailor-made for urban environments. These capabilities in the size of a mini truck are only possible as an electric vehicle.
TELO’s ability to accomplish the goals it announced last March soon after closing a $5.4M strategic funding round led by Neo with additional investment from Spero Ventures underscores how — by taking a uniquely interwoven approach to design, engineering, and manufacturing — the company continues to advance its positioning in the ever-evolving EV marketplace.
With a rapidly growing waitlist of pre-orders and a distinct design-led approach, TELO continues to prove that smart, human-centered innovation can drive the future of electric mobility.
At the heart of TELO’s first drivable pre-production vehicle is a thoughtfully designed, sustainably built interior that reimagines what an electric truck can feel like. With design efforts led by renowned industrial designer and TELO Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Yves Béhar, alongside his fuseproject team, TELO prioritized sustainability, comfort, and functionality throughout every element in the truck’s cabin which includes:
– Sustainably Sourced Materials: The interior surfaces are crafted from biodegradable cork, a renewable, lightweight material that offers a luxurious feel while reducing environmental impact.
– Spacious Seating Configuration: Unlike other compact trucks, TELO’s innovative seat arrangement ensures rear passengers have the same legroom as a full-size five-seat crew cab pickup truck, offering an unmatched balance of space efficiency and comfort.
– Smart Storage Solutions: The “Monster Tunnel” is an innovative storage system that hides “under the bed” to allow for additional cargo space, perfect for adventure gear, tools, or daily essentials, without sacrificing passenger room.
“We designed the future of utility transportation by maximizing every inch to provide comfort without compromising performance or capability,” said Yves Béhar. “TELO brings more features, space, and practicality than any other vehicle on the road today.”
Telo has secured over 5,000 pre-orders for its MT1 mini-truck, representing more than $250 million in potential sales.
The MT1’s design remains largely unchanged from its initial unveiling, with minor adjustments like relocated side body indentations. The interior features separate LCD screens, giving the instrument cluster a more traditional appearance, and incorporates sustainable materials like biodegradable cork.
The vehicle’s distinctive flat front, crucial for its compact urban-friendly design, is undergoing rigorous safety and durability testing. Telo anticipates achieving homologation by next winter.
While pre-orders were secured with a $152 deposit (reflecting the truck’s length), the base price for the rear-wheel-drive, 300-horsepower MT1 is $41,250, offering an estimated 260 miles of range. Optional upgrades include a larger battery pack for an estimated 350-mile range (for $3,980 extra) and a 500-horsepower dual-motor powertrain (for $4,769 extra).
The company aims for the MT1 to be the world’s most efficient electric truck, collaborating with Aptera, another California EV startup. Aptera plans to supply solar panels, though their own solar-assisted EV is still in development.
“We’re inviting investors, partners, and customers to join us as we take the next step,” added Jason Marks, TELO Trucks Co-Founder & CEO. “TELO is proving that – in a market stuffed with legacy brands – it is possible for a mini, mighty startup to deliver on time, on budget, and with real impact.”
