The American startup TELO has recently unveiled its first compact electric pickup truck, the MT1. With fresh funding secured, the company is now able to continue development toward commercial production, which is expected to begin by the end of this year. The project has already generated significant interest, with more than 12,000 pre-orders received.
With its manufacturing partnership with Schwab Industries now in place and certification processes ongoing, TELO plans an initial production run of approximately 500 vehicles, primarily for customers who placed substantial deposits and for fleet operators. The company then aims to scale production to around 5,000 trucks annually.
Exceptional Driving Position and Interior Space
If the Slate Pickup can be seen as a compact, practical version of the Ford F-150, then the MT1 may be considered a miniature version of the Rivian R1T. Rather than focusing solely on utility, TELO aims to create a lifestyle-oriented truck that combines design, performance, and an adventurous spirit.
Despite its compact dimensions, the MT1 does not feel excessively cramped. However, the sense of spaciousness could be improved through several ergonomic enhancements:
• Greater adjustment range for the steering column, both vertically and telescopically.
• Bringing the steering wheel closer to the driver.
• Raising the dashboard screens slightly.
• Providing more seat travel for the front seats to improve legroom.
Rear-seat passengers will naturally face limited space due to the vehicle’s compact size, making front-seat comfort an even higher priority.
TELO’s design philosophy revolves around intelligent space utilization. Thanks to its compact packaging, the company has managed to provide a cargo bed comparable in size to that of a Toyota Tacoma, despite the MT1 being roughly the same overall length as a three-door Mini Cooper.
The company also plans to offer an optional third-row seating arrangement mounted in the cargo bed beneath a dedicated canopy, with a removable rear window and folding bulkhead. While fitting seven or eight passengers into a vehicle of this size demonstrates impressive engineering ingenuity, it is unlikely to serve as a practical substitute for purpose-built three-row SUVs.
Glass Roof:
TELO has followed a common trend among modern electric vehicles by equipping the MT1 with a full glass roof. However, this approach brings several drawbacks:
• Increased cabin heat.
• More unwanted sunlight in certain conditions.
• Additional cost and complexity, especially considering the truck’s starting price of approximately $ 41,000.
For these reasons, a conventional solid roof may ultimately be the more practical solution. Most buyers will be attracted to the MT1 because of its unique size and innovative design—not because it features a glass roof.
Safety:
It is immediately apparent that the MT1 differs significantly from most conventional vehicles. Its compact EV architecture places occupants much closer to the front of the vehicle compared to traditional pickup trucks, raising understandable questions regarding crash protection.
TELO insists that safety remains a top priority. The company’s CEO, Jason Marks, has a background in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which provides additional confidence in the vehicle’s development. Nevertheless, the company will need to emphasize its safety credentials more strongly as production approaches.
Battery and Performance:
The MT1 will be available with two battery options:
• Standard battery: 77 kWh, providing an estimated range of 260 miles (418 km).
• Long-range battery: 106 kWh, delivering more than 350 miles (563 km) of range.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) version produces 500 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds.
TELO MT1 Key Specifications:
Starting Price : $41,250
Drivetrain : Rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD
Seating Capacity : 5 passengers
Power Output : 300–500 hp
Transmission : Single-speed
Weight : Approximately 1,950 kg
Wheelbase : 2,820 mm
Dimensions : (L × W × H) 3,800 × 1,825 × 1,680 mm
0–100 km/h Acceleration : 4.0 seconds
Estimated Range : 418–563 km
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Recent Comments