The electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly evolving, and California-based startup Telo is looking to carve out a unique niche with its MT1 electric truck. This compact truck is about the same length as a Mini Cooper SE but boasts a battery twice the size, aiming for a 350-mile range. Telo plans to launch the MT1 later this year or early next year.
One of the MT1’s standout features is its versatile bed. It comes standard with a 5-foot bed, which can be extended to 8 feet using a folding midgate, similar to the functionality seen in the GMC Sierra EV and Chevy Avalanche. This design maximizes cargo space while maintaining a compact footprint.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | Similar to Mini Cooper SE |
| Battery Range | Up to 350 miles (claimed) |
| Bed Length (Standard) | 5 feet |
| Bed Length (Extended) | 8 feet (with midgate) |
Telo’s CEO, Jason Marks, revealed that the MT1 was inspired by Japanese Kei trucks. Kei trucks are small, lightweight utility vehicles known for their ruggedness, affordability, ease of maintenance, and versatility. They are designed for navigating tight spaces and offer excellent maneuverability – a stark contrast to the large trucks commonly found in America.
These compact trucks are gaining popularity in the U.S. According to data on Japanese used motor vehicle imports, Americans imported approximately 7,500 Kei trucks in 2023, and this number climbed to nearly 10,000 in 2024. Telo aims to cater to this growing market by building an American-made truck with similar characteristics.
| Year | Kei Truck Imports to the U.S. |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7,500 |
| 2024 | 10,000 |
Telo faces significant challenges, including meeting crash safety standards and achieving its target price point while using U.S.-made batteries and components. The company claims to have developed proprietary battery packaging technology, fitting a 106 kWh pack into the truck’s floor using 2170 cells. For comparison, a Mini Cooper SE has a 54.2 kWh pack.
Despite its small size, the Telo MT1 aims for impressive performance, with a claimed 350-mile range and 500 horsepower from its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, enabling it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. A single-motor version with 300 hp is also planned. The entry-level MT1 is expected to start at $41,500 and could potentially drop to the mid $30,000s with federal and state tax credits.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 106 kWh |
| Horsepower (Dual Motor) | 500 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4 seconds |
| Starting Price | $41,500 (before tax credits) |
