The future of electric pickup trucks is here, and it includes the Telo MT1. This small EV from Telo Trucks, a California startup, is designed to give the usefulness of a regular pickup in a compact size, about as big as a Mini Cooper.
The MT1 is 4-5 feet shorter than midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Maverick, but it claims to have similar interior space and bed functionality. Its 60-inch bed (longer than a Rivian R1T’s) can extend to 8 feet with a folding midgate, letting it carry 4×8-foot plywood or a 9-foot surfboard with the tailgate closed. A “Monster Tunnel” under the bed offers extra storage and can act as a footwell for a third row.
Its standard setup has a crew cab that seats five, with legroom close to a Tacoma’s. A flexible mid-partition can expand the bed or add seating for up to eight people, making it great for city or adventure trips.
It comes with two power options: a single-motor (rear-wheel drive) with 300 hp, an estimated 260-mile range, and a starting price of $41,250, or a dual-motor (all-wheel drive) with 500 hp, up to a 350-mile range with a 106 kWh battery, and a starting price of $46,000-$49,999.
First shown as a concept in 2023, Telo revealed a working pre-production prototype earlier this year. It’s being tested for safety and durability, with certification planned for winter 2025. Production is set for late 2025 or 2026, with deliveries possibly starting in 2026. Over 5,000 pre-orders have been made at $152 each (a reference to the truck’s length), showing over $250 million in customer interest.
What makes the interior of the Telo MT1 stand out? It uses eco-friendly materials like biodegradable cork and knitted fabrics for a simple, sleek design, featuring two 13-inch screens, physical buttons for main functions, standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a panoramic glass roof, and retractable windows for an open feel, though some suggest a tougher interior for work use.
The story we have been telling ourselves is that trucks need to be big and aggressive and that’s what you see in the streets. With the Urban Adventure Vehicle, we are able to create something that is new to the US market and perfectly adapted for city life,” said Yves Béhar, founder of Fuseproject, an industrial design and brand development firm, and the head of design at Telo.
