- Telo finished building the initial roadworthy version of its anticipated MT1 pickup truck after launching a configurator and beginning to accept deposits.
- The truck offers more than 350 miles of range and can deliver up to 500 horsepower with its twin motor setup, all while having roughly the same size as a Mini Cooper.
- The compact truck is slated to have an entry-level price of slightly above $40,000.
At first glance Telo and Tesla share many similarities regarding their pickup trucks. When it comes to both the MT1 and the Cybertruck , they are both four-door electric pickup trucks featuring bold exterior designs, boxy front fascias, and minimalistic external surfaces.
That’s roughly where the similarities stop because Telo's MT1 is comparable in size to a four-door Mini Cooper. Additionally, it is significantly lighter than the Cybertruck, which might not come as a surprise since you’ve probably noticed this fact already. Furthermore, acquiring one will not cost more than approximately $80,000.
Actually, it's intended to be priced at roughly half of that figure.
Currently, it’s still slowly progressing towards full-scale production. The initial pre-production prototype was unveiled just a few days ago, marking a significant milestone for the fledgling company.
Telo collaborated with the Aria Group to construct the initial drive-ready prototype of their forward-cab trucklet, planning to start road testing and then proceed with certification during the coming winter.
"The electric vehicle sector is constantly changing, and Telo Trucks is setting standards for a fresh type of pickup truck that addresses key demands related to environmental responsibility, dimensions, and utility among consumers as well as business fleets," the firm stated.
Even though it may appear otherwise, the MT1 will provide quite sizable battery options, featuring both a 77-kWh model and a more extensive 106-kWh alternative. By positioning the wheels at the extreme edges of its compact, Mini-Cooper-like frame, every bit of interior space will be utilized efficiently with no leftover areas.
Moreover, when equipped with dual motors, it will pack considerable power too; however, visualizing just how powerful remains challenging. needing All 500 horsepower in such a compact vehicle.
Telo mentions they have around 5,000 pre-orders for their initial model so far, and a year back, they concluded a fundraising round of $5.4 million.
These figures may not match those of major car manufacturers by any means, yet they still indicate a significant level of interest among consumers who might be tired of oversized trucks, whether conventional or electric.
The exact amount of funds required to start production is still unclear and hasn’t been detailed extensively.
Currently, Telo doesn’t face a direct rival since BMW, the parent of Mini, shows little interest in entering the subcompact pickup market. However, Volkswagen has definitely considered developing pickups inspired by the ID. Buzz.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that the MT1’s dimensions probably cater to a market predominantly occupied by older Japanese kei trucks—vehicles that are about 25 years old—which have surprisingly proliferated within a brief period.
Telo represents the future of utility transport by optimizing each cubic inch to ensure comfort, all while maintaining top-tier performance and functionality," stated Telo’s co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Yves Béhar. "This vehicle offers an unprecedented combination of additional features, roominess, and usability compared to anything currently available on the market.
Nevertheless, a substantial amount still needs to occur prior to Telo trucks being able to idle alongside imported kei trucks in U.S. traffic. This entails establishing a sales and service network within the country.
Can minimalist Telo survive in a truck market trending towards maximality?
It should be mentioned that many electric vehicle start-ups have faced similar challenges: they had functional prototypes but were still short of achieving mass production levels. On one hand, Telo has managed to reach this point. this distant, yet on the flip side, only a handful have managed to progress beyond this stage.
Is there potential for a demand in the market for an affordable small electric pickup truck priced around $40,000? Are EV truck purchasers primarily interested in much bigger trucks? Please comment below.
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