Telo MT1: small and powerful electric truck that could transform the automotive industry (Instagram @telotrucks)
The Telo MT1 is a compact electric truck, about the size of a Mini Cooper SE, with a battery larger than that of many vehicles, offering up to 560 km (350 miles) of range.
It features a 1.5-meter bed, expandable to 2.4 meters with a foldable mid-gate, and was inspired by Japan’s Kei trucks, known for their small size, light weight, and versatility. Telo CEO Jason Marks stated the vehicle can accommodate four passengers up to 1.88 meters tall, which sounds impressive on paper.
This model aims to serve a niche market seeking smaller, lighter, and more affordable electric trucks—unlike the larger, heavier models currently dominating. Telo has benefited from the growing interest in EVs, especially as U.S. auto import tariffs tighten under recent trade policies. The focus is to offer a practical, safe alternative for urban transport and even long-distance travel, with impressive performance, such as 0 to 96 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration in just 4 seconds.
Telo has also developed its own battery packaging technology, allowing the truck to carry a 106 kWh battery—much larger than compact models like the Mini Cooper SE. The design includes a storage tunnel beneath the rear seats and Tesla’s NACS charging system, highlighting the startup’s innovation in a highly competitive market. The company claims safety will not be compromised despite the compact size, and the truck will meet all required safety standards.
The Telo MT1 will start at $41,500, with potential to drop below $35,000 with tax credits. However, challenges remain, such as passing crash tests and building a version with U.S.-made components, which could increase production costs.
Source: InsideEVs | Photo: Instagram @telotrucks | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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