TELO MT1: A Compact EV Truck Built for City Hustle

The TELO MT1 isn’t your average pickup—it’s an electric rethink from a California startup that questions the giant-truck status quo. Measuring only 152 inches (386 cm) long, it’s about the size of a Mini Cooper but punches way above its weight. Built in the USA and ready to hit streets in 2026, this urban utility warrior offers up to 500 horsepower, 560 km (350 miles) of range, and enough smarts to make you wonder why trucks ever got so bloated. At $41,250 (€38,000), it’s bringing some much-needed practicality back into the EV truck game.

TELO MT1 Price

Let’s not sugarcoat it—this isn't bargain-bin territory. The TELO MT1 starts at $41,250 (€38,000) for the base, single-motor model and tops out near $49,999 (€46,000) for the dual-motor, long-range variant. But when you factor in the 106 kWh battery, 500 hp output, AWD grip, and clever packaging, the price doesn’t feel out of whack. Toss in low running costs and high functionality, and this compact truck makes more financial sense than it first appears—especially for urbanites who need utility without the parking headaches.

MT1 Range

With its top-end 106 kWh battery pack, the TELO MT1 can stretch up to 560 kilometers (350 miles) on a single charge. That’s well beyond your average city commute and competitive with bigger rigs like the Rivian R1T. The standard battery delivers about 260 miles (418 km), but if you're the weekend warrior type—or road-trip curious—the long-range model’s got you covered. Plus, thanks to fast charging up to 250 kW, it can add 210 miles (338 km) in just 20 minutes. That’s enough for a Target run and a Costco trip before your coffee cools.

Battery

Underneath its compact shell lies a 106-kWh lithium-ion battery—beefy for something this size. TELO sticks with a 400-volt system but still delivers solid performance, offering up to 250 kW charging speed. The battery’s smart layout contributes to the vehicle’s surprisingly low curb weight of 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg), which helps squeeze every mile from its electrons. Optional solar panels from Aptera can give you a daily trickle of 15 miles (24 km)—neat if you live in LA, less so in Seattle.

Speed

The MT1 isn’t just about sipping volts and hauling mulch—it’s quick. The dual-motor AWD version produces 500 horsepower and can launch from 0–60 mph in around 4 seconds. With a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), it’s faster than most folks will ever need in a truck this small. Sure, it won't replace your track-day coupe, but when a pickup this short smokes a Camaro off the line, you know it means business. The single-motor variant still kicks out 300 hp, making it more than capable for urban runs and light-duty hauling.

Exterior

Function dictates form on the MT1, and that’s not a bad thing. Its cab-forward design, flat nose, and minimal overhangs squeeze out every inch of usable space. The 60-inch (152 cm) bed beats even the Rivian R1T in size, and a folding midgate lets it haul 8-foot (2.4 m) lumber or your neighbor’s kayak with ease. You’ll also find clever storage touches like the “Monster Tunnel” under-bed compartment—perfect for tools, gear, or a stash of road trip snacks. It's boxy, sure, but it's got character and purpose.

Interior

Minimalist doesn’t mean bare-bones. The MT1’s cabin seats five, thanks to some clever packaging magic. The dashboard features digital gauges and infotainment screens, paired with tactile physical buttons for the basics. Sustainable materials like biodegradable cork bring a soft, earthy vibe to the otherwise industrial space. It feels like a cross between a Scandinavian studio and a GoPro commercial—functional, focused, and oddly inviting. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done without distracting you with gimmicks.

TELO MT1 Comparison

Stack the MT1 against the Ford Maverick Hybrid or Rivian R1T and you’ll see it doesn’t try to outmuscle anyone. It’s not about flexing horsepower or overcompensating grille size. It’s about solving problems for urban dwellers, apartment-dwelling adventurers, and weekend DIYers. With better parking manners than a Civic and more utility than some full-sizers, the TELO MT1 threads a needle no one else even seems to see. It’s a niche player, sure—but a smart one. And in this segment, smart beats loud every time.

MT1 Availability

Deliveries for early adopters are slated for 2025, with the first 500 units hand-built. Full-scale production starts in 2026 across the USA. TELO’s already pulled in over 5,000 reservations, each sealed with a cheeky $152 deposit—an ode to the truck’s length in inches. That’s clever branding if we’ve ever seen it. With strong preorder momentum and a focused rollout plan, the MT1 looks more real than vaporware. Of course, launching a car company isn’t for the faint of heart—but TELO seems ready to prove that small trucks can still haul big dreams.