---
title: "TELO Trucks"
description: "Electric Vehicles with descriptions, technical specifications, photos and prices, published in the MOTORWATT EV Database"
url: "https://ev.motorwatt.com/ev-manufacturers/TELO-Trucks"
date: "2026-06-09T19:50:06+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

Source: https://ev.motorwatt.com/ev-manufacturers/TELO-Trucks # TELO Trucks Electric Vehicle Manufacturer \[ Review by Alex Garin \](https://motorwatt.com/community/electromobili "Review by Alex Garin") Updated: 09 June 2026 --- ## About TELO Trucks Manufacturing Company ### \*\*TELO Trucks: Rethinking the Electric Pickup\*\* While most American pickups are growing in size, \*\*TELO Trucks\*\* is flipping the script. Based in \*\*San Carlos, California\*\*, this startup is designing \*\*right-sized electric pickups\*\* that combine \*\*urban-friendly dimensions with real truck capability\*\*. Founded in \*\*2022\*\*, TELO’s \*\*MT1\*\* packs big performance into a \*\*Mini Cooper-sized footprint\*\*, making it a unique entry in the EV market. ### \*\*Meet the TELO MT1: Small, But Mighty\*\* At just \*\*152 inches long\*\*, the \*\*MT1\*\* is \*\*nearly two feet shorter than a Toyota Tacoma\*\*, yet it manages to fit a \*\*60-inch truck bed\*\*—the same as the Tacoma. Thanks to its \*\*configurable midgate\*\*, cargo space extends to \*\*8 feet\*\*, allowing it to haul \*\*plywood, surfboards, or even a dirt bike\*\*. - \*\*Dimensions\*\*: 152” L × 73” W × 66” H - \*\*Seating\*\*: 5 passengers - \*\*Bed Length\*\*: 5 feet (8 feet with midgate open) - \*\*Ground Clearance\*\*: 10 inches Despite its compact size, the \*\*MT1 doesn’t skimp on power\*\*. It’s available in two configurations: - \*\*Single-motor RWD\*\*: \*\*300 hp\*\*, \*\*260-mile range\*\* - \*\*Dual-motor AWD\*\*: \*\*500 hp\*\*, \*\*350-mile range\*\* ### \*\*Performance & Capability\*\* The \*\*MT1’s performance is impressive for a subcompact truck\*\*. - \*\*Payload\*\*: \*\*1,700 lbs\*\* - \*\*Towing Capacity\*\*: \*\*6,600 lbs\*\* - \*\*Charging\*\*: \*\*250 kW fast charging (20-80% in ~20 minutes)\*\* - \*\*Battery\*\*: \*\*106 kWh long-range option\*\* TELO ensures the \*\*MT1 remains practical\*\*, with off-the-shelf components for easy servicing and \*\*optional solar panels\*\* that add \*\*12-15 miles of range per day\*\*. ### \*\*Designed for Safety & Efficiency\*\* TELO places a high priority on \*\*safety and efficiency\*\*. The \*\*14-inch crumple zone\*\* meets \*\*U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)\*\*, an impressive feat for a \*\*cab-over truck design\*\*. The \*\*low-profile battery pack\*\* (just 4 inches thick) keeps the center of gravity low, improving handling and stability. - \*\*Crumple Zone\*\*: 14 inches, designed for crash safety - \*\*Battery Pack\*\*: Slim 4-inch design for optimized space - \*\*Aerodynamics\*\*: Reduced drag for improved efficiency ### \*\*Who is the TELO MT1 For?\*\* TELO is targeting \*\*two main audiences\*\*: 1. \*\*City-based adventure seekers\*\* – Those who want a truck that’s easy to park yet still capable of weekend road trips. 2. \*\*Fleet operators & urban businesses\*\* – Plumbers, contractors, and delivery services looking for \*\*a compact work truck\*\* that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Many fleet managers \*\*miss the days of small trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10\*\*, and \*\*TELO’s fleet sales program (announced in 2025)\*\* caters directly to them. ### \*\*How Does the MT1 Compare to Other Electric Trucks?\*\* \*\*Ford F-150 Lightning vs. TELO MT1\*\* - \*\*Size\*\*: TELO is \*\*48 inches shorter\*\* than the Lightning - \*\*Towing\*\*: TELO’s \*\*6,600-lb capacity\*\* is \*\*only 1,400 lbs less\*\* than the Lightning’s - \*\*Price\*\*: TELO starts at \*\*$41,520\*\*, \*\*cheaper than most full-size EV trucks\*\* \*\*Rivian R1T vs. TELO MT1\*\* - \*\*Size\*\*: TELO is \*\*36 inches shorter\*\* - \*\*Range\*\*: \*\*350 miles (MT1 long-range) vs. 314 miles (R1T Max Pack)\*\* - \*\*Maneuverability\*\*: TELO’s smaller footprint makes it easier to park and navigate in cities ### \*\*Pricing & Availability\*\* TELO is positioning the \*\*MT1 as an affordable alternative to oversized electric trucks\*\*. - \*\*Base Model Price\*\*: \*\*$41,520\*\* (before incentives) - \*\*Long-Range AWD Model\*\*: \*\*~$50,000\*\* - \*\*Eligible for federal & local EV tax credits\*\* The first \*\*500 units will be hand-built in 2025\*\* at TELO’s \*\*San Carlos microfactory\*\*, with \*\*mass production scaling to 10,000 units in 2026\*\*. ### \*\*Funding & Production Plans\*\* Since launching, TELO has raised \*\*$6.8 million\*\* in funding, including: - \*\*$5.4 million Series A (March 2024)\*\* – Led by \*\*Neo and Spero Ventures\*\* - \*\*$1.78 million pre-seed (June 2023)\*\* - \*\*5,000+ pre-orders\*\*, totaling \*\*$250 million in commitments\*\* TELO expects to \*\*finalize safety and durability testing\*\* by \*\*late 2025\*\*, with \*\*homologation in early 2026\*\*. ### \*\*Challenges & the Road Ahead\*\* Launching an \*\*EV startup is no easy feat\*\*, especially in a \*\*highly competitive market\*\*. - \*\*Scaling production\*\*: TELO is avoiding the \*\*overpromising pitfalls\*\* of companies like Rivian, focusing on \*\*low-volume manufacturing first\*\*. - \*\*Cold-weather performance\*\*: The \*\*low ground clearance and solar panel efficiency in winter conditions\*\* may need further testing. - \*\*Market reception\*\*: Can Americans embrace \*\*a smaller electric pickup\*\* in a segment traditionally dominated by \*\*full-size trucks\*\*? ### \*\*Final Thoughts: Can TELO Succeed?\*\* By blending \*\*Japanese kei-truck inspiration with American truck practicality\*\*, \*\*TELO is carving out a new niche\*\*. The \*\*MT1’s mix of compact size, long range, and real truck capability\*\* makes it a strong contender for urban drivers, businesses, and adventure seekers alike. With \*\*funding secured, a functional prototype, and growing pre-orders\*\*, \*\*TELO’s MT1 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting electric pickups yet\*\*—a true alternative to the oversized, resource-hungry trucks that dominate today’s market. \[ TELO Trucks Product-Line \](/TELO-Trucks.md-product-line "TELO Trucks") ### Categories of Manufacturers: - \[Electric Cars \\\[181\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-cars) - \[Electric Motorcycles \\\[148\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-motorcycles) - \[Electric Bicycles & Scooters \\\[222\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-bicycles) - \[Electric Trucks \\\[84\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-trucks) - \[Electric Buses \\\[56\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-buses) - \[Electric Golfcarts \\\[61\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-golfcarts) - \[Electric Quadricycles and Snowmobiles \\\[35\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-quadricycles-and-snowmobiles) - \[Electric Water Vehicles \\\[145\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/electric-water-vehicles) - \[E-Mobility Gadgets \\\[6\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/e-mobility-gadgets) - \[Flying Electric Vehicles \\\[52\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/flying-electric-vehicles) - \[EV Charging Stations \\\[174\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/ev-charging-stations) - \[EV Batteries & Accessories \\\[53\\\]\](/ev-manufacturers/ev-batteries-accessories)