Source: https://ev.motorwatt.com/ev-manufacturers/telo-trucks

# TELO Trucks Electric Vehicle Manufacturer

**TELO Trucks** designs compact, high-performance electric trucks built for urban and off-road use. Engineered in the U.S., they offer the utility of full-size pickups in a smaller footprint, integrating advanced battery technology for long-range efficiency. Built for adventure and practicality, TELO Trucks redefine electric utility vehicles.

[ Review by Alex Garin ](https://motorwatt.com/community/electromobili "Review by Alex Garin")

Updated: 18 April 2026

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## 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.

## Manufacturer Product Line

[ TELO Trucks Product-Line ](/telo-trucks-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)