Anti-Cyberpunk Pickup: This Tiny Electric Truck Is Adorably Practical for Gear Hauling

• Even though the MT1 has a compact design, its bed matches the dimensions of an electric Hummer’s.
• Several versions will feature up to 500 horsepower.
• A Silicon Valley startup claims that the initial shipments will be sent out this year.

The world can be quite unkind. EV start-ups , as evidenced by companies such as Canoo and Lordstown Motors facing significant financial challenges, while well-established brands like Ford and Chevrolet have also found it difficult to attract buyers specifically toward their electric pickup trucks.

However, a new startup has emerged, and Telo—a company based in Silicon Valley co-founded by autonomous vehicle specialist Jason Marks and former Tesla battery engineer Forrest North—aims to distinguish itself with the philosophy that smaller can sometimes be best.

Referred to as an " Urban Adventure Vehicle," the compact MT1 has the same size as a contemporary Mini Cooper SE but offers functionality and cargo capacity similar to those of a Toyota Tacoma.

Inside, there’s ample space for five grown-ups, but the pickup bed boasts more volume than that of a Rivian R1T, thanks largely to smart design. Owing to the absence of a large internal combustion engine or heavy transmission system, Telo has managed to optimize both passenger and cargo areas.

However, one must bear in mind the estimates for bed lengths since Telo’s cargo area stretches into the rear seats. A handy ‘mid-gate’ can slide into position whenever transporting passengers is necessary.

Telo states that this compact yet powerful electric pickup truck can carry 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets of plywood and even up to 8-foot-long surfboards thanks to its split rear seating arrangement. Additionally, it features a foldable tonneau cover for safeguarding cargo. Rivian -reminiscent locking storage compartment beneath the bed.

Even though it's compact, Telo says the truck will come with the choice between a 300 horsepower single motor setup or a powerful 500 horsepower dual motor configuration, complemented by a massive 106 kWh battery.

It appears excessive, yet the firm requires the MT1 to carry up to 1,600 pounds (approximately 725 kilograms) of equipment and tow an impressive 6,600 pounds (nearly 3,000 kilograms). Despite these demands, they also expect it to provide about 350 miles of range along with the capability to recharge from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

The starting price for the Single Motor version is $41,520 (approximately £32,000 / AU$66,000), with prices rising up to $49,019 (£38,000 approximately / AU$78,000) for the Dual Motor, All-Wheel-Drive configuration. The cost includes a regular-sized battery; however, you may choose to add a longer-range battery pack for an extra $3,980.

Available in eight distinct hues, this option also includes several desirable add-ons like a Solar Cab Roof, a solid canopy for the back cargo area, and solar panels fitted onto the tonneau cover.

Nevertheless, Telo is currently accepting $152 reservations, but this doesn't ensure it won't merely become another short-lived electric truck startup.

Demonstrating to Tesla how it's done

As criticism of Tesla’s founder and vocal CEO intensifies, the situation escalates. Cybertruck seems to be bearing the weight of everybody's frustrations, with accounts of vandalism and even arson at Tesla showrooms As opposition to DOGE demonstrations erupt throughout the US and Europe.

Featuring its unconventional sharp angles, oversized dimensions, and glaring stainless-steel exterior, the Cybertruck appears to embody all the aspects that specific segments of the public currently despise about Tesla and Musk.

On the contrary, Telo has adopted a completely different strategy. Instead of aiming to make a striking, possibly self-centered declaration, the team has prioritized functionality, which has led to their somewhat whimsical appearance emerging organically.

With a substantial height of five feet (1,524mm) less than the Toyota Tacoma, it still provides an equivalent amount of storage space, all while maintaining a more compact profile on the road.

It boasts easy parking, effortless navigation through congested urban areas, and can also handle tough tasks when needed—it’s all you could want. Cybertruck isn’t.

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