- The Telo MT1 electric pickup truck is now in pre-production
- Pre-production prototypes will be used for final testing and certification
- Pricing starts at $41,520 and reservations are already being accepted
U.S. EV startup Telo reached a major milestone on March 6 with the unveiling of its first completed pre-production prototype for its MT1 electric pickup truck.
Pre-production vehicles are typically used for final testing, as well as for certification and registration purposes. They also give engineers the opportunity to iron out any production snags before the first customer units are built.
In the case of the Telo MT1, the pre-production prototype features a fully finished interior. The dash follows the ubiquitous floating display panel trend, incorporating digital screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Other parts of the cabin use sustainable materials, including cork in some areas.
According to the company, the MT1 also offers ample space, with rear-seat legroom comparable to that of a full-size crew cab pickup. Additionally, it features a tunnel storage system under the bed, similar to what Rivian offers.
The MT1 was first revealed as a concept two years ago, and late last year, the company began accepting reservations while confirming a starting price of $41,520. For that starting price, buyers will get a 152-inch-long electric truck with a footprint similar to a Mini Cooper but with enough room for five adults and a 60-inch bed—larger than the one in the Rivian R1T.
Despite its compact size, the MT1 is designed to handle real truck work. Telo claims a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds and a tow rating of 6,600 pounds. Thanks to a midgate, the MT1 can also accommodate 4×8 sheets of plywood, a 9-foot surfboard, and other long items behind the front seats.
The base model comes with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain rated at 300 hp, paired with a Standard battery offering an estimated 260 miles of range. Buyers can opt for a Long Range battery—providing more than 350 miles of estimated range—for an additional $3,980. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain delivering 500 hp is also available for an extra $4,500.
Production of the pre-production MT1 was handled by contract manufacturer Aria Group. Telo reports that it currently has more than 5,000 reservations, but the company has not yet disclosed where full-scale production will take place. The company has time to finalize its manufacturing plans, as the next step for the MT1 is an extensive testing program. Following testing, the vehicle will undergo certification, which Telo expects to complete by next winter.