California-based automotive start-up Telo has delivered on its promise made 18 months ago, unveiling its petite pick-up truck, the MT1.
The company had floated the possibility of creating a tiny truck that delivers the practicality of a Toyota Hilux but within the footprint of a Toyota Yaris, and now the first driveable pre-production prototype has rolled out of the Telo factory.
And it really is compact. The Telo MT1, unlike most pick-up trucks, has been designed and built for city driving. Urban spaces will pose no problems, as it’s narrow and short enough to navigate tight city streets with ease, while still offering a five-seat cab and a usable truck bed.
Big Practicality
What makes this possible is the electric platform the pick-up sits on. Without the need to house a bulky combustion engine, there’s scope for more creativity and adaptability.
The footprint may be small, but the MT1 has a load bed measuring 1.57m in length and 1.24m in width. Thanks to a mid-gate design, the already spacious bed can be extended, allowing it to accommodate a standard sheet of plywood, a common measurement in the US that’s 2,440mm by 1,220mm (or 8ft x 4ft).
Telo also promises that the MT1 will have a payload capacity of more than 900kg and a towing capacity of almost three tonnes, making it competitive against some much larger pick-ups.
A hidden storage area under the truck bed, known as a ‘Monster Tunnel,’ is also present on the MT1. This tunnel adds extra secure cargo space without consuming vital cabin space, creating a nice area to store muddy boots or grubby tools you don’t want in the cab or load box.
Big Power
The frame might be small, but Telo has ensured that the MT1 has plenty of power and a competitive range. There will be two versions to choose from: a single-motor option with 300hp and a dual-motor option with 500hp. The dual-motor version with a 106kWh battery promises a range of up to 350 miles, while also being able to hit 60mph in around four seconds.
Big Inside
The use of space also looks quite clever inside the MT1, with industrial designer Yves Béhar and his Fuseproject team prioritising practicality.
The focus has been on using lightweight materials, and creating hidden storage compartments that maximise the space available, including under-seat storage solutions and even a retractable wireless charging tray. The cabin layout aims to be functional and easy to use, avoiding unnecessary distractions for the driver. The digital dashboard has been integrated with a metal bezel to keep the driver focused on the essential information.
Telo has combined an eco-conscious ethos with a premium feel, using biodegradable cork surfaces where plastics would more traditionally have been used.
Big Ambitions
With reported pre-orders totalling more than 5,000, marking an estimated $250 million (£193m) in commitments, Telo is working to refine the design alongside prototype manufacturer Aria Group before proceeding to mass production.
MT1’s next phase will involve rigorous safety and durability testing. The company aims for homologation by next winter.
Pre-orders are still being taken for the MT1, with an initial deposit of just $152 (reflecting the truck’s length in inches) or just under £120.
Sadly, while the pint-sized pick-up looks to be both practical and capable, it’s unlikely to be seen on UK roads any time soon, with no plans to bring it across the Atlantic.
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