Telo Vehicles, the corporate constructing a compact, modular electrical pickup truck, revealed its new preproduction prototype in Los Angeles. The San Carlos, California-based startup lately closed a $5.4 million funding spherical and is working with bespoke manufacturing accomplice Aria Group (which has constructed EV restomods together with for firms like Everrati) to enter the following growth section in direction of the ultimate mini-truck.
The corporate mentioned they’ve over 5,000 preorders for the mini-truck, which is now referred to as the Telo MT1, that “represents over $250M+ in buyer commitments.” The EV was first revealed in 2023 and confirmed off a intelligent modular design the place the truck cab can open for extra mattress area, or enclosed like a van. There’s additionally a “Monster Tunnel” storage compartment throughout the truck’s width the place you possibly can carry lengthy objects, much like Rivian’s gear tunnel.
The general design of the newest MT1 seems practically an identical to the unique reveal, save for a relocation of the aspect physique indentations. The inside has LCD screens housed in separate cut-out plates, making the instrument cluster look extra analog. And it makes use of supplies like biodegradable cork all through the cabin.
The entrance of the automobile continues to be solely flat, which helps give the truck its spectacularly quick design that makes it excellent for city environments. Though a flat entrance looks like it lacks essential crumple zone area, Telo says it’s persevering with “rigorous security and sturdiness testing.” Telo expects to attain homologation “someday subsequent winter.”
In the meantime, the corporate’s co-founder and CEO Jason Marks is looking for extra buyers, companions, and clients to assist make MT1 occur. Telo additionally has industrial designer Yves Behar on board, who has labored on merchandise for Jawbone and Herman Miller. And co-founder and CTO Forrest North, who beforehand based motorbike firm Mission Motors, helps construct the MT1’s battery expertise.
Telo MT1 reservations are nonetheless open for $152, the identical variety of inches because the automobile’s size. The US may use some small pickup vans, the place the most effective we’ve bought is the 200-inch Ford Maverick Hybrid. The market continues to be dominated by extra-large gas-powered vans just like the Ford F-150 (and it’s EV variations aren’t doing too nicely).
