Telo Trucks, the corporate constructing a compact, modular electrical pickup truck, revealed its new preproduction prototype in Los Angeles. The San Carlos, California-based startup not too long ago closed a $5.4 million funding spherical and is working with bespoke manufacturing associate Aria Group (which has constructed EV restomods together with for firms like Everrati) to enter the subsequent improvement part in direction of the ultimate mini-truck.
The firm 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, just like Rivian’s gear tunnel.
The total design of the most recent MT1 appears to be like practically similar 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 totally flat, which helps give the truck its spectacularly quick design that makes it good for city environments. Although a flat entrance looks as if 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.”
Meanwhile, the corporate’s co-founder and CEO Jason Marks is looking for extra traders, companions, and prospects 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 vehicles, the place the very best we’ve bought is the 200-inch Ford Maverick Hybrid. The market continues to be dominated by extra-large gas-powered vehicles just like the Ford F-150 (and it’s EV variations aren’t doing too effectively).
