Startup automaker Telo says its compact MT1 electric pickup remains on schedule for its first customer deliveries before the end of the year. Designed to solve one of the biggest problems facing modern pickups—their ever-growing size—the MT1 combines the footprint of a Mini with the practicality of a much larger truck. Founded in 2022 in San Carlos, California, the company believes city drivers shouldn't have to sacrifice utility just because they live in crowded urban areas.

Despite measuring only 151 inches (3,835 mm) long, 73 inches (1,854 mm) wide and 67 inches (1,702 mm) tall, the MT1 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for five adults and an innovative cargo area. Its configurable mid-gate expands the bed to carry a full 4x8-foot sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed or can be rearranged to add a third row, increasing seating capacity to as many as eight passengers.

Buyers can choose between a 300-horsepower rear-wheel-drive version or a 500-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive model. The single-motor truck reaches 60 mph in around six seconds, while the AWD version cuts that time to approximately four seconds. Both variants can tow up to 6,600 pounds, while payload ranges from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds depending on configuration.

Battery options include 77-kWh and 106-kWh packs, delivering estimated driving ranges of 260 and 350 miles respectively. Telo also plans to support 800-volt charging with peak charging speeds of up to 400 kW, potentially allowing rapid recharging from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes. Recently, the company partnered with Michigan-based supplier Schwab to manufacture the truck's body structure, while initial production is expected to total roughly 500 customer vehicles in late 2026. Pricing begins at $41,520 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $46,019 for the all-wheel-drive version. Although many EV startups struggle to survive in such a capital-intensive industry, Telo hopes its unique combination of compact dimensions and full-size capability will help it stand out.

Could a city-sized electric pickup like the Telo MT1 become the future of urban trucks, or will buyers continue choosing larger traditional pickups?

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