Telo Vans, 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 accomplice Aria Group (which has built EV restomods together with for corporations like Everrati) to enter the following improvement section in the 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 house, or enclosed like a van. There’s additionally a “Monster Tunnel” storage compartment throughout the truck’s width the place you’ll be able to carry lengthy objects, just like Rivian’s gear tunnel.
The general design of the newest MT1 appears almost 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 remains to be completely flat, which helps give the truck its spectacularly brief design that makes it good for city environments. Though a flat entrance looks as if it lacks essential crumple zone house, 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 asking for extra traders, 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 vehicles, the place the very best we’ve obtained is the 200-inch Ford Maverick Hybrid. The market remains to be dominated by extra-large gas-powered vehicles just like the Ford F-150 (and it’s EV versions aren’t doing too properly).