Well, here we are. Telo Trucks, a California-based startup run by a trio of friends—Jason Marks, Forrest North, and Yves Béhar—has brought to light what looks like the love child of a Mini Cooper and an adventure truck. The Telo MT1, they call it, is an electric subcompact truck that measures 3.86 meters (152 inches) long, 1.85 meters (73 inches) wide, and 1.68 meters (66 inches) tall, just enough to park in the city without crying over every corner. And yes, that’s it—small but mighty, like that guy at the gym who can lift twice as much as you but is half the size.
It began in 2022 in San Carlos, where three visionary minds—Marks, a former head of autonomous vehicles, North, co-creator of the Tesla Roadster, and Béhar, a renowned designer with a sense of aesthetics—joined forces. Add Marc Tarpenning, one of Tesla’s founders, to the board, and 8 million dollars, which they raised (including the fresh 5.4 million from Neo), and you will get something more than just a garage project. This is a serious story. This is MT1 body.
Their goal? Sustainable mobility that stands out not for its size, but for its usability. And maybe even a touch of charm.
MT1 Body: Small but Bold
So what do you get? A truck that's the length of a Mini, but offers an incredible payload of 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds). Its cargo bed measures 1.52 to 2.44 meters long, 1.42 meters wide, and 0.46 meters deep (60 to 96 x 56 x 18 inches), which means plenty of room for everything from surfboards to building materials.
The interior is flexible – offering two-, five-, or even eight-seat configurations if you’re willing to compromise on comfort.
Under the hood, it hides two drive variants:
- Single-engine Version Body MT1 with 223 kW (300 hp) allows acceleration from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 4.5 seconds.
- Twin-engine Version Body MT1 with 373 kW (500 hp) shortens this time to 4 seconds and reaches maximum speed 201 km/h (125 mph).
Battery pack with capacity 106 kWh allows:
- to 563 kilometers (350 miles) reaches in an expanded version,
- to 418 kilometers (260 miles) in the basic version with a smaller battery.
Charging? Fast – from 20 % to 80 % in 20 minutes on 250 kW fast charging stations.
Security features include advanced crash sensors, airbags and a durable structural design. Add more cargo cover, pickup bed storage and center aisle for 2.44-meter (8-foot) board and you get something that is as versatile as a Swiss army knife.
Production? End of 2025 – but not for Europe
A prototype of the MT1 body already exists and is undergoing testing to ensure safety and durability. Serial production is expected end of 2025.
Price? The base model of the Telo MT1 will cost $41,520, which is not cheap, but considering the specifications, it is not excessive. Already 3,700 people pre-ordered and paid $152 deposit – which they can get back in full, which is a kind gesture from the manufacturer.
But here's the problem: MT1 is intended exclusively for the US marketEurope remains without this electric toy for now, which is a shame, as its compact dimensions would be perfect for our narrow roads.
Why would you be interested in this car?
The MT1 body is not Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T – so it won't take up half the neighborhood. It's intended for those who want a small, practical and electric truck, suitable for both city driving and weekend getaways.
Competition? Toyota Tacoma, but this one is bigger and still runs on gasoline. Telo Trucks is targeting a specific niche – and they may just succeed. The modular interior, the option of a third row of seats, and smart solutions such as a passage for long items are details that can convince many.
Just don't expect to see it on European roads anytime soon – Americans have the upper hand.
More information can be found at bodytrucks.com, where a configurator is already available – although it is not yet fully developed. If you are tempted, you can you invest $152 for the feeling and join those who are already waiting for the MT1 Body.
Conclusion
Trucks body is like an unknown music band that suddenly becomes a world sensationThe MT1 is unusual, small, but attractive – something you want, even if you don't know exactly why.
For $41,520 you get a vehicle that is practical, fun and technologically advanced. The only downside? It won't be here for a few more years., so we will have to continue to view Europe through an American perspective and dream of the day when it will be available here too.
