In a recent announcement, Telo, an emerging electric vehicle (EV) startup, unveiled its inaugural product—a subcompact electric pickup truck set to retail for approximately $50,000.
Over the years, pickup trucks have significantly increased in size, with the majority of electric trucks entering the market targeting the full-size segment. Telo, a California-based company co-founded by Forrest North, who played a key role in developing the original Tesla Roadster and co-founded the unsuccessful electric motorcycle startup Mission Motors, recognizes the potential for a small, energy-efficient electric truck tailored to urban environments.
Lexus GX overview
The Telo truck measures a mere 152 inches in length, comparable to the size of the Mini Cooper SE electric hatch. Despite its compact nature, Telo has engineered the truck to comfortably accommodate five adults and feature a 5-foot bed. For reference, the popular mid-size Toyota Tacoma also comes with a standard 5-foot bed.
With the inclusion of a midgate, the Telo truck allows for the transportation of 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood, a 9-foot surfboard, and other lengthy objects behind the front seat, all while keeping the tailgate up.
Telo truck vs Mini Cooper SE
The key lies in fully leveraging an EV’s skateboard-style platform. By eliminating the frontal area typically found in conventional vehicles, Telo has created room to move the cabin forward, resulting in a cab-over appearance. According to Forrest North, serving as Telo’s chief technology officer, the front section, which often houses a front trunk or powertrain hardware in many EVs, serves no essential purpose and does not improve safety.
“It doesn’t aid in driving, safety, or any other aspect, really,” he explained in an interview with Green Car Reports during a preview of the Telo truck. “The electric vehicle platform allows for configuration changes that have yet to be widely explored or popularized.”
While there is still considerable development ahead, Telo remains confident in its ability to meet federal crash safety standards, specifically FMVSS 208.
Telo truck (rendering)
Despite its compact size, the Telo truck boasts impressive performance capabilities. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, delivering a peak output of 500 hp—enough to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately four seconds. Telo also claims a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. The top speed is limited to 125 mph.
The battery, integrated into the vehicle’s structure, has a maximum capacity of 106 kWh, providing an estimated EPA-rated range of 350 miles. Charging from 20% to 80% can be accomplished in around 20 minutes using a DC fast charger, according to Telo.
Although Telo has not disclosed an official release date for its truck, the company is already accepting pre-orders, requiring a $152 deposit.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about electric pickup truck
Q: What is the price of Telo’s electric pickup truck?
A: Telo’s electric pickup truck is expected to retail for approximately $50,000.
Q: How does the size of Telo’s truck compare to other vehicles?
A: Telo’s truck measures 152 inches in length, similar to the size of the Mini Cooper SE electric hatch. It is designed to be compact and efficient for urban environments.
Q: Can the Telo truck accommodate five adults?
A: Yes, Telo has designed its truck to comfortably fit five adults while also featuring a 5-foot bed for cargo storage.
Q: What is the estimated range of Telo’s electric truck?
A: The battery in Telo’s truck has a maximum capacity of 106 kWh, providing an estimated EPA-rated range of 350 miles.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Telo truck?
A: Charging the Telo truck from 20% to 80% can be done in about 20 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Q: Is the Telo truck available for pre-order?
A: Yes, Telo is currently accepting pre-orders for its electric pickup truck, requiring a $152 deposit.
Q: What is the powertrain configuration of the Telo truck?
A: The Telo truck features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain generating a peak output of 500 hp, allowing for impressive acceleration and performance.
Q: Does the Telo truck meet safety standards?
A: Telo is confident that its truck will pass federal crash safety tests, specifically FMVSS 208, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.
Q: When will the Telo truck be available for sale?
A: Telo has not announced an official release date for its electric truck at this time.
More about electric pickup truck
- Telo – Official website of Telo, the electric vehicle startup.
- Mini Cooper SE – Learn more about the Mini Cooper SE electric hatch.
- Toyota Tacoma – Explore the mid-size Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.
- Green Car Reports – A source for green car news, including interviews and previews.
- FMVSS 208 – Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, which outlines crash safety tests.