Honey, I Shrunk the Truck!
Image Credit: TELO Trucks.
Let's get one thing straight. In a world where trucks seem to be morphing into the size of small houses, Telo has decided to go the other way. We're talking about the Telo MT1, a mini-truck so compact it's practically begging to be parked in your kitchen.
Telo finally unveiled a pre-production prototype of their MT1, and frankly, it's adorable. I don't usually say that about a vehicle, but the MT1 looks as if someone took a Mini Cooper, gave it a shot of testosterone, and then told it to grow a truck bed. And wouldn't you know it, the little fella pulled it off. See? Adorable.
Just to be clear - this isn't just some concept sketch on a napkin, mind you. This is a real, honest-to-goodness prototype. They've even got a video of it rolling around, which, let's be honest, is more than most startups manage before they vanish into the vaporware abyss. Some lucky people managed to even grab a test drive. My invitation got lost in the depths of the internet. I blame those pesky neighbors of South Korea.
What's truly impressive is the sheer amount of stuff Telo crammed into this tiny package. We're talking about seating for five, which, if you're like me, means you can finally take your entire collection of spare tie rods and questionable roadside finds with you. And if you need to haul something longer than your average housecat, they've got a folding midgate that lets you shove an 8-foot surfboard or a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back. Who needs an F-150 when you can carry your entire DIY project in a vehicle that fits in a compact parking spot?
Image Credit: TELO Trucks.
Let's talk numbers, because that's where the rubber meets the road, or in this case, the electric motor meets the… well, road. They're offering a two-wheel-drive, single-motor version with 300 horsepower and a range of 260 miles, all for a mere $41,520. That's practically pocket change in the current EV market. But if you're feeling a bit more… enthusiastic, you can opt for the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive beast with 500 horsepower and a 350-mile range for just under $50,000. That's enough power to outrun a startled squirrel, and enough range to get you to that remote fishing spot you've always dreamed of.
And if you're worried about running out of juice, they've got optional solar panels for the roof, tonneau, and camper shell. Each one adds 12-15 miles of range, which should be just enough to get you to the nearest coffee shop when you realize you forgot to charge overnight. Coffee is always a good way to start solving any problem. Like where to find the nearest DC charger.
Image Credit: TELO Trucks.
All is well and good, but as always, with prototypes and startups, there's a catch. MT1 is still being tested for safety and durability, and Telo is not expecting to roll out this pocket truck to customers for at least another year. So, if you're holding your breath for a mini-truck revolution, you might want to invest in some oxygen tanks. Big ones.
Skepticism aside, this is the kind of vehicle that makes you wonder why everyone else is building tanks on wheels. It's practical, it's fun, and it's small enough to fit in your garage without forcing you to park your lawnmower in the living room. Or you can keep the lawnmower in the garage, and park this thing by the fireplace. You know, to keep it warm and all.
Telo has managed to secure over 5,000 pre-orders, which translates to over $250 million in customer commitments. That's a lot of folks who are apparently tired of driving behemoths and are ready for something a bit more sensible. Or as sensible as a 500-horsepower mini-truck can be. I think we need a new definition of the word "sensible."
Look, I'm not saying this is the future of transportation, but I'm not "not" saying it either. If Telo can pull this off, they might just revolutionize the way we think about trucks. And if they don't, at least we'll have a good laugh.
Telo is also inviting investors to help keep the ball rolling. Which basically is code for "please give us money so we can make this thing a reality." But if you've got a few spare dollars lying around - $152 to be exact - why not? You could be part of the mini-truck revolution. Or you could just buy a really cool toy. Either way, you win.
I'm still blown away by this thing. The Telo MT1: a mini-truck that's big on potential, small on size, and guaranteed to make you smile. Oh, and it's decent on the wallet, too. That alone should keep many wives out there very happy. I think the MT1 is exactly what we need right now. With the world around us going absolutely bonkers, a little bit of automotive absurdity is what any good doctor would prescribe.
