Telo’s tiny electric pickup aims to bring kei-truck style to the US
The Telo MT1 is a small electric pickup from California startup Telo, with a cab-over layout and four doors that resembles a Japanese kei truck. The Verge took a brief ride and found the interior roomy and the ride firm but stable on local roads. The company hopes tiny trucks can gain traction in the US market.
Telo, a California-based startup with about 30 staff, is developing the MT1, a compact electric pickup whose cab-over, four-door shape echoes Japanese kei trucks. During a brief drive in San Carlos, the cabin felt roomy, the seats firm yet tolerable, and the battery under the floor helped keep the ride stable.
The company says the production MT1 could hit 60 mph in roughly four seconds. It is about the length of a two-door Mini Cooper yet claims an 8,000-pound tow rating, a 96-inch bed, and hidden features. Telo positions it as a pricier but practical alternative to large American pickups.
If small electric pickups like the MT1 gain interest, they could appeal to urban drivers, tradespeople, and fleets seeking easier parking and lower operating costs without giving up bed space or towing. Their success may pressure established automakers to reconsider vehicle size, though higher prices, charging access, and crash-safety perceptions could limit adoption. Communities might see less road wear and parking demand if such vehicles replace larger trucks, but the effect would likely depend on real-world range, durability, and affordability.