Telo Raises MT1 Electric Truck Tow Rating to 8,000 Pounds
The compact EV startup increases its tiny pickup's capacity to match entry-level full-size trucks.
Telo has increased the maximum tow rating of its compact electric pickup, the MT1, to 8,000 lbs. The update raises the capacity from the previously advertised 6,600 lbs, positioning the small-footprint vehicle on par with entry-level full-size pickups such as the base Ford F-150.
According to the company, months of real-world testing confirmed the vehicle's ability to safely handle the higher loads. The MT1 is designed for urban utility, measuring just 152 inches in length—roughly the size of a Mini Cooper—yet it can seat up to five people. To achieve this towing performance, the truck utilizes a dual-motor AWD setup producing 500 hp. Potential buyers can choose between a 77 kWh battery providing 260 miles of range or a 106 kWh pack offering over 350 miles. The vehicle also supports 400 kW sustained charging through a dual 800V/400V pack architecture.
A New Approach to Utility
Founded in 2022 by Yves Béhar, Forrest North, and Jason Marks, Telo aims to disrupt the pickup market by offering mid-size utility within an urban-friendly footprint. The MT1 is the company's debut vehicle, intended to bridge the gap for users who find traditional trucks too large for city driving but too small for professional tasks. The startup has raised approximately $20 million in Series A funding, with lead investment coming from Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning.
Decoupling Size from Power
This capacity increase is a strategic move to prove that electric drivetrains can decouple towing capability from overall vehicle size. By leveraging instant torque and heavy regenerative braking, Telo argues that a tiny truck can perform heavy-duty work. Co-founder and CTO Forrest North noted that the company initially set a goal to tow over 6,000 pounds, but further testing revealed the vehicle's true potential. North highlighted the safety benefits of the electric system, stating that the ability to regenerate power for miles while descending a pass allows for complete control over the vehicle and trailer without relying on traditional brakes.
Market Outlook
With a starting price of $41,520, the MT1 enters a market where electric trucks have traditionally been oversized and expensive. Telo's ability to match the towing figures of much larger competitors could attract a new segment of urban dwellers who require occasional heavy-duty capability without the burden of a full-size chassis. First deliveries of the MT1 are currently targeted for 2026.