Telo’s compact electric truck, the MT1, has reached a significant milestone as the California-based startup secures a key manufacturing partner. According to InsideEVs, Telo CEO Jason Marks announced that Schwab Industries will build the MT1’s body-in-white structure, marking a crucial step toward production.
Telo MT1 Secures Body Structure Supplier
Telo has partnered with Schwab Industries, a Tier 1 supplier with decades of experience in automotive manufacturing, to produce the body-in-white for the MT1. The body-in-white serves as the foundational skeleton of the vehicle, to which all other components are attached.
CEO Jason Marks explained that Telo delayed committing to production tooling until the company was confident it could meet internal crash safety targets. This included validating impact and crash performance before moving forward.
Design and Features of the MT1
The Telo MT1 stands out for its compact size, roughly matching the dimensions of a Mini Hardtop, yet it manages to fit five seats and a 60-inch bed. The truck also features a collapsable partition between the bed and cab, allowing for the transport of long items such as surfboards or full-size sheets of plywood.
The MT1 starts at $41,520 (~AUD 58,771) with 260 miles (~418 km) of range, and can be configured up to $55,999 (~AUD 79,266) for a dual-motor version offering 350 miles (~563 km) of range and solar-equipped accessories.
Reservations and Production Plans
Telo began accepting $152 (~AUD 215) refundable reservations for the MT1 in late 2024. As of last September, the company had accumulated more than 12,000 reservations.
Telo’s profitability target is 6,000 units out of these reservations, indicating a focus on a specific market segment rather than high-volume sales. The company aims to begin production by the end of 2026.
Competitor Comparison
Both Slate and Ford are developing compact electric trucks targeting starting prices at or below $30,000 (~AUD 42,464). This positions the MT1 at a higher price point, but with unique features and packaging.
Why this matters
Securing a manufacturing partner for the body-in-white is a critical step for any new vehicle startup, as it enables the transition from prototype to production. Telo’s partnership with an experienced supplier like Schwab Industries demonstrates progress toward bringing the MT1 to market.
With over 12,000 reservations and a clear production target, Telo is moving forward in a segment that is seeing increased interest from established and new automakers alike.
What this means for buyers
Buyers interested in a compact electric truck now have more options on the horizon, with Telo’s MT1 joining upcoming models from Slate and Ford. Those considering a reservation should monitor Telo’s production updates and compare features and pricing as more details become available closer to the planned 2026 production start.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: $41,520 (~AUD 58,771)
- Max Price (Configured): $55,999 (~AUD 79,266)
- Base Range: 260 miles (~418 km)
- Max Range: 350 miles (~563 km)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Bed Length: 60 inches (~1,524 mm)
- Reservation Fee: $152 (~AUD 215)
- Production Target Date: End of 2026
Source
Images sourced from: insideevs.com, motorwatt.com, thecooldown.com
