Five years ago, startup EV brands were everywhere—Tesla, Canoo, Rivian, Lordstown, and more. Fast forward to today, and only a handful have managed to stay consistently active. Now, a new player has entered the scene: TELO Trucks, introducing a compact adventure-ready EV pickup.
The MT1 boasts impressive specs, including a 500-horsepower all-wheel-drive variant, a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, and a 1,700-pound payload capacity—making it more than capable for everyday tasks.
The excitement around this small but mighty pickup is evident among auto journalists, with publications and influencers sharing new images and insights across social media. However, when we tried to find more details on TELO’s official website, things took an unexpected turn.
A visit to www.telotrucks.com revealed no recent updates on the pickup truck. In fact, the brand’s press page hasn’t been updated since August 5, 2024. This is surprising, considering TELO is actively encouraging potential buyers to place deposits for reservations. Yet, the most up-to-date images and details seem to come from third-party reviewers like TFL, rather than the company itself.
For a startup, funding is always a challenge, but investing in a proper PR team seems like a no-brainer—especially when drumming up excitement for a new vehicle.
So, what do you think? Does the idea of a small, utilitarian EV pickup interest you? Could TELO carve out a successful niche, or is this another Canoo—a startup with promise that struggles to reach the finish line? Drop a comment and let us know your thoughts!
Dave Boyd is the founder and lead automotive voice behind All Terrain Nation, an independent media brand covering trucks, SUVs, off-road vehicles, industry news, and real-world ownership.
Dave’s connection to the automotive world goes well beyond reviewing vehicles. He worked at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, helping build the Nissan Xterra and Frontier. As an enthusiast, he founded XterraNation.org and created WentWindrock, a national gathering that brought Nissan Xterra owners together at Tennessee’s Windrock Park.
In 2015, Dave launched the Nissan Nation Podcast. What began as a show focused on Nissan trucks and SUVs eventually expanded into All Terrain Nation, reflecting his growing coverage of the entire truck and off-road industry.
Over the years, Dave has owned and extensively covered vehicles including multiple Nissan Xterra’s, a Nissan Frontier, Titan PRO-4X, Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch, Mustang GT, Ranger Raptor, and Current ride: Bronco Raptor. This long-term ownership experience allows him to discuss more than specifications and first impressions—he understands what it means to buy, modify, maintain, and live with these vehicles.
Dave has also participated in manufacturer media programs and automotive events, including Nissan, Ford and more. Through All Terrain Nation, he continues to cover new vehicle launches, industry developments, ownership experiences, off-road events, and the decisions affecting today’s truck and SUV buyers.
Based in Middle Tennessee, Dave produces automotive articles, videos, podcasts, and event coverage alongside his partner and ATN co-host, Kelly.
His goal is simple: give enthusiasts honest, informed, and entertaining automotive coverage without relying on manufactured outrage or repeating a manufacturer’s press release.
