Is the Telo MT1 America’s First Electric Kei Truck?

The electric truck space is heating up, and a new player is stepping in with something totally different. Meet the Telo MT1, a mini electric pickup that somehow squeezes a 5-foot truck bed into a vehicle the size of a Mini Cooper.

Telo is taking a fresh approach, offering a compact yet powerful truck designed for city driving, weekend adventures, and just about anything in between. And honestly? I can’t wait to get my hands on one to see if it lives up to the hype.

What immediately came to mind when I first saw the Telo MT1 was the Kei trucks I saw in Japan a few years ago. If you’ve been to Japan, you’ve probably seen these tiny work trucks zipping around narrow streets, hauling supplies, and even being used as mobile shops. Kei trucks are a specific category of small, lightweight trucks that follow strict size and engine limits to qualify for lower taxes and easier parking in Japan. They’re incredibly practical, proving that you don’t need a full-size pickup to get truck-like utility. The Telo MT1 seems to follow that same philosophy, but with modern EV tech and a much more powerful drivetrain.

Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s lacking. The Telo MT1 is expected to deliver up to 350 miles of range, around 500 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. That’s impressive for something you could easily park in a tight city space. It even has a pass-through midgate, letting you extend the bed to 8 feet when you need more room.

Naturally, the Telo MT1 isn’t competing with full-size electric trucks like the Rivian R1T. It’s a different beast. The R1T is built for adventure—rugged, powerful, and ready for off-roading. The Telo is all about urban practicalitywhile still packing plenty of punch. The R1T can tow up to 11,000 lbs, while the Telo is more suited for light-duty hauling. The R1T is made for off-road terrain, but the Telo is designed to zip around city streets with ease. Most notably, the Telo is much smaller and more affordable, starting at around $41,000, compared to the R1T’s $69,900+ starting price.

Different trucks for different needs. And that’s what makes the Telo so exciting—it’s filling a gap in the market that nobody else is tackling.

As someone who follows EVs closely, I can’t wait to test out the Telo MT1 and see how it feels in the real world. A tiny truck with serious power and range? That’s not something we see every day. Will it handle like a sports car? Can it hold its own against bigger trucks? How practical is it for road trips and daily driving?

I’m looking forward to finding out. Would you consider a compact electric truck like the Telo, or do you prefer full-size options like the Rivian R1T?