Telo's MT1, an electric pickup roughly the size of a Mini Cooper, has increased its towing capacity to 8,000 lbs (3,628 kg), surpassing the standard Tesla Cybertruck's rating of 7,500 lbs (3,400 kg).
The company announced the upgrade after extensive testing, a significant boost from the initially projected 6,600 lbs (2,993 kg).
>>> Nissan NX7 Teased as Cheaper, Rogue-Sized Electric SUV for China
Compact Design, Heavy-Duty Capability
The MT1 measures about the same length as a two-door Mini Cooper, yet it packs a 106 kWh battery and dual electric motors producing 500 hp.
Weighing around 4,400 lbs (1,995 kg), the truck can tow nearly double its own weight.
Forrest North, Telo co-founder and CTO, revealed the improved towing figure, highlighting the vehicle's robust engineering.
While higher-spec Cybertrucks can tow up to 11,000 lbs (4,989 kg), the standard version's 7,500 lbs is now bested by the tiny Telo.
Telo was founded in 2022 by Jason Marks, Forrest North, and Yves Béhar.
>>> Toyota Hybrids to Switch to Lithium-Ion Batteries by 2028
North previously worked on battery packs for the original Tesla Roadster, and Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning serves on Telo's board and has invested twice.
The MT1 is not positioned as a budget truck like the Slate, which starts at $24,950.
Instead, the base MT1 is expected to cost $41,520, featuring a single motor with 300 hp and 260 miles (418 km) of range.
The all-wheel-drive version boosts power to 500 hp, offers around 350 miles (563 km) of range, and is priced from roughly $50,000.
>>> Mitsubishi's 2027 Pajero Family to Include RAV4 Rival and Kei SUV
Telo secured $20 million in Series A funding last year to support production, which is targeted to begin before the end of this year, though delays are possible in the startup automotive space.
