Telo MT1 Electric pickup: Is this what the Tesla Cybertruck should have been?

[@electricviking]

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[@IdiocracySpace]

Ya I love this truck. So I was at the 2019 Cybertruck event in the 2nd floor VIP section and we all speculated what it would look like. I guessed it would be a cab forward design for a longer bed so it fits in a garage. I even thought there was a chance as a center driver like the semi also being a 6-seater including a no-brainer midgate and optional 3rd row. But once it was revealed with none of that I asked a lead engineer why their unibody truck didn't at least have a midgate like the Avalanche. He said they needed the space for the roll up bed cover slat track. I wanted to ask Elon when he came up - but since it was his new baby I decided just to congratulate him instead. 😅

[@RWBHere]

This vehicle is really ugly, in comparison to the Cybertruck. It also looks as though someone has T-boned it before it was sold.

[@jamessellards7157]

America needs this and more like it. We need cheap electric vehicles in this country, they would sell like crazy!

[@Tekaisuwu]

Aptera = Peak Efficiency Telo = Peak Practicality

[@FLASHitude]

The best thing about this truck is how the back seats fold down which extends the bed up even longer than 60" .Super utility in this truck

[@peterkelly1406]

Now that really is something .... It just keeps getting better ...

[@disastrousemouse]

The best way to make sure many people don’t buy this is to have Tesla buy it.

[@copaloadofthis]

And have Musk prancing around on stage trying to hype it ...

[@TheBerserker50]

@@copaloadofthis hardly. Tesla does amazing work and will probably always do it. take out the BS politics and ...

[@jovanleon7]

Because a Tesla isn't the best selling car, right?😂

[@jimanderson4444]

Sam , Incredible endorsement, These guys in Ca. have a truck that really should sell. I want one !

[@tomschuessler7723]

Canoo set up shop in NW Arkansas for a time I think, hoping to lure Walmart to invest for short haul delivery. I had a chance to see one and thought then that Tesla should buy it up, great design, storage, use. Unfortunately they kept bleeding money without being able to up scale. Good ideas don't always come to actual production. Yes, the Chinese are very savvy and will copy, adapt and improve on good ideas quickly. Sam, you are so prolific with your great videos. I appreciate your work.

[@bondibois]

Yes, I want one. If they can pull off DIY modular reconfigurations I will take 2.

[@cunawarit]

I love this thing! My current daily driver is an Isuzu D-Max and whilst it is practical the bed isn't long enough for some of the things I carry so I have to book a truck or tow a trailer, with this truck since the cab is so short the bed could be made longer! I'd love a long bed version of this so much.

[@gregwatling4041]

The front end reminds me of the Mitsubishi L300 cargo van that only got a one star crash test rating and most people got severely injured in a front end accident.

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Yeah, because midsized commercial mid engine trucks never happened!

[@joegibbs2508]

How about the vintage VW bus? Those were WAY less safe than this.

[@maurobrattich7971]

fantastic! I cancelled my reservation of the Cybertruck due to the price and the incredible unnecessary performances for a real pickup truck. I would have loved to get a Canoe, but it never materialized. I hope this will come through. I also agree about the irrationality of the frunk, legacy of the ICE age. Crumple zone might be limited but this can be mitigated in other ways. I owned a VW bus, a Toyota Previa and a Fiat 500 (original version) I also drove a motorcycle for 50 years. The secret is not driving a bombproof tank, it is avoiding accidents, drive defensively and understand there are inherent risks in driving, for you and everybody else around you.

[@macmcleod1188]

If this vehicle passed standard safety tests then the loss of the frunk is being way overrated by people in this forum.

[@castletown999]

I love it! But it's too nice. It should be flat sided so I can hang a long ladder or 10ft lengths of lumber on the side. It should have ton of hard points so it can be customized. It need not go that fast - trade range for speed. It would sell amazingly well in Europe where the roads are tiny in cities.

[@GruffSillyGoat]

They would have to do some mods to the front to enclose the wheels to prevent pedestrians being pulled under the wheels in frontal collisions in order to meet NCAP safety ratings.

[@boneman1982]

Range/speed isn't a trade-off.

[@castletown999]

@@boneman1982 maybe speed / range , but range / acceleration sure i s. That's why EVs have an econ mode.

[@matthewharrietcurtis349]

Mate lets not forget about metric please. Great job!

[@wilfredstewart3348]

Just what I've been waiting for.

[@Rhynri]

One other thing about the bed is that because the wheel arches are so small it's actually got more usable space - you can fit plywood flat in it.

[@scottstormcarter9603]

Yep I agree much like the Canoo truck.

[@chandleredwards]

Towing 6600# in something this small from Eisenhower tunnel would be crazy.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

You're right, they have an awesome vehicle design. They need to be bought out by a company with resources to mass produce it. Smartest move would be to make them their own semi-independent division so the current people can keep doing what they have been doing so well. They don't need interference from corporate, they just need resources to mass produce and share their profits with you.

[@5nowChain5]

That space at the front is what saves front occupants legs in a crash. This EV is likely to get bought out by one of the Top 5 ICE Manufacturers.

[@davidbrandt2610]

I want one!

[@N20Joe]

This is exactly what cybertruck should have been and they wouldn't be able to build them fast enough to keep up with sales. We have a chevy avalanche and the mid-gate makes it the currently most useful truck we've ever owned. This thing would be half the size while still having a full size bed and 5 seats.

[@charlesashurst1816]

I like how it already has a built-in dent. I've always said, when you get a new vehicle, just go out and put a dent in it and get it over with and then lead an anxiety free life.

[@ccooper8785]

I wish someone would just offer us an ev version of the old Renault 4 with 100 miles range 60mph top speed and at a reasonable price

[@zeitgeist888]

Huge fan of this. This is what is seriously needed. Small but super space efficient and tons of utility. Offer a truck and a van version as well as the added cap for truck. If they can make these near the target price or are bought and manufactured by an established company this could be tremendously successful. There are no smaller EVs for reasonabe price right now in the US or North America. Bets of luck Telo.

[@charlesashurst1816]

And let me tell you, this, no really, this time, really, this really actually is, a game changer.

[@0brn0]

First 100% electric vehicle I would own. This and the new hybrid VW Caddy. I own a Hilux and it's great. However I won't purchase an electric alternative to it unless it addresses the inherit design compromises that an ICE placed on a Utility vehicle. This is the first design I've seen that does that in a way that appeals to me.

[@tedgrier6249]

You that “frunk” space they eliminated is also a crumple zone…

[@Mrbfgray]

I welcome options including death traps like this. (if that's what it is) Choice is good. But my money would go to the Cybertruck for a host of reasons.

[@charles6084]

That's what I was thinking, loss of a front crumple zone. Would like to know what its safety scores are.

[@ryanwilliams3857]

No. The real crumble zone on a truck is about 20 inch's the rest is bloat.

[@Mrbfgray]

@@ryanwilliams3857 Imagine if one only or primarily used it on ranch or farm, safety systems would be trivial, but I guess that's not most of us. Still a market for that.

[@robeigner4390]

Yes it is but it's a bit different from regular cars/trucks. I've watched many of Telo's videos explaining all aspects of this perfect truck (except for diesel truck fans who want everything huge). A front-end impact pushes everything under the front seats. Of course, nothing will help an impact from a bloated large truck front end collision. No matter how long the front end is, drive into a wall and everything compresses.

[@markallan9528]

Intriguing, interesting looking pickup truck or van. Has some interesting configurations. Thanks.

[@johnhollins337]

Yeah I like this a lot

[@Jeffro-n4d]

I love it! I want one! Please let there be a single cab, 2 door option with a solar bed cover and sunroof. We don't all want, need or are willing to pay for a mid gate or heavy back doors and windows. A light weight, affordable single cab, 6' bed EV truck with independent suspension, AWD, a flat floor and a 3 seat with fold down arm rest is a truck I would be willing to sell my 2 door Silverado for. This is the truck I've been waiting for. Please build it!!!

[@kevinwalker2529]

Safety

[@gordon6029]

Will be interesting to see if it can pass the crash testing.

[@TELOtrucks]

We definitely will

[@nonyanks2510]

I was going to say Rivian should buy them, has alot of Rivian in its look already.

[@RoyPounsford]

Love it.

[@theodoredesmarais4219]

Cant hardly wait (5 yrs ) to get one of these parked next to my Aptera . Period

[@Ria-hx8nl]

If Tesla built it, the price would be $80,000

[@RussellFineArt]

No, my Tesla Model Y is the best vehicle made right now, and with my small trailer, I can quickly have a full-sized pickup while still having covered storage space in the back of the car. Trucks are dumb, except for rare cases for building contractors. 99% of the time, truck beds are never used, they're wasted space.

[@richard--s]

Yes, that's my problem with pickups too. It's neither for a wet climate (everything on it gets wet), nor for a dry climate (everything on it gets dusty). And when you drive it with things on the open bed, they would be blown out of the bed - except when you drive sowly, way below highway speeds. And a closed trunk? Put the things in, close it and you are done. And fold the rear seats to get more storage space, fold the passenger seat to get even more transport length. That's why I like cars with a big hatch back, not the stylish unpractical cars with just a tiny trunk door like the model 3, these are poser cars for rich sons, nothing more ;-) Some things are too wide and too high for their trunk.

[@markjonz]

The model y has huge space at the back and front, given the size of the car. Great for families

[@Nphen]

Yes, most pickup trucks would be better off as a minivan or hatchback. I'd want the Telo as a small van. The ultimate contractor vehicle really. I'm glad to hear you can haul a lot towing a trailer with a Model Y. It's just so cringe when I hear grown men insist they "need" a truck or Suburban to do things that could easily (and better) be done in a minivan or crossover. Hauling dogs, or tools or canoes. Then they spend so much on payments, gas, and tires that they can't do what they want to.

[@b9eda9ad]

No space in front is a safety issue. The bed should be in front.

[@N20Joe]

@@b9eda9adNah rear crumple zone is more important because you have zero control over getting rear-ended. On the other hand, you have a great degree of control over the forward direction.

[@kbadgett123]

This truck is awesome .. but I bet the crash test results are gonna suck.

[@markthomasson5077]

As a pedestrian, I think it fares better than a Cybertruck

[@thewolf9851]

This is a pickup truck.

[@richard--s]

​@@thewolf9851that's the problem.

[@Nphen]

They show pictures where there's a full roll-cage. A "crumple zone" only needs to be a few inches. Viking is correct when he says "there's no need for a front bonnet"

[@TELOtrucks]

We fully intend on having great crash test results. We have put a lot of effort into our crumple zones and know exactly how to make our truck safe for everyone

[@donaldbrick3326]

I too hope this reaches production. This is the ideal electric vehicle and is what CANOO should have been. Very functional, practical and fun!

[@TurnerRentz]

Canoo was and is mismanaged in my view. I was a shareholder. I got out, fast. Design was kind of cool but ... yea... But. On this one, agree with the viking. Contract manufacturing = no bueno. Somewhere, someone is going to key in on the 'skateboard' type concept with the symmetry of this design and cash in - there is a market for this vehicle geometry imo

[@thewolf9851]

It's an EV. So it's not functional or fun.

[@Alex-l6d1f]

The leg crush in frontal collision would be the problem with the vehicle That’s why Hiace went to bonnetted models because too many people had their legs crushed in accidents

[@cnckeith]

Cool but the bed is too short

[@MikeKisil]

great idea for a tesla buyout this truck can break the market wide open this little giant pickup can really haul ass !

[@davidricardo86]

I'm getting JDM kei truck vibes. Prototypes are easy, production is hard? I'm still waiting for my Aptera!

[@mashlangu]

Would like to have measurements in metric as well

[@dyrectory_com]

@45K, sure.... I'll believe when I see it. 👀

[@romascesnavicius1050]

what's up with the dent in the side

[@Agatesforbrains]

How much cab it tow? Would work great for electric lawn care if it can tow say 8000 lbs...

[@justimagine1164]

Good stick on contents of electric vehie... Pls dont do anumore segments on nuclear power,solar!! Thanks

[@ericn3221]

You'd definitely be the first one to the scene of an accident in this. I would still buy it though.

[@gravlev687]

Would definitely buy...

[@thewolf9851]

Why?

[@bobhellman8676]

I am on board with the current 152", have res., etc.. However... What's funny is that if they eventually made an XL variant, with an 8' box, it would be exactly the same length as my Jeep! (Wrangler Sahara Unlimited aka 4dr. aka JLU). And 3 1/2' shorter than my F150 SuperCrew with its 5 1/2' box. So this "one box solution" is pretty sweet. And said XL version, assuming they stuffed it with more batteries, might be close to a 500 mile range machine. Maybe a '27 model?

[@philiptaylor7902]

Looks great, but I only give it a 10% chance of making it to production.

[@jeffmullinix7916]

Why cant they make the rear seat fold flat and level with the bed then you have the rear panels ether slide open or even can be removed . Do the same with the passager front seat fold as well .

[@jong-wonlee4554]

I want a cybertruck to get jiggy with a telos. Stainless steel exo, fly by wire steering ('boat mode', air suspension will be kinda nice), then add all the small factor, flexibility goodness of the telos. 4 in wheel motors (a la hyundai mobis e corner) and solar panels eveywhere (kinda like the aptera for most day to day commute charging) for bonus points

[@thenerdoligist1292]

Got rid of the pesky front crush zone

[@kensmith5694]

It looks like it has about as much crush area as many small cars. That part is OK. I worry a bit about getting rearended while carrying some lumber.

[@Flickerbrain]

Nice but I'm going to wait for the Riddara RD6. 4WD and top specs for €25k

[@tommaliska4996]

Is the battery swappable/ replaceable as a simple service appointment? That is a big barrier wth EV lifespan and ROI.

[@sun-man]

I like it, would buy

[@thewolf9851]

Why?

[@anthonyliberatore1036]

VW can make a bedded version of their Buzz much like the VW Microbus had bitd. That might even come from after marketers...

[@anothermike-tv1fi]

would you list all the cars ,trucks, motorcycles and motor homes you own, please.

[@5nowChain5]

This is the foot in the door in the EU. Its an MPV. Remember the ESPACE and the SCENIC back in the 90's.

[@kneewall49]

If it ever saw the day, I’d only buy it as a super cab, not a dual (4 door) version.

[@oliverbergfeld1606]

Looks pretty cool. Down payment is too low, will likely lead to bankruptcy like many others.

[@DileepaRanawake]

Its awesome though sadly, I bet like Rivian never going to make it outside the US

[@MikeKisil]

I'm glade you picked up telos ev pick up I followed this company so far what was learn they are going for it full head on while looking at the books closely also make do with quality off the self for build ! That make for us d i y ers game player !

[@soothingunboxing7129]

Exactly what Japan should have done, made electric kei cars like that.

[@MarkSpohr]

Love this truck. It just makes so much sense. Ordered it!

[@bigskygeneration4474]

Have to agree with the Tesla purchase or partnership. Makes too much sense. "Like a Bentley or something"😅 They can call it the "Tel-entley" or Tentley.

[@ivantuma7969]

I wonder if all the deals Canoo had on the table with Apple, Hyundai and Nedcar fell through due to hubberis? The Canoo designs are truly "space age" ... the sports sedan concept looked better than any Tesla (would still make a great basis for an AppleCar). I wonder why - with all the cash they're sitting on - Sony hasn't appeared on the scene - that would be an interesting development. Sony is involved with Japanese carmakers - but I would totally consider buying a Sony branded car if it looked like Canoo's proposed offerings.

[@stcredzero]

I would buy one, if 1) It can use the Tesla Supercharger network. (check!) 2) Has a great warranty. (probably?) 3) Has Tesla Full Self Driving.

[@kensmith5694]

There are many systems that compete well with the Tesla FSD. There are robot taxi services now. The problem of self driving is largely solved at this point.

[@sigma_six]

If Canoo isn't going to make it why would this fare any better, btw, did you say it's got a bigger bed then Canoo? Is it longer, shorter or the same? Why don't they get together with Canoo... (I know, I know...) but it would kinda make sense right...

[@themidwestconnect]

Would be interested to see the crash tests as there is not much of a crash structure to the front of this vehicle.

[@kensmith5694]

Good engineers with modern materials can do well. The crush length looks like what you get on a small car.

[@ryanwilliams3857]

Yeah I'm a big fan of this design. I hate big trucks but I love the idea of a truck

[@thewolf9851]

Pickup trucks and regular trucks are supposed to be big

[@ryanwilliams3857]

@@thewolf9851 ummm No. Google old vs new trucks

[@thewolf9851]

@ryanwilliams3857 what would that prove?

[@stevensmith8876]

The only thing more practical would be an internal combustion pick up truck.

[@Longtack55]

The Cyber cluster-truck was a vanity project for Musk, and I'm confident there were many designer-detractors trying dissuade him.

[@cussomo]

Probably never gonna scale the production to become profitable

[@pr0t0genic]

I'm still holding out for a Canoo. Really what I want is an EV pickup, on an 800V platform, that can flip back and forth between carrying 4 occupants or 2 occupants plus a 96" payload that doesn't hang past the tailgate, gets a minimum range of 350 real-world miles, let's me wirelessly charge and connect my phone for either Apple Car Play or Android Auto, and is less than $50k. Too much to ask?

[@pipersall6761]

I love Canoo. I wish they would be successful.

[@makerspace533]

This is the sort of thing I wish Tesla would have come up with instead of the Cybertruck. I am surprised they can get away with open front wheel design. Instead of just bumping a pedestrian, it would suck the person under the wheel. Being electric, they can make a small vehicle and avoid those stupid EPA footprint/mileage rules.

[@alex.velasco]

Vaporware?

[@peteregan3862]

Shape is OK, but I prefer the Canoo. Tesla tech and materials are far cheaper. Tesla should build a vehicle in the Canoo shape using its tech.

[@peterwestphal925]

the wasted space in front of the car is called a crumble zone.....

[@douglasburcham9699]

Call it the Model. Two

[@Flopchan]

That name in Spanish is hilarious, it means "one insert it to you", sorry cannot stop laughing

[@fatboy19831]

This truck is perfect. This is what many people need. Ford should by them out or make an all electric Maverick. As it stands now there is almost zero chance of this reaching production. The Chinese will build something like this first in the states before they even have a fully operational prototype.

[@SteveBueche1027]

They are going to need several million dollars before even entering production. Chances? Slim to none. First factor is the high price.

[@james_l4337]

👍

[@RoyPounsford]

I have reserve my pickup

[@michelangelobuonarroti916]

You should have reserved it.

[@lumtavon1952]

Looks to be a great concept if the front crash zone van be safe. Wonder why a decent company cannot bring this car in big quantities in the market as i would buy one for sure. A practical mini Ute is a real opportunity!!!! Fear we have to wait till a Chinese make will launch one.

[@jjamespacbell]

The CyberTruck is a different category entirely. My CyberBeast is the best vehicle I have ever driven, does it suit everyone no but I love it and everyone who has ridden in it enjoyed the ride.

[@therealityoflife9060]

Less hp more range , average person doesnt need more than 350 hp . Car accidents in future are going to be wild

[@niceguyrides]

more vaporware. . . and man do I miss front wheel drive vehicles. . . For snow they are superior.

[@DynesLair-kb6qs]

I think the cybertruck was designed to appeal to as many people as possible. You can drive it though a city and look cool but then go to a job site and put a load into it. It has acceleration to appeal to those that like sporty cars and durable to appeal to people that want something with minimal maintenance that just works and would last awhile. Jury is still out on that last part but I think this truck fills a needed gap of good value. Minimal features to keep the price low, but covers all expected basic features and functionality. I can't believe I'm saying 41k is low but in comparison you can get 2 of those for 1 cybertruck right now. Range is a little short but again that's to save money and for a lot of people it's the only affordable way to get into the game. If you aren't towing or using as a 2nd vechicle it could be a great choice.

[@kevinW826]

No the cyberfail is Elon ego out of control and no one on the board had the balls to tell him no. It’s like Homer Simpson’s car that he designed in that old episode. The only ones who are buying it are the ones who have no common sense and thinking ability. Oh and the cyberfail can’t handle Canadian winters as an Alberta owner just found out 24 hrs after buying his paperweight when it bricked itself because he turned on the window defroster. They can’t handle sand, snow or water. They can’t even go off-road without failing.

[@graciasthanks4771]

Interesting... but building a prototype is a far cry from having a real product, complying with all regulations, meeting its design objectives, safe, manufactured at scale at a good cost, etc.

[@MartinMartinX]

It will never see a light of a day.

[@mike48111]

Now this, is what the Cybertruck should have been! Americans have been begging for this type of small pickup/suv for decades! Our auto industry is F-ed!

[@virtaevieerovirtanen6172]

Noup. Cybertruck is just perfect.

[@hutchrt0596]

Wait until you see one in an accident! When you realize how important having more space and crumple zone in the front of a vehicle can save lives.

[@TELOtrucks]

Safety is number 1 priority, we do have crumple zones! Jason our CEO specialized in vehicle safety for most of his career

[@petemiller519]

This is what Tesla should have designed instead of the hideous Triangular Fridge. I like it. It's size would do well in Europe and Asia.