The Telo MT1 is getting solar power — the compact electric pickup will offer solar panels from Aptera that can add up to 2 kWh of charge daily to its battery pack.
Telo announced three solar panel configurations on Wednesday: an integrated roof system, a tonneau cover option, and a camper shell setup. At peak sunlight, these Aptera-supplied panels generate up to 200 watts, helping extend the truck’s range while parked.
The California startup claims its MT1 is already the world’s most efficient electric truck. Adding solar charging could further strengthen that position in an increasingly crowded EV pickup market.
Despite its tiny footprint — just 152 inches long, similar to a Mini Cooper SE — the MT1 isn’t playing small with capabilities.
The truck seats five adults comfortably and features a clever 60-inch bed design with a mid-gate. This allows owners to haul full-size building materials or even a 9-foot surfboard when needed.
Telo is targeting impressive specs for such a compact package. The base rear-wheel-drive version delivers 300 hp and 260 miles of range. Stepping up to the dual-motor variant brings 500 hp and a substantial 6,600-pound towing capacity. An optional Long Range battery pack pushes range to 350 miles.
Pre-orders are open with a $152 deposit. The single-motor MT1 starts at $41,250, while the dual-motor version costs $46,019. The extended range battery adds $3,980. Solar panel pricing will be announced later this year when pre-orders begin for those components.
A prototype is currently under construction, though Telo hasn’t specified when customer deliveries might start.
The panel supplier, Aptera, has faced its own production hurdles. The company promotes solar integration as a key feature of its three-wheeled EV, claiming minimal charging needs. However, despite announcing a 400-mile Launch Edition in 2023, Aptera only completed its first production-intent vehicle in October 2024 — an important but early step toward actual customer deliveries.
