TELO Trucks Secures $20 Million, Redefining Urban EV Mobility

September 26, 2025, 10:03 pm
MCJ Capital
MCJ Capital
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2019
Telo Trucks
Telo Trucks
AutomotiveElectricVehiclesSustainableTransportationUrbanMobility
Location: United States
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2022
Total raised: $5.4M
TELO Trucks clinched $20 million in Series A funding, bringing total investment to $28 million. This capital empowers their groundbreaking electric mini truck, the MT1. The MT1 combines robust full-size pickup capabilities—like an 8-foot bed and 6,600 lbs towing—within a compact, urban-friendly footprint. It is shorter than a MINI Cooper. TELO developed two pre-production prototypes with just $8 million, showcasing unparalleled capital efficiency. Over 12,000 pre-orders validate strong market demand for a sensible, right-sized EV pickup. These funds will accelerate production readiness and federal compliance, aiming to transform sustainable urban transportation.

TELO Trucks just made headlines. The innovative electric vehicle company secured a substantial $20 million in Series A funding. This oversubscribed round marks a pivotal moment. It brings their total capital raised to an impressive $28 million. The funding fuels a bold vision: reshape the American truck market with a compact, capable electric pickup.

Prominent investors backed this round. Designer Yves Behar co-led the investment. Marc Tarpenning, a Tesla co-founder, also led the charge. Their involvement signals strong industry confidence. Additional support came from TO VC, E12 Ventures, Neo, and Marc Benioff. Other key investors also participated. This diverse backing underscores TELO's market potential.

The capital infusion will accelerate TELO's operations. Funds will drive development efforts. The primary goal is achieving full production readiness. Meeting all federal requirements is paramount. The company aims to bring its innovative electric mini truck, the TELO MT1, to market swiftly and safely.

The TELO MT1 represents a new class of vehicle. It challenges traditional truck design. The MT1 integrates robust functionality into a remarkably small package. It fits the footprint of a two-door MINI Cooper. Yet, it delivers capabilities typically found in a full-size crew cab work truck. This ingenious design targets urban environments.

American streets have seen trucks grow larger. TELO offers a sensible alternative. The MT1 measures a mere 152 inches in length. This is over five feet shorter than many popular mid-sized trucks. It is even two feet shorter than the "small trucks" common in the 1980s. Its compact dimensions make urban navigation easier.

Despite its size, the MT1 performs powerfully. It boasts a 6,600-pound towing capacity. This matches many larger gasoline-powered pickups. The standard five-foot bed intelligently extends to eight feet. A folding mid-partition enables this extension. Plywood can lay flat on the floor, avoiding wheel wells. This maximizes cargo utility for work or play.

The vehicle accommodates five adults comfortably. All-wheel drive ensures reliable performance. Its impressive range extends up to 350 miles on a single charge. This makes the MT1 a practical choice for daily commutes and longer hauls. It is designed for efficiency and versatility.

TELO's journey has been marked by exceptional capital efficiency. The company developed two fully realized pre-production prototypes. This feat was achieved with an investment of only $8 million. Many automotive industry players spend upwards of $50 million to reach a similar stage. TELO stands out as arguably the most capital-efficient automaker to date. This lean development process demonstrates strategic resource management.

Market demand for the TELO MT1 is strong and growing. The company has already accumulated over 12,000 pre-orders. This represents a potential revenue stream exceeding $600 million. Such overwhelming interest indicates a clear consumer desire. Buyers seek practical, right-sized trucks. They want alternatives to the oversized, often inefficient vehicles currently dominating the market. TELO has resonated deeply with this demographic.

The TELO MT1 is more than just a truck. It is a mobility solution. It addresses the practical needs of individual consumers. It also serves commercial fleets. Its design makes it ideal for congested streets. It fits in tight parking spots. It navigates high-density towns and cities with ease. This innovative electric mini truck brings efficiency and utility to urban landscapes.

Founders Jason Marks (CEO), Forrest North (CTO), and Yves Béhar (CCO) lead the company. Their combined expertise drives TELO's unique approach. Design contributions from fuseproject have shaped the MT1's distinctive aesthetic and functionality. Their vision centers on building a future-proof mobility solution.

The company aims to redefine sustainable transportation. Its focus on capital-efficient development promises rapid progress. The successful funding rounds provide the necessary resources. TELO will now accelerate its path to market. It will deliver a much-needed vehicle. The MT1 offers a blend of power, practicality, and compact size. It is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape.

TELO Trucks is not just building a vehicle. It is building a movement. A movement towards smarter design. A movement towards greater practicality. A movement towards uncompromised capability. The MT1 proves innovation can deliver real solutions. It shapes how people will move tomorrow. This compact electric pickup is set to revolutionize urban utility. It offers a new era of electric mobility for American consumers.