Jay Leno takes the Telo MT1 prototype for a spin, revealing new details
- Jay Leno recently test-drove the Telo MT1 electric pickup
- The MT1 is made by a small team, and it’s the size of a Mini Cooper
- Production for the truck should begin later in 2025
Published on May 04, 2025 at 2:16 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 29, 2025 at 7:11 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
American automotive enthusiast and former chat show host Jay Leno recently took the Telo MT1 electric truck out for a test drive.
The quirky little truck is a Mini Cooper-sized pickup that could change the EV segment, and it’s very different from other electric trucks available.
Leno was walked through some of the details of the truck, and he was then lucky enough to get to take it out for a test drive.
During his drive and walk-through, Leno revealed a few new things about the Telo MT1, highlighting what makes it such an interesting proposition.
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The Telo currently uses Tesla battery cells
To keep costs down for the moment, the Telo MT1 EV currently uses Tesla battery cells.
These are the same used in the Tesla Model 3, however, as the company revealed to Leno, that will change.
The aim is to eventually produce their own 106KWH battery packs in-house.
Telo is also targeting to get the weight down to just 4,400LBS, lighter than many modern trucks currently on sale.
Leno also found out that the MT1 is homologated as an MPV.
That means we could get different body styles for it, and the company does plan to turn it into a three-row SUV.
The bed of the truck is reasonably sized, at 62-inches long, 48-inches wide and it’s also quite deep.
Leno got to drive the quirky MT1 pickup truck
Being a bit automotive fan, Leno was naturally very happy to take the truck out for a spin.
Initial impressions reveal the cabin to be a bit noisy.
But this is a pre-production model and not the finished truck.
Production will take place in America, and it will likely be in California.
Leno, however, did seem suitably impressed with the truck.
He was even more impressed because the team behind it is quite small.
The comedian also loved the power of the truck and its four-wheel drive system.
It looks like there is a lot of promise for the MT1, and it’s refreshing to see a new electric truck that isn’t a giant.
Hopefully, the company behind it delivers on its promise with its production vehicle.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
