Tesla co-founder unveils his 'anti Cybertruck' EV pickup, which has 12,000 pre-orders already

Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning is back in the spotlight with a bold new project: the TELO MT1, a compact pickup being pitched as the ‘anti Cybertruck.’

Instead of going big, angular, and futuristic, this truck takes the opposite approach: shrinking down while maximizing practicality for city life.

It’s mini in footprint but designed to deliver maximum performance, versatility, and efficiency.

And judging by the more than 12,000 pre-orders already logged, the ‘anti Cybertruck’ is striking a chord with urban drivers.

SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

The anti Cybertruck has a few tricks up its sleeve

At just 386 centimeters (152 inches) long, the TELO MT1 is smaller than many sedans, making it easy to maneuver and park in crowded city streets.

However, it’s surprisingly roomy on the inside, comfortably seating five adults.

It also hides a trick up its sleeve: a folding system that extends the rear bed from five to eight feet, offering cargo space usually reserved for much larger trucks.

Performance is equally impressive.

The TELO MT1 comes in two versions: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model with 300 horsepower and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant with 500 horsepower.

The TELO MT1 base model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, while the AWD model cuts that down to around 4 seconds.

In fact, the minitruck is even capable of doing a little drifting, proving that size isn’t everything.

A hefty 106 kWh battery delivers up to 350 miles of range, making the truck suitable for both urban commuting and long weekend getaways.

Towing capability hasn’t been sacrificed, either.

The compact EV boasts a 2,000-pound payload and a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds, which rival traditional mid-size trucks.

For urban professionals and weekend adventurers alike, it offers the best of both worlds: maneuverability in tight spaces and enough muscle for serious hauling.

You can even top up $2,000 for a camper shell, which transforms the compact truck into a vehicle resembling an SUV.

The Tesla co-founder claims it will rival the Toyota Tacoma

Affordability also plays a role in its appeal.

Priced at $41,520 for the base model and $46,019 for the dual-motor version, the TELO MT1 undercuts many rivals while delivering advanced tech and impressive performance.

Investors have taken notice too: the company recently raised $20 million in Series A funding, with Tarpenning himself among the backers.

With first deliveries expected in late 2026, the TELO MT1 has time to refine its final design and prove itself in real-world conditions.

In fact, the Tesla co-founder even claimed that his ‘anti Cybertruck’ will equal even staples like the Toyota Tacoma, despite its much smaller size.

While it remains to be seen whether that will materialize, early enthusiasm shows that it cannot be ignored.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie