- The compact Telo MT1 electric truck is set to feature solar panels for added energy efficiency
- These solar panels are expected to contribute 1-2 kwh of energy to the battery on a daily basis
- Aptera, a fellow electric vehicle company, will be supplying the solar panels for the Telo MT1
The Telo MT1 electric pickup truck will harness the power of the sun with solar panels provided by Aptera, enhancing its eco-friendly capabilities.
Telo recently unveiled plans to offer solar panel kits from Aptera, including options for rooftop integration, a solar tonneau cover, and a solar camper shell. These panels are capable of generating up to 200 watts at peak sunlight, translating to an additional 1-2 kwh of battery charge per day, as confirmed by Telo.
This innovative feature is expected to further elevate the efficiency of what Telo claims to be the most efficient electric truck in the world.
Introduced in 2023, the MT1 stands out from conventional electric pickups due to its compact size. Measuring just 152 inches in length, it is comparable in size to the Mini Cooper SE two-door hatchback.
Telo electric truck with solar panels from Aptera
Telo emphasizes that the MT1 is not just a novelty item. It boasts seating for five adults, a 60-inch bed with a mid-gate for accommodating longer cargo, and a target range of up to 350 miles with the optional Long Range pack. The truck also aims to deliver a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds with the optional 500-hp dual-motor powertrain. The Standard pack and base single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain offer 260 miles of range and 300 hp, respectively.
Pre-orders for the solar panels will be available later this year, while pre-orders for the truck itself are currently open at a starting price of $152. The pricing for the single-motor version is set at $41,250, with the dual-motor version priced at $46,019, plus an additional $3,980 for the larger battery pack. Telo has indicated that a prototype truck is in production, but has not specified a timeline for customer deliveries.
Aptera has highlighted that the integrated solar panels in its high-efficiency three-wheel EV will reduce the need for frequent charging. However, the company has faced challenges in bringing the vehicle to market. Despite announcing a 400-mile Launch Edition model in 2023, Aptera only recently completed its first production-intent vehicle in October 2024, inching closer to a commercial release but not quite there yet.