On Telo truck safety, the compact electric pickup designed by Yves Béhar was engineered with crash protection as a core priority, using physics-based simulations to develop crumple zones that absorb impact despite the truck's small footprint. Telo packs the seating and storage of a Toyota Tacoma into a body roughly the size of a Mini Cooper, and the company intends it to pass rigorous safety tests before reaching American roads. Here is how Telo approaches safety, design, and practicality.
What is the Telo electric truck?
Telo is a revolutionary compact electric truck designed by Yves Béhar, set to challenge the traditional norms of automotive design. Unlike the massive and imposing American pickup trucks, Telo offers a refreshing take on the concept, providing the seating and storage space of a Toyota Tacoma within the compact footprint of a Mini Cooper. The brainchild of two seasoned auto industry veterans, Jason Marks and Forrest North, Telo was conceived with a vision to be both city-friendly and adventure-ready.
How does the Telo electric truck design work?
One of Telo's most striking features is its hidden motor, cleverly tucked away inside a flat skateboard-like base. This innovative design allows the driver to be positioned more forward, creating extra space for a roomy backseat and cabin area. Despite its cozy build, Telo surprises with its ability to accommodate large items such as surfboards, showcasing its practicality and versatility. The official details are available on the Telo Trucks website.
Is the Telo truck safe?
Telo truck safety is built into the engineering rather than added afterward. The skateboard base frees up cabin space while a carefully designed front structure provides mechanical crumple zones to redistribute crash forces away from occupants. Critics have marveled at Telo's unconventional and gadget-like appearance, a testament to Yves Béhar's expertise in industrial design. As the truck enters the market, it faces the challenge of convincing American consumers to embrace this European-inspired design, but if it passes rigorous safety tests and gains widespread acceptance, it holds the potential to disrupt the dominating pickup truck market. Coverage by Fast Company explains how the Mini Cooper footprint still fits a full bed and five seats.
How much does the Telo truck cost?
The creators of Telo have ambitious plans, aiming to hand-build 500 units in the next two years. Pre-orders started at $152, reflecting the truck's length in inches, and the company offered a fully refundable option for those who may have second thoughts. As Telo paves the way for a more compact and sustainable future in the automotive industry, it will be exciting to see how this cute yet formidable electric pickup captures the hearts of drivers seeking innovation, efficiency, and style.
Explore more electric vehicles
If the Telo electric truck speaks to your taste for clever, sustainable design, browse TheArsenale's electric vehicle collection. Highlights include the restomod Charge Electric Mustang, the rugged MEV Hummer HX-T off-road SUV, the track-focused Apex AP-1 electric sports car, and the city-friendly Duo electric microcar by TheArsenale.
Photo: Telo Trucks
