Telo Trucks to offer optional solar panels

Telo MT1 pickup truck (Photo: Telo Trucks)

Telo Trucks is a California-based start up which manufactures ‘compact electric pickup trucks for urban living and weekend adventuring’.

The MT1 features a very short frontal area which almost directly leads into the base of the windshield. Yet the pickup has a 60 “ (152.4 cm) bed, all within about the same overall vehicle length (152 “, 386 cm) as a Mini Cooper.

The subcompact trucks have a pure electric powertrain which pairs a 106 kWh battery with a 380 kW dual motor AWD system. This has a single-charge range of about 350 miles (560 km) and can be recharged from 20 to 80% in 20 minutes (with a high-power charger).

The four-door model has seating for five passengers, which can be expanded to eight passengers with the optional extra seating. This locates seats in the bed, a feature which is supported by the moveable bulkhead partition.

Telo with Aptera Roof Cab and Tonneau Cover solar panels (Photo: Aptera)

Telo has now partnered with Aptera to offer the choice of three solar panel add-ons for its vehicles.

These include the Rooftop Truck Cab, Tonneau Cover and Camper Shell solar panel options.

The Aptera panels generate up to 200 W each in peak sunlight, which adds up to between 1 and 2 kWh per day. The panels, which will be introduced later in 2025, can be specified at pre-order.

According to the company, Telo vehicles use between 200 and 300 Wh per mile. The solar panels can deliver charge to extend usability while off-grid.

“Our unique curved solar cell design makes it the perfect application to propel automotive utility further than ever before,” said Steve Fambro, co-founder & co-CEO at Aptera. “Together with Telo, we’re harnessing the power of the sun to make life off the grid a reality for everyone by putting the sun to work for them.”