A younger EV startup referred to as TELO Vans has introduced a partnership with photo voltaic EV developer Aptera to make the most of the latter’s sustainable know-how on its flagship automobile, the MT1 compact pickup. Prospects who pre-order a TELO electrical truck will be capable to select from three Aptera photo voltaic panel configurations, serving to increase the automobile’s vary whereas lowering grid dependency—so long as these BEVs get made.
TELO Vans was based by three gents with numerous backgrounds in automotive applied sciences and artistic design, together with autonomy and ADAS at Nationwide Devices and Roadster growth throughout Tesla’s early days.
The startup launched its flagship MT1 compact electrical pickup truck in June of 2023, which appears to be like like an thrilling train in area optimization. The MT1 options the mattress capability and crew cabin of an ordinary pickup truck inside an impressively shortened automobile size of 152 inches. As you’ll be able to see in TELO’s picture under, the MT1 presents the identical inside cabin area and mattress size as a Toyota Tacoma within the footprint of a MINI Cooper.
Since its unveiling, TELO says it has garnered over 4,550 pre-orders of the MT1, which is at the moment accessible in single and twin motors configurations, and the choice for a long-range battery pack that guarantees a variety upwards of 350 miles.
Quickly, TELO will supply early prospects further choices in its truck configurator – photo voltaic panels from Aptera Motors.
TELO to supply Aptera photo voltaic panels on its truck pre-orders
Aptera shared a weblog put up outlining the small print of its new collaboration with TELO Vans, which entails integrating photo voltaic panels of various configurations into the MT1s that stay in growth at this level. The partnership will allow TELO to supply pre-order prospects the choice so as to add as much as three Aptera photo voltaic panel kits to their truck configuration:
- Rooftop Truck Cab Photo voltaic Paneling – Built-in panels over the cab maximize each day power era.
- Tonneau Truck Mattress Cowl Photo voltaic Paneling – A solar-equipped mattress cowl provides energy whereas preserving storage versatility.
- Camper Shell Photo voltaic Paneling – Panels extending from the cab over the mattress enhance charging capability and storage choices.
Aptera says its proprietary photo voltaic panels can generate as much as 200 watts when uncovered to peak daylight, translating to about 1 to 2 kWh of free power from the solar per day, relying on the situation of the automobile and the given season. This partnership information follows a profitable exhibiting from the photo voltaic EV startup at CES 2025 in Las Vegas because it continues to trudge ahead in hopes of reaching scaled SEV manufacturing.
Though Aptera’s flagship photo voltaic EV is additional down the event path than the TELO truck, each try to pave a brand new path in sustainable mobility and have paired up in hopes of constant that uphill battle collectively. Per Aptera co-founder and co-CEO Steve Fambro:
Our distinctive curved photo voltaic cell design makes it the right utility to propel automotive utility additional than ever earlier than. Along with TELO, we’re harnessing the facility of the solar to make life off the grid a actuality for everybody by placing the solar to work for them.
TELO and Aptera shared that the three photo voltaic panel choices outlined above will turn out to be accessible on MT1 truck pre-orders later this yr. TELO says its first absolutely realized drivable truck prototype is being assembled now by Aria Group, so hopefully, we are able to transfer on from renderings and see some bonafide production-intent photo voltaic electrical vehicles quickly. TELO co-founder and CEO Jason Marks additionally spoke:
Whether or not consumers are in search of a commuter automobile, a safer, extra sustainable choice to serve their household’s wants, a rugged, reliable pickup truck for outside adventuring, or a highly-functional fleet & automobile that will increase their enterprise’s effectivity, TELO continues to be a first-in-class automotive choice to fulfill the numerous wants of automotive consumers.
For now, you’ll be able to reserve a TELO MT1 for $152 – a nod to the general size of the stubby pickup.
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