TELO Trucks, a young electric vehicle startup, has formed a partnership with solar EV developer Aptera to incorporate solar technology into its flagship MT1 compact electric pickup truck. This collaboration allows customers who pre-order the TELO electric truck to select from three solar panel configurations, which aim to extend the vehicle’s range and reduce dependency on grid power.
Founded by a team with diverse backgrounds in automotive technology, including expertise in autonomy, ADAS, and Tesla’s Roadster development, TELO introduced the MT1 in June 2023. The compact electric pickup offers the bed and crew cabin space of a traditional pickup truck within a compact 152-inch footprint. Since its unveiling, TELO has garnered over 4,550 pre-orders for the MT1, which is available in single and dual motor configurations and offers an optional long-range battery with up to 350 miles of range.
Through its partnership with Aptera, TELO will offer customers the option to add solar panels to their trucks. Aptera’s solar panel solutions include three configurations: a rooftop solar panel over the truck cab, a solar-equipped tonneau cover for the truck bed, and a camper shell solar panel setup. Aptera claims its solar panels can generate up to 200 watts of energy, equating to approximately 1 to 2 kWh per day, depending on location and season.
Aptera co-founder and co-CEO Steve Fambro commented, “Our unique curved solar cell design makes it the perfect application to propel automotive utility further than ever before. 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.”
The three solar panel options will be available for MT1 pre-orders later this year. TELO’s first fully realized, drivable truck prototype is currently being assembled by Aria Group, and the company aims to transition from renderings to production-intent vehicles soon. TELO co-founder and CEO Jason Marks added, “Whether buyers are looking for a commuter vehicle, a safer, more sustainable option to serve their family’s needs, a rugged, dependable pickup truck for outdoor adventuring, or a highly-functional fleet & vehicle that increases their business’s efficiency, TELO continues to be a first-in-class automotive option to satisfy the many needs of car buyers.”
