Electric vehicles keep surging ahead, especially when it comes to pickup trucks. Slate and Telo are shaking things up as newcomers. They couldn't be more different in their visions for an EV truck. Design. Range. Price. Performance. We'll break down the contrasts here. If you're eyeing one for yourself, this is the info you need.
Overview of the Startups
Slate Auto kicked off in 2022. The company targets cheap electric trucks that everyday drivers can actually afford and use. Slate sees a hole in the market for practical options. Telo Trucks just unveiled the MT1. A small crew of 11 engineers in California built it. They went for something tiny and versatile. Perfect for squeezing through city streets.
Design and Dimensions
Slate sticks to a boxy, old-school look. It feels solid, like trucks you've known forever. Telo's MT1? Totally the opposite. Sleek lines. Futuristic vibe. They pack smart space into a small package without skimping on what a truck should do.
Specifications
| Slate | Telo MT1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.6 inches | 152 inches |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 5 |
| Bed Size | 5 feet | 5 feet |
Slate keeps it simple. Two seats. No extras. Telo crams in five, which works for hauling kids or friends on a quick run. And get this: Telo's roughly the size of a Mini Cooper. Yet it pulls off real truck duties. City types could get hooked.
Distinctive Features
Slate pushes customization hard. Start with the base. Then add what you want. SUV roof kit for more seats. Flashy wraps. Interior tweaks. It stays useful but turns heads.
Telo's Unique Approach
Telo brings clever tricks. Like the fold-down midgate. Stuff long gear right into the cab, think surfboards or lumber. It copies Rivian's smart setup. They even let you add bed seats. Great for tailgates or off-road fun with a group.
Price Points
Price hits different. Slate goes low. Under $20,000 to start, thanks to incentives. That pulls in folks watching every dollar. Telo? $41,520 base. Drops to about $34,000 after rebates. Still stings more. Here's the catch. If you're pinching pennies, Slate wins hands down.
Price Comparison
| Model | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Slate | Under $20,000 |
| Telo MT1 | Starts at $41,520 (approx. $34,000 after rebate) |
Performance and Range
These aren't beasts for towing trailers cross-country. They're for real life. Home Depot runs. Bike hauls to the trails. Check the numbers.
Specifications Comparison
| Slate | Telo MT1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Range (base/max) | 150/240 miles | 260/350 miles |
| Battery Size (base/optional) | 52.7/84.3 kWh | 77/106 kWh |
| Charge Time (20-80%) | 30 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Max Charge Power | 120 kW | 250 kW |
Telo pulls ahead. Longer range. Faster charges. If you hate waiting at stations, that's a win. But match it to what you do daily. Slate might fit just fine for short hops. Frankly, for most urban drivers, 150 miles gets the job done without drama.
Availability and Production Timeline
Reserve either one today. Pay a deposit you can get back. Slate plans quicker deliveries. Telo starts building in 2026. Startups move at their own pace. Delays happen. Don't hold your breath.
Conclusion
Slate and Telo each nail a different angle on EV trucks. One's bare-bones cheap. The other's compact and loaded. The EV world keeps expanding, so pick what fits your life. Reviews help, but nothing beats driving it yourself. If you're not ready to commit, renting a similar EV lets you test the waters first. Check out options on GetRentacar.com for your next trip.
