Telo MT1 Electric Truck Boasts 400 kW Charging Capability

Telo MT1 Electric Truck to Feature 400 kW Sustained Charging

Telo, a California-based startup, has announced that its ultra-compact electric truck, the Telo MT1, will enter production this year with a remarkable charging capability of 400 kilowatts. This charging speed is exceptionally rare in the current U.S. EV market, positioning the MT1 alongside high-end luxury SUVs such as the BMW iX3, Volvo EX60, and Lucid Gravity, while mainstream vehicles like the Tesla Model Y typically max out at 250 kW.

Innovative Battery Design for Enhanced Compatibility

The Telo MT1 is designed with urban environments in mind, boasting a size comparable to a Mini Cooper. To achieve its impressive charging speeds and ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, the MT1 will operate on an 800-volt battery system. However, it will also feature a unique split-pack design that allows it to utilize 400-volt chargers. This architecture enables the battery to function as two separate 400V packs in parallel or as a single 800V pack when connected in series.

Forrest North, Telo's CTO, explained the rationale behind this design choice: "This is all part of trying to get as much capability into a small footprint as possible, and also trying to optimize for the infrastructure that exists today." He further elaborated on the limitations of current charging standards, stating, "We know it's about sustained charge, that's what brings the actual charge time down, what people care about is charging time. We will be able to charge at 400 kilowatts, sustained." North also highlighted the compromise faced by many 800-volt EVs when using 400-volt chargers, noting, "We will be able to charge at 400 kilowatts, sustained." He added, "And because there are more 400-volt chargers out there than there are 800-volt chargers, that's too big of a limitation for our customers."

This approach contrasts with other manufacturers. For instance, the Porsche Taycan uses a DC-DC converter to achieve around 150 kW charging at 400V stations, while Hyundai's E-GMP vehicles can reach approximately 135 kW at 400V chargers. Telo aims for sustained 400 kW charging, emphasizing that the peak power will not be a fleeting moment but a consistent rate.

Production and Market Outlook

Telo intends to produce approximately 5,000 pickup trucks per year, utilizing a contract manufacturer for production. The company's focus on an ultra-compact, capable electric truck designed for city use, combined with its advanced charging technology, signals a potentially significant entry into the EV market.