The electric pickup truck landscape is buzzing with innovation, and two new contenders, Slate Auto and Telo Trucks, are carving out distinct niches. While both are developing compact electric pickups, their approaches to design, functionality, and target markets couldn’t be more different. Let’s dive into how these two startups stack up.
Slate Auto EV Truck: The Affordable Minimalist
Founded in 2022 and emerging from stealth in April, Slate Auto is building a team of industry veterans from giants like Tesla and Harley-Davidson. Their mission is clear: to create an affordable, no-frills electric vehicle that addresses a gap in the U.S. market. Slate has already secured significant backing, reportedly raising at least $111 million, with investors including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. The company plans to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026 at a repurposed printing factory in Warsaw, Indiana.
Design & Size: Slate’s design is unapologetically traditional and boxy, a stark contrast to many futuristic EV concepts. It’s a spartan two-seater featuring a five-foot bed. The truck measures 174.6 inches in length, making it significantly shorter than a Ford Maverick. Inside, the minimalism is extreme: a gray interior, manual windows, abundant plastic, and notably, no infotainment screen.
Notable Features: Slate is betting big on customization. The standard truck is basic, but buyers can choose from an extensive catalog of accessories. This includes an optional SUV kit that adds a roof and a second row of seating, custom interior finishes, an optional sound system, and colorful vinyl wraps to liven up the factory-default gray exterior.
Price & Specs: Slate aims for an aggressive starting price of under $20,000 after federal incentives, putting the MSRP around $27,000. The base model offers an estimated range of 150 miles, with an optional battery pushing it to 240 miles. It utilizes a 52.7 kWh base battery, expandable to 84.3 kWh, and supports a maximum charge power of 120 kW, allowing for a 20%-80% charge in about 30 minutes.
Performance: The Slate EV Truck is powered by a 201 hp motor, driving the rear wheels. It boasts a payload capacity of 1,433 lbs and can tow up to 1,000 lbs. The 0-60 mph sprint is clocked at 8.0 seconds.
Telo Trucks MT1: The Compact Urban Explorer
Telo Trucks, a more agile startup consisting of just 11 engineers, revealed its MT1 truck design in late 2023. Based in California, Telo is focused on creating a super-compact, highly functional truck designed for urban living and its surrounding areas. Their venture backing includes notable figures like Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning through Spero Ventures. Telo plans to commence production in 2026, utilizing a contract manufacturer and readily available components to manage costs.
Design & Size: The MT1 presents a futuristic aesthetic with a distinctive, squished front end, showcasing the design flexibility afforded by EV platforms. Despite its compact footprint, it manages to seat five people and features a five-foot bed. At 152 inches long, it’s roughly the size of a Mini Cooper. The interior is stylishly minimalist, featuring interesting textures and a central touchscreen.
Notable Features: A key feature of the Telo MT1 is its collapsible midgate, allowing for the transport of longer items that can extend into the cabin. It also includes an additional cargo area behind the rear seats, similar to Rivian’s Gear Tunnel. Options include extra bed seating and an enclosed roof.
Price & Specs: The Telo MT1 is priced starting at $41,520 before incentives, bringing the potential cost down to around $34,000 after the federal rebate. The MT1 offers a more robust range, estimated between 260 to 350 miles, powered by a 77 kWh base battery, with an optional 106 kWh unit. It boasts a faster charging capability, reaching 20%-80% in just 20 minutes with a maximum charge power of 250 kW.
Performance: Telo offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. The MT1 boasts a higher payload capacity of 2,000 lbs (RWD) or 1,700 lbs (AWD) and significantly more towing capability, up to 6,600 lbs. Depending on the drivetrain, horsepower ranges from 300 hp (RWD) to 500 hp (AWD), enabling a rapid 0-60 mph time of as little as 3.5 seconds.
The Verdict: Different Paths to Electric Trucking
Both Slate and Telo are making bold moves in the EV truck segment, but they cater to different needs. Slate is targeting the budget-conscious buyer seeking a highly customizable, basic electric utility vehicle. Telo, on the other hand, is aiming for a slightly more premium, urban-centric market that values advanced features, performance, and compact maneuverability. While neither truck is designed to compete with larger, traditional pickups, they represent exciting new directions for electric mobility.
Both trucks are currently available for reservation with refundable deposits, with production slated to begin in late 2026.