TELO’s tiny electric truck gets a configurator and a $41k base price
TELO, an electric truck startup based in Silicon Valley that is designing a tiny electric truck for the US market, has released a configurator for its vehicles, with design updates and a lower-than-expected base price… but don’t get too excited yet, because production is still many months away.
We first told you about TELO last June, when the company announced it was planning to build an electric truck the size of a Mini but with a bed the size of a Hummer’s.
it sounds impossible, but there’s a lot of wasted space in vehicle designs these days, especially trucks where automakers consider an enormous front hood as an important part of design (despite the inherent deadliness of this design decision).
TELO went another direction, focusing on a truck with maximum utility and minimum footprint – and says it will be able to offer utility on par with today’s mid-size pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, but in a package that’s only 152 inches long.
In the interim, TELO has built a driveable chassis and been hiring some new talent from elsewhere in the automotive industry, but it’s still very much a tiny startup. The company has collected around 3,400 preorders as of today, at $152 a pop – the same as the truck’s total length in inches.
But today we’ve got news on an exterior design update and one step closer to production – an actual configurator, and with prices attached as well.
The TELO configurator is pretty bare bones, with only 3 selectable options. TELO says that it will add more options and accessories “over the next few months,” so this isn’t everything yet, but it’s a start.
Most importantly though, the base price, which TELO previously said would be “under $50k,” is quite a bit under $50k, at $41,520 to start. Even better, that’s under $35k to start after taking into account the federal EV tax credit.
That’s still certainly a chunk of change, but it’s less than other EV trucks on the road today, and it’s quite a bit under expectations – which is good, because $50k did feel a little high given that one benefit of a smaller vehicle should be lower price (less stuff required to build it, less battery needed to push it around, etc).
Then there are options – a 300hp single motor or 500hp dual motor drivetrain, with the latter costing $46,019 base – a $4,499 premium.
There’s also a 260mi “standard” or 350mi+ “long range” battery option, with the latter costing an extra $3,980 dollars. Battery sizes are 79kWh for the smaller version, and 106kWh for the larger one.
The configurator also has 8 color options, though these are all just renders. There’s no additional cost attached to these paint options (…yet).
The renders reveal some small design updates that TELO has been teasing recently, largely for aerodynamic reasons in order to optimize its efficiency.
TELO says it changed the area around the wheel entry/exit, some small changes at the front, and a slightly more rounded roofline all to improve aerodynamics without much change in the vehicle’s shape. The company used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software from AirShaper to help in these design changes – much cheaper than renting time at one of the world’s few wind tunnels.
And the most notable change, to our eyes, is relocation of the truck’s “divot” on the side to near the front wheel well instead of along the B-pillar. While it was a distinctive feature, it does seem a little more natural in its new position.
We haven’t yet seen a physical prototype with these new design updates, and we imagine things might change more before production. TELO says it’s still on track for its first customer deliveries to start at the late end of 2025 – but we’ll have to see if they’re able to stick to that timeline or not, as timelines tend to slip in the EV startup realm. It intends to ramp into larger contract manufacturing following those first customer deliveries.
You can view the TELO configurator here, where you can also make a $152 refundable reservation for a TELO truck. If you already have a preorder, you can search for your preorder and add a configuration to your order, though as mentioned above, there will probably be more options to configure as time goes on.
Electrek’s Take
We’re pretty excited about what TELO represents, as the US market simply doesn’t have any small trucks, and even the “compact” trucks that are out there are still enormous – for example, the “compact” Tacoma is a full five feet longer than the TELO.
I’ve written a lot about how we need to knock it off with these ridiculous enormous vehicles in America (and how the government is finally doing something about it).
So TELO offers a really compelling argument here, a vehicle that’s capable but isn’t impossible to park, isn’t excessive in terms of material inputs, and doesn’t contribute to the ever-rising plague of pedestrian deaths from oversized vehicles.
The one thing to dull that excitement is that, while it is promising a truck that isn’t excessive in size, it was still a little excessive in other ways. We originally only heard about a 106kWh battery option, which is around the size as in hulking 3-row electric SUVs coming out these days, and a $50k base price didn’t put it below the price range of other EV trucks out there.
So the availability of a smaller battery and a much lower base price only makes this all the more compelling. Yes, Americans do have “bigger number, better car” disease, and to some extent you need to cater to that, but given TELO already represents a statement to counter that attitude, I’d like to see the company go all-in in that direction.
Especially since one of the best functions I can see for this vehicle would be for intra-city use. Small businesses that need a truck but don’t need a huge truck, or that would benefit from having something more parkable for urban environments, won’t need 350 miles of range. There are plenty of small trucks like this available in the rest of the world, and businesses in Europe and Japan make great use of them.
If TELO can hit a similar or higher level of intra-city utility as for example the Ford E-Transit (with an 89kWh battery, 159 mile range and $51k base price – the same as the gas version), but beat them on price as they have announced, there’s certainly a market there.
So, while this is a relatively small update today, it’s still quite exciting to see TELO moving forward, and moving in the right direction.
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SUPER73 just pulled the curtain off its latest e-bike, the SUPER73-MZFT, and it looks like the brand is coming back to its roots – with a twist. Known for building retro-inspired, moto-style electric bikes that blur the line between fun and functional, SUPER73 now says the MZFT represents the first in a new generation of e-bikes that’s designed to welcome in a broader, more diverse group of riders – especially those just getting started.
If you’re familiar with SUPER73’s range, you’ll know the brand splits its lineup into several series – the Youth Series for smaller riders, and the Z, S, and R Series for full-size adults. The new MZFT splits the difference. It’s designed as a stepping stone into the bigger leagues, but still built with the same style and swagger that made SUPER73 a household name among e-bike fans, celebrities, and sneakerheads alike.
The bike features a 500W rear hub motor with a top speed of 20 mph, putting it firmly in Class 2 territory with throttle-first riding right out of the gate. That makes it ideal for new riders, younger adults, or anyone who just wants to rip around without worrying about pedaling uphill. Speaking of which, the company says the MZFT includes a new powertrain designed for improved uphill acceleration, addressing one of the most common weak points in budget-friendly e-bikes.
The 52V 10Ah battery offers 520Wh of capacity and is reportedly sufficient for a range of 15-20 miles (25-32 km) per charge.
SUPER73 says this is their most durable frame yet, and it comes paired with a resilient thru-axle setup, giving the MZFT a stronger and more stable feel under the rider. At 27 inches, the seat height is lower than most SUPER73 models, which will appeal to younger riders or shorter adults looking for something approachable but still styled like a street-ready moto machine.
New features include a modular second battery option (sold separately) that can boost your range up to 40 miles (64 km), and even a bit of built-in internal lockable storage, which is a rare find on electric bicycles.
Hydraulic brakes, LED lighting, and aggressive Vee Jakal tires round out the spec sheet. The total weight comes in at 85 pounds (39 kg), which is beefy but par for the course with SUPER73’s rugged design language. That said, while it may slot well into the typical SUPER73 weight class, it’s still a lot of poundage for a 500W e-bike.
The SUPER73-MZFT launches in two colorways: Cullen Berry (a dark, rich red-purple) and Titanium Ore (a stealthy gray metallic). Either way, the bike oozes the brand’s signature retro moto vibes without the steeper price tag of its S- or R-Series siblings.
But of course, the kicker is always the price, and here we’re looking at a $1,995 e-bike. While that’s definitely the most affordable in SUPER73’s lineup, it’s still a hefty chunk of change for a bike of these performance specs.
Electrek’s Take
SUPER73 has been riding the wave of moto-style e-bikes since long before it was trendy – in fact they pretty much built that trend. And while the brand is best known for its premium, eye-catching bikes with celeb street cred, it’s smart to see them lean back into accessibility. They’ve also been pushing for more inclusion of younger riders paired with proper e-bike education for those riders (believe it or not), and so this fits that strategy well.
The SUPER73-MZFT is clearly designed to attract a new wave of riders: younger and newer riders whose parents won’t buy them a 40 mph Sur Ron, but who still want to feel like they’re part of something cool. With a fun design, expandable battery potential, hydraulic brakes, and a few unexpected surprises like lockable storage, the MZFT could be a strong seller for riders who want something more than a basic commuter but aren’t quite ready to pony up for an R Adventure model.
That being said, it’s not exactly a leader in the watt-per-pound metric, and so we’ll have to see if it has the performance to match the look. And at $2,000, this is perhaps one of the most expensive teen-focused e-bikes out there. While it is true that it is the most affordable way to get into a SUPER73, that’s not exactly a great dollar-per-watt proposition. But then again, very few people have ever bought a SUPER73 because it made fiscal sense; they did it because they wanted a SUPER73.
And so if kids like this model and if it means more people are getting into e-bikes, especially street-legal e-bikes, then I’m all for it.
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Tesla is launching a new car rental program out of its stores in the US, as sales are crashing due to the end of the federal tax credit.
It’s available at select stores in the US right now.
Tesla’s demand in the US, like that of most other electric vehicles, has crashed after the federal tax credit for electric cars ended last quarter, pulling forward a lot of demand.
With inventories piling up at stores and dealers across the country, Tesla has found a new way to use its inventory: it is now renting (not leasing) its vehicles from its stores.
The rental duration is a minimum of three and a maximum of seven days, starting at $60 per day and increasing depending on the model.
Tesla appears to be using this to show potential buyers how convenient it is to own a Tesla vehicle, since it also includes Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for free with every rental.
If a rental customer decides to order a vehicle within a week of having rented one, Tesla gives them a $250 credit toward the purchase:
Order your own Tesla within seven days of your rental to get up to a $250 credit toward your purchase.
The program is starting with a couple of locations in Southern California, but it is expected to expand before the end of the year.
Car rental giant Hertz has previously bought a large fleet of Tesla vehicles in an effort to electrify its rental fleet.
However, Hertz has been divesting from Tesla vehicles and selling them over the last 2 years, as declining resale values crushed its fleet economics amid Tesla slashing prices due to declining demand over the last 3 years.
Electrek’s Take
It’s rough out there for people selling electric vehicles in the US right now. The lack of policy consistency is resulting in inconsistent demand and discouraging automakers from pushing electric cars, as they do in Europe and Asia.
It’s particularly challenging for automakers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, which sell only electric vehicles, because most people who planned to buy an electric vehicle in 2025 have already bought one in Q3 or earlier.
This rental service is not a bad idea, though, but it’s obviously far from a solution to the demand problem in the US.
It’s wild to think that Tesla’s own CEO is largely responsible for creating this situation by backing Trump in the last elections.
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NIU is back at EICMA 2025 (the Milan Motorcycle Show) with a fresh lineup of electric two-wheelers that push the boundaries of performance, design, and smart connectivity. The Chinese electric mobility giant, already known for selling over 5 million electric scooters and motorcycles across over 50 countries, used the Milan show to unveil its 2026 product range – and it’s clear NIU is looking to hang on to that leader status.
For those unfamiliar, NIU launched its first electric scooter way back in 2015 and quickly rose to prominence with sleek, connected vehicles that combined urban practicality with stylish design. There are a lot of electric scooters out there now, but NIU has consistently been known for high-tech and slick-looking models.
Now, a decade later, NIU’s lineup has matured into a globally recognized suite of smart mopeds, e-bikes, scooters, and electric motorcycles. And at this year’s EICMA, the company made it clear that it’s ready to dominate even more niches.
A smarter NQiX Series
The NQiX Series has already gained traction in Europe’s L1e and L3e vehicle categories, but for 2026, it’s getting even better. All models in the series will be updated with improved motor and battery efficiency for longer range and better consistency. Most notably, NIU is adding onboard navigation powered by Google Maps – a major step toward true “smart” scooters.
The biggest news, though, is the introduction of the NQiX 1000. Packing 15.5 kW of peak power and topping out at 125 km/h (78 mph), this model is aimed at commuters who want speed, range, and flexibility. With three removable 72V 28Ah batteries and over 100 km of range, it looks set to be a practical yet powerful urban workhorse. The NQiX 1000 will launch in Q3 2026 with a starting price of €6,499.
My first NIU scooter ever was an NQiGT that I got back in 2020, and it helped me fall in love with the brand. The NQiX series has extended what made the original so impressive, and the NQiX 1000 will push that model line into brand new territory, both for technology and for performance.
FQiX brings a fresh face to urban riding
NIU also introduced a completely new design platform called the FQiX Series, targeted at city dwellers who want tech-forward transportation with a bit of flair. Think sleek body lines, distinctive lighting, and a minimalist aesthetic – paired with smart features like a 5-inch TFT display, rear radar, and Bluetooth/NFC/keyless unlocking.
The FQiX 150 (L1e) and FQiX 300 (L3e) offer two tiers of performance but share the same connected tech ecosystem, powered by NIU’s new “Link Crown” interface. These will also arrive by Q3 2026, starting at just €2,399 – making them a compelling choice for first-time e-scooter riders.
This one definitely feels like NIU’s targetted attempt to bring on younger, more budget conscious riders while still giving them access to the technology that separates the brands’ scooters from much of the competition.
XQi goes off-road (and on-road, too)
NIU has been teasing off-road ambitions for years, but the new XQi 300, XQi 400, and XQi 500 take those ambitions up several notches. They follow on the heels of the successful launch of the NIU XQi3, which, for a lack of a better way to describe it, is NIU’s Sur Ron competitor. I had the chance to test it out recently on a trip to tour NIU’s factory. But unlike Sur Rons, Talarias, and most other light electric dirt bikes in this category, NIU made the XQi3 street-legal from the start, meaning riders could register it like a motorcycle and also ride on trails.
Now the XQi3 has been revamped into the XQi 300, keeping much of what made it a success untouched, but adding highly requested features like on-board charging so the battery doesn’t need to be unplugged to recharge. The XQi 400 and XQi 500 add even more power and performance, competing more with the Sur Ron Storm Bee. The XQi 500 Street, in particular, is likely to prove quite popular as a street-legal electric dirt bike with a massive 28.8 kW peak output and a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph), all in a fairly lightweight 92 kg (203 lb) chassis.
Concept 06 maxi-scooter
NIU also showed off a concept for a potentially upcoming maxi-scooter, and it sounds like they actually want to produce it. This likely isn’t just a crazy concept that will never see the road, but rather a roadmap to what could be NIU’s biggest scooter yet.
The company is projecting impressive performance, including a 20 kW motor, speeds of up to 155 km/h (96 MPH), plus fancy features like a tray table so you can get some laptop work done while you’re charging up.
Electrek’s Take
NIU continues to impress me with its mix of smart tech, eye-catching design, and impressive performance. The addition of Google Maps integration and radar safety features is a clear step forward that I’m excited to see implemented. And with models like the XQi 1000, NIU is branching into serious performance territory. And the new off-road bikes (with street-legal status to ride on the road too!) take what was already a great design and make it even more powerful – and convenient to use.
While some of the subscription models might turn off some users, the base functionality of these vehicles seems generous enough to keep most people happy. And all of that tech on top is what helps separate NIU. If the pricing holds and the specs deliver, I think NIU’s 2026 lineup could shake up both urban and off-road electric mobility in a big way.
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