Aptera and ultra-compact electric truck company TELO collaborate to include solar technology

Aptera and ultra-compact electric truck company TELO collaborate to include solar technology

TELO Trucks, a new electric vehicle business, has partnered with Aptera, a solar EV developer, to integrate Aptera’s sustainable technology into its flagship vehicle, the MT1 light truck. As long as these BEVs are manufactured, customers who pre-order a TELO electric truck will have the option of selecting from three Aptera solar panel combinations, which will increase the vehicle’s range and lessen its reliance on the grid.

Three guys with diverse experiences in automotive technologies and creative design—including ADAS and autonomy at National Instruments and Roadster development in the early years of Tesla—founded TELO Trucks.

In June 2023, the business unveiled its flagship MT1 tiny electric pickup vehicle, which appears to be an intriguing space optimization effort. With an impressively reduced vehicle length of 152 inches, the MT1 has the crew cabin and bed capacity of a regular pickup truck. The MT1 has the same bed length and inside cabin room as a Toyota Tacoma in the footprint of a MINI Cooper, as seen in the TELO image below.

TELO reports that since its launch, more than 4,550 pre-orders have been placed for the MT1, which comes with the option of a long-range battery pack that claims a range of up to 350 miles and is now available in single and dual motor variants.

Solar panels from Aptera Motors will soon be available to early adopters through TELO’s truck customization.

Aptera solar panels will be available for pre-order on TELO trucks

In a blog post, Aptera described the specifics of its new partnership with TELO Trucks, which involves adding solar panels in several configurations to the MT1s that are still in the development stage. Through the collaboration, TELO will be able to provide pre-order clients with the choice to customize their vehicle design with up to three Aptera solar panel kits:

  • Solar paneling installed on the roof of a truck cab maximizes daily energy production.
  • Tonneau Truck Bed Cover Solar Paneling: A solar-powered bed cover maintains storage adaptability while adding power.
  • Camper Shell Solar Paneling: Panels that protrude over the bed from the cab expand storage and charging capabilities.

Depending on the vehicle’s location and the season, Aptera says that its proprietary solar panels may produce up to 200 watts when exposed to the sun’s strongest rays, which equates to roughly 1 to 2 kWh of free solar energy each day. The announcement of this alliance comes after the solar EV startup made a strong impression at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where it is still working toward scaling up its production.

Even though the TELO truck is further along in the development process than Aptera’s flagship solar EV, both are working to forge a new route in sustainable mobility and have joined forces in the hopes of overcoming this obstacle together. According to Steve Fambro, co-founder and co-CEO of Aptera:

“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.”

Later this year, MT1 truck pre-orders will be able to purchase the three solar panel options mentioned above, according to TELO and Aptera. According to TELO, Aria Group is now assembling its first completely functional drivable truck prototype, so maybe we will soon be able to move past visuals and witness some genuine solar electric vehicles with production purpose. Jason Marks, the CEO and co-founder of TELO, also spoke:

“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.”