Chinese manufacturer Shandong Bontu New Energy Vehicle Industry Co. Ltd. has entered the European market with a range of EU-homologated electric quadricycles, choosing Milan to present the vehicles and begin sales on the continent. The lineup, detailed in the company’s launch press materials, spans two minicar models and a mini commercial vehicle offered in pickup, truck, and cargo configurations. Bontu is marketing the range under the slogan “NEW ENERGY VEHICLE, Urban Mobility Solutions,” targeting city driving and last-mile delivery work where conventional cars often face access restrictions.
Highlights
- The range includes two electric quadricycle minicars — the BTE05 and BTE09 — plus the BTE03 mini commercial vehicle in three body configurations.
- The BTE05 minicar offers up to 138 miles (222 km) of range from an 18.1 kWh lithium battery, with a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h).
- The BTE09 is available in an L6e version drivable from age 14 and an L7e version drivable from age 16.
- All models are homologated under EU Regulation 168/2013, with a warranty of 3 years or 31,000 miles (50,000 km).
A New Entrant in Urban Electric Mobility
Bontu was founded in March 2020 in the Guodu Industrial Park in Xintai, Shandong province, with registered capital of 80.18 million yuan (approximately $11.8 million). The company holds production qualifications for motorcycles and special vehicles from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and operates multiple production lines for mini commercial vehicles, including refrigerated, medical, and express-delivery configurations. According to the company, its models have obtained European certification and are sold worldwide.
Minicar Range: BTE05 and BTE09
The BTE05 is a minicar drivable from age 16, available with two or four seats and a reclining rear backrest, with interior space the company compares to an A-segment car. It measures 118.1 inches (3,000 mm) long, 59.1 inches (1,500 mm) wide, and 64.2 inches (1,630 mm) tall on a 76.9-inch (1,953 mm) wheelbase. Bontu lists nominal output of 13 kW (20 kW peak) with the standard battery and 20 kW (30 kW peak) with the larger pack, with maximum torque of 63 lb-ft (85 Nm) and Sport and Eco drive modes. The passenger cell uses 60% high-strength steel with anti-collision beams and door reinforcements, and equipment includes regenerative braking, electric power steering, ABS, EBD/CBD, air conditioning, a driver airbag, hill start assist, a rear camera, parking sensors, a 7-inch LCD instrument display, and a 12-inch central touchscreen. Front brakes are discs; the rears are drums.
The smaller BTE09 targets younger drivers at 108.3 inches (2,750 mm) long, and is offered as a two-seat L6e or four-seat L7e with luggage storage. The company describes it as the only vehicle on the market equipped with an automotive-type permanent magnet flat-wire synchronous motor, which it says delivers smoother driving, quicker acceleration, and a 15% reduction in consumption. Equipment includes ABS, EBD, EPS, hill assist, a parking camera, and a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen.
| Model | Battery | Range (company figure) | Top Speed | Min. Driving Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTE05 (standard) | 13.9 kWh | 106 mi (170 km) | 56 mph (90 km/h) | 16 |
| BTE05 (extended) | 18.1 kWh | 138 mi (222 km) | 56 mph (90 km/h) | 16 |
| BTE09 L6e | 7.68 kWh | 81 mi (130 km) | 28 mph (45 km/h) | 14 |
| BTE09 L7e | 10 kWh | 93 mi (150 km) | 47 mph (75 km/h) | 16 |
The BTE05’s 30–80% fast charge takes 6 hours, according to Bontu, while the BTE09 charges in 3 hours. The BTE09 L6e is electronically limited to 28 mph (45 km/h) to comply with regulations for 14-year-old drivers.
BTE03 Mini Commercial Vehicle
The BTE03 is a single-seat mini commercial vehicle built for last-mile deliveries, including cold-chain goods, and is available in pickup, truck, and cargo versions. It measures 140.3 inches (3,564 mm) long with a payload of 750 lbs (340 kg), and the cargo version adds double rear doors and an optional side door for multidirectional loading. Output is 7.5 kW with 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) of torque and a top speed of 50 mph (81 km/h); the 8.35 kWh battery delivers a company-reported range of 50–62 miles (80–100 km), with an 80% charge in 90 minutes and a full charge in 3 hours. Bontu says the model accumulated over 620,000 miles (1 million km) of road testing in extreme hot and cold conditions during development. The cab and body use 95% high-strength steel, with MacPherson front suspension, and standard equipment includes ABS, EBD, regenerative braking, electric power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, and radar sensors.
Why Is Bontu Targeting Electric Urban Logistics?
Bontu positions the electric commercial vehicle as a cost play for fleets. The company claims energy costs run one-third those of comparable diesel vehicles, with maintenance costs reduced by 40%, and cites zero emissions for restricted urban zones, silent operation suited to night deliveries, and an intelligent fleet management system that monitors each vehicle’s operational status and energy consumption.
Homologation and Warranty
All Bontu range vehicles are homologated under EU Regulation 168/2013 as L6e light quadricycles or L7e heavy quadricycles, permitting registration for road use across EU member states. The warranty is 3 years or 31,000 miles (50,000 km). The company states it is present in all main European markets.
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