Chinese automaker Shandong Bontu New Energy Vehicle Industry is entering the European market with a lineup of electric minicars. The company has chosen Milan as its base for European sales and introduced three models: the BTE05, BT09, and the commercial BT03. All vehicles are homologated under EU Regulation 168/2013 in categories L6e and L7e, and come with a 3-year or 50,000-km warranty.
The Bontu BTE05 is aimed at families and city dwellers. This 3-meter-long minicar is available in 2- or 4-seat configurations and can be driven from age 16. Two lithium battery options are offered: a 13.9 kWh pack providing 170 km of range and an 18.1 kWh unit delivering up to 222 km. Top speed is 90 km/h. Standard equipment includes ABS, power steering, regenerative braking, air conditioning, a driver airbag, hill-start assist, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a 12-inch central screen.
The BT09 is more compact and targets younger drivers. The L6e version seats two and is limited to 45 km/h, accessible from age 14, with a 7.68 kWh battery good for 130 km. The L7e four-seat variant can be driven from age 16: it reaches 75 km/h and has a range of up to 150 km.
For business use, Bontu offers the BT03, a mini commercial EV designed for last-mile deliveries. It can carry up to 340 kg of cargo, covers 80–100 km per charge, and is available as a pickup, truck, or cargo van.