Bontu BT05

Chinese company Bontu, officially known as Shandong Bontu New Energy Vehicle Industry, has announced its entry into the European market with a new lineup of electric quadricycles.

Founded in 2020, the company specializes in the development, production, and sale of compact urban EVs, and its arrival will put it in direct competition with Stellantis models such as the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino.

The first model headed to Europe is the Bontu BT05, a compact electric city car designed to be driven from the age of 16 in countries where L7e heavy quadricycles are permitted for younger drivers.

Despite measuring less than 3,000 mm in length, the BT05 can accommodate up to four occupants, while a two-seat version will also be available. According to the manufacturer, it offers interior space comparable to an A-segment city car.

The BT05 will be offered with either a 13.9 kWh or an optional 18.1 kWh battery, providing a claimed driving range of up to 170 km or 222 km, respectively. Both versions support charging from 30% to 80% in around six hours.

The standard model features a motor with a nominal output of 13 kW and a peak output of 20 kW, while the larger-battery version delivers 20 kW nominal and up to 30 kW at peak. Maximum torque is 85 Nm in both cases, with a top speed of 90 km/h and selectable ECO and Sport driving modes.

The passenger cell is constructed using 60% high-strength steel and features reinforced doors, anti-collision side bars, independent MacPherson front suspension, a rear trailing-arm suspension, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes.

Standard equipment includes regenerative braking, electric power steering, ABS, EBD, air conditioning, a driver’s airbag, hill-start assist, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.