Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Bontu has officially entered the European market, unveiling a lineup of compact battery-electric vehicles at a launch event in Milan, Italy.
Founded in 2020 in Xintai, Shandong Province, Bontu specializes in small electric vehicles, particularly urban commercial transport solutions. The company is now seeking to expand beyond China by introducing a range of microcars and mini commercial vehicles designed to comply with European L6e and L7e vehicle classifications.
The debut lineup includes the BTE03 mini transporter, the BTE05 compact passenger vehicle, and the BT09 microcar.
BTE03 Targets Urban Delivery Services
The Bontu BTE03 is a compact electric cargo vehicle aimed at urban logistics and last-mile delivery operations.
Measuring 3.56 metres long, 1.22 metres wide and 1.98 metres high, the vehicle offers a payload capacity of 340 kilograms. The model features a single driver-side cabin door and can be configured with rear cargo doors and an optional side-loading door to improve operational flexibility.
Power comes from a 7.5 kW electric motor paired with an 8.35 kWh battery pack. Bontu says the vehicle can travel between 80 and 100 kilometres on a charge and reach a top speed of 81 km/h.
Charging from empty to 80% takes approximately 90 minutes, while a full recharge requires around three hours.
Because of its performance characteristics, the BTE03 is classified as an L7e vehicle in Europe.
BTE05 Offers Compact Passenger Mobility
The BTE05 is designed as a small urban passenger vehicle capable of seating between two and four occupants.
At three metres in length, Bontu says the vehicle provides interior space comparable to conventional A-segment city cars.
Customers can choose between a 13.9 kWh battery offering a range of up to 170 kilometres or a larger 18.1 kWh battery capable of delivering up to 222 kilometres of driving range.
The standard version features a 13 kW motor with peak output of 20 kW, while the larger battery variant receives a 20 kW motor capable of reaching 30 kW peak power.
Despite its compact dimensions, the BTE05 includes safety and comfort features such as ABS, airbags, air conditioning, regenerative braking and a 12-inch touchscreen display. The passenger compartment is constructed using 60% high-strength steel.
BT09 Available in L6e and L7e Versions
The smallest model in the lineup is the BT09 microcar, measuring just 2.75 metres in length.
Bontu will offer the vehicle in both L6e and L7e configurations to address different European licensing requirements.
The L6e version is equipped with a 7.68 kWh battery, delivers up to 130 kilometres of range and is electronically limited to 45 km/h. It is configured as a two-seater.
The larger L7e variant receives a 10 kWh battery, extends range to 150 kilometres and can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h while accommodating four passengers.
Adapting to Europe’s Quadricycle Market
Bontu’s European strategy focuses on the growing market for lightweight electric vehicles, which are increasingly being used for urban commuting and delivery services.
The company highlights that licensing requirements vary across European countries. In some markets, L6e vehicles can be driven from the age of 14, while L7e vehicles may be accessible to drivers as young as 16. Other countries impose higher minimum age requirements and additional licensing restrictions.
By offering vehicles across both categories, Bontu aims to appeal to a broad range of customers, including young drivers, urban residents and commercial operators.
The Milan launch marks the company’s first major step into Europe as it seeks to leverage growing demand for compact, low-cost electric mobility solutions in densely populated cities.