Bontu introduces its range of electric quadricycles with which it aims to establish itself in Europe

Shandong Bontu New Energy Vehicle Industry, known and abbreviated as Bontu, is a Chinese technology company founded in 2020 specialising in the research, development, production and marketing of electric urban vehicles. They have now decided to make the leap into Europe with a range of quadricycles, which represents direct competition for a niche currently occupied almost exclusively by the Stellantis group with the Citroën Ami and FIAT Topolino.

Bontu BT05

Three models will launch their European adventure, and the first of them is the Bontu BT05, an electric minicar designed and built to be driven from the age of 16. It is an option worth considering for exclusive city mobility, with capacity to transport up to four people. A two-seat version will also be available. All of this comes in a length of no more than 3,000 mm, and it boasts interior space similar to a segment A vehicle.

It is available with a 13.9 kWh battery or an optional 18.1 kWh battery, giving it a range of 170 km or 222 km respectively. It supports fast charging, going from 30% to 80% in 6 hours. With the standard battery the nominal power is 13 kWh (peak of 20 kWh), while with the larger battery the nominal power starts at 20 kWh, reaching peaks of 30 kWh. In both cases the maximum torque is 85 Nm. It can reach 90 km/h and features ECO and Sport driving modes.

Structurally, the cabin cell is made of 60% high-strength steel, in addition to anti-collision steel bars and door reinforcements, as well as independent MacPherson front suspension and non-independent trailing arm rear suspension, along with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Finally, the equipment includes items such as:

• Regenerative braking system
• Electric power steering,
• ABS
• EBD/CBD
• Air conditioning
• Driver airbag
• Hill start assist
• Rear view camera
• Parking sensors
• Instrument panel with 7-inch LCD screen
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Bontu BT09

The second Bontu model is the BT09, another light quadricycle aimed at younger buyers thanks to its carefree design of sinuous yet fluid lines. It is slightly smaller than the BT05, with a length of 2,750 mm, which also prevents it from offering two- and four-seat versions, along with a small luggage compartment.

Mechanically it uses a synchronous motor with flat-wire compact winding technology, available in the L6e versions, limited to 45 km/h so it can be driven from age 14, and L7e, which reaches 75 km/h and can be driven from age 16. The first uses a 7.68 kWh battery for a range of 130 km, while the second uses a battery of 0 kWh for 150 km of range, with charging time of around three hours. In terms of equipment, it stands out for the following items:

• ABS
• EBD
• EPS
• Hill start assist
• Parking camera
• 10-inch multimedia and instrument touchscreen

Bontu BT03

The Bontu BT03 is this Chinese brand’s bet on professional micromobility for the city, with multiple configurations tailored to each customer, and whose dimensions vary depending on the chosen specifications, that is, both its length and its load capacity and power change. It is also designed for a single person, who will travel in complete comfort thanks to a seat developed under strict ergonomic criteria to ensure comfort during long working days.

That said, in general terms and to give an idea of its size, it has a length of around 3,564 mm and a wheelbase of 2,200 mm, offering a load capacity of up to 340 kg. It will also be available in a van version, which adds double rear doors and the option of a side door, making loading and unloading goods easier.

Mechanically it uses a motor with a power of 7.5 kWh and a maximum torque of 60 Nm, giving it a top speed of 81 km/h, plus an 8.35 kWh battery for a range of between 80 and 100 km. It can be charged to 80% of its capacity in just 90 minutes and fully charged in 3 hours. Best of all, despite being a quadricycle for professional use, it does not skimp on equipment, with items such as the following:

• ABS
• EBD
• Air conditioning
• Regenerative charging system
• Electric power steering
• Cruise control
• Parking sensors