The new car is the BEN, developed at the Engineering and Development Center (CEiiA), which has now received the European Union homologation certificate – meaning, in practice, it can already be driven in Europe.

The small model should enter large-scale production next year, not only in Portugal, but also in Europe.

With a projected price of €8,000, according to a press release, negotiations are underway to manufacture 20,000 units per year "in a decentralised manner" by 2030.

This is an affordable e-car, which is also the first of its kind with a carbon dioxide emissions counter. The AYR technology allows for offsetting emissions generated during production.

Based on the Body modular platform, the vehicle has a flexible and configurable interior, with up to three seats and a cargo capacity of 100 to 400 litres. It is prepared for autonomous driving and is adaptable to various purposes.

The Spirit digital platform, external to the vehicle, encompasses several functionalities – including "user identification and customization through biometric systems, access via a digital key shared by the community, vehicle configuration to the service, intelligence and data analytics." A "full integration between vehicles, users and infrastructure" is also announced.

The press release states that this national e-car was "designed to be used and traded as a service".

Aesthetically, the BEN resembles micromobility models such as the Citroën Ami or the Fiat Topolino – which, in Portugal, are legal to drive from the age of 16.