Liux Takes a Bold Leap into Sustainable Microcars: Challenging Chinese Competitors

Numerous European cities are witnessing a distinct movement toward the use of smaller vehicles. As microcars become increasingly popular, the traditional Italian ‘yoghurt pots’ are slowly being supplanted by compact electric vehicles (EVs) from China. In line with this trend, the well-known ultra-compact car maker Smart has relocated its manufacturing operations to China.

To carve out a distinctive space in this crowded market, the Spanish startup Liux is gearing up to unveil a compact electric vehicle focused on sustainability.

Building on the success of Switzerland’s Microlino, Liux is ready to introduce its new microcar, called the Liux Big. The name “Big” is quite whimsical; while it’s designed for tight parking, it also captures the ambitious ethos of a team that regularly explores innovative avenues.

“The notion of a European car is nearly nonexistent,” remarked Liux co-founder Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros in an interview with TechCrunch. His startup’s vehicles have already gained attention for being “made in Spain,” making his insights particularly relevant and in harmony with the company’s vision.

Though Liux sources its batteries from outside Europe, they are intended to be charged at home using solar energy. The vehicle’s design is centered on ease of maintenance and addresses the rapid obsolescence typically seen in modern cars. Furthermore, the exterior incorporates an innovative linen-based biocomposite aimed at improving future recycling prospects.

“David and I both share the belief that recycling goes beyond laboratory conditions. While many items can technically be recycled in a lab, the true recyclability of a material depends on how it’s designed,” Espinosa stated. “Maintaining material integrity and ensuring components can be reused is essential to our manufacturing philosophy.”

Espinosa’s dedication to “real circularity” originates from his earlier venture, Auara, a Spanish B Corp that provided natural mineral water in both recycled and recyclable bottles. After being acquired by a larger company, he and Sancho chose to embark on their journey with Liux.

Focusing on vehicle innovation, Sancho leads the charge in developing low-emission models. His expertise lies in engineering electric vehicles that rival the performance of gasoline cars. Before joining Liux, he was instrumental in creating the Bóreas, a hybrid supercar revealed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017. After parting ways with former collaborators, he partnered with Espinosa to launch Liux.

Liux’s first prototype, the Animal, displayed their collective expertise: a fully electric five-seater primarily constructed from recycled and plant-based materials. However, after unveiling the SUV publicly in 2022, they opted for a pivot, realizing that a more compact vehicle would be more likely to achieve homologation.

Fast forward to 2026; Liux has secured European homologation for the Liux Big, with plans for its official launch in the first half of the coming year. The company currently employs 65 individuals and is actively ramping up production across three sites in Spain.

One such site is located in Azuqueca de Henares, about an hour from Madrid, where TechCrunch recently paid a visit.

Although the Azuqueca facility is relatively small, it adheres to Toyota’s “lean management” principles and focuses exclusively on the final stages of production, as production manager Beatriz Belda González, a Spanish engineer with experience at BMW in Munich, explained. She confirmed that the company could potentially achieve an annual production capacity of 20,000 vehicles by 2030.

Though it is still early to measure market interest, over 7,500 individuals have already shown interest in the Liux Big. Signing up is free and enables the startup to evaluate its potential customer demographic. The primary demographic appears to be urban dwellers aged 55 to 60, leading Liux to predict that the Liux Big will primarily serve as a secondary family vehicle.

This may temper expectations regarding the potential for microcars to entirely replace traditional vehicle ownership; however, Espinosa is clear that Liux must take a strategic approach. By remaining flexible, the startup is also receptive to collaborations with B2B fleet operators or firms involved in autonomous vehicle technologies.

Espinosa envisions the Liux Big playing a pivotal role in the market by offering a more sustainable and affordable alternative. While the pricing is still being finalized, the goal is to keep it below €18,000 — about $21,000 — before applying any applicable EV incentives. This positions the vehicle at the higher end of the microcar price scale, but Liux is committed to ensuring it delivers exceptional value.

Celso Fernández Llorens, Liux’s head of R&D, pointed out the significant constraints regarding weight and size in this segment. He believes many microcars exhibit comparable features, despite European regulators distinguishing between ultra-light L6e four-wheelers and more robust L7e models. Nonetheless, Liux has skillfully maneuvered through these regulations to optimize its L7e homologation.

Through a series of strategic choices, the startup has successfully integrated a 260-liter trunk into the vehicle. Their primary objective has been to ensure that drivers feel as though they are driving a genuine car rather than a two-wheeler, which is essential for safety, as Sancho emphasized: a lightweight vehicle must uphold structural integrity and stability while turning.

Although crash tests are not required for their vehicle category, Liux has proactively undertaken tests to illustrate the agility, braking, and handling characteristics of the Liux Big. Some of these functionalities were demonstrated to TechCrunch during a brief test drive of the prototype’s off-road variant.

Currently, the primary model will offer two battery options: 15 kWh and 20 kWh, with a cargo version also under consideration. Despite Sancho’s impressive background, the allure of developing a supercar still fascinates him. The company recently shared on LinkedIn its aspirations to evolve beyond being “just a one-car brand.”

In the near term, however, Liux plans to utilize the €16 million it has secured so far (approximately $18.5 million, including European funding) to launch the urban variant of the Liux Big in collaboration with dealerships across Europe.

The showroom where we met provides an initial preview of Liux’s future sales approach, as elaborated by brand manager Ana Terrado Leyva. She noted the use of textile screens, 3D models showcasing the Liux Big’s three color options — which offers two more than the Ford T — and a linoleum floor inspired by linen. These design elements reflect Liux’s strategy to distinguish itself from its Chinese competitors.

Perhaps the dream of a European car is not a mere fantasy.