Liux Boldly Enters the Sustainable Microcar Market, Challenging Chinese Competitors

A notable transformation is taking place in many European cities as smaller vehicles gain popularity. The increasing demand for microcars is leading to a gradual shift from the traditional Italian ‘yoghurt pots’ to compact electric vehicles (EVs) produced in China. In response to this trend, Smart, a well-known manufacturer of ultra-compact cars, has relocated its production to China.

To carve a distinctive niche in this competitive market, the Spanish startup Liux is set to launch a compact electric vehicle aimed at sustainability.

Building on the success of Switzerland’s Microlino, Liux is thrilled to announce its cutting-edge microcar, the Liux Big. The name “Big” adds a playful touch; while its design allows for effortless parking, it reflects a bold vision from a team committed to continuous innovation.

“The concept of a European car is nearly disappearing,” remarked Liux co-founder Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros in an interview with TechCrunch. The interest in the startup’s products, which are proudly “made in Spain,” renders his observations particularly pertinent to the company’s goals.

While Liux procures its batteries from outside Europe, they are designed for home charging powered by solar energy. The vehicle’s structure is constructed with long-term maintenance in mind and strives to counteract the rapid obsolescence found in modern vehicles. Additionally, the exterior is crafted from a unique linen-based biocomposite to enhance its future recyclability.

“David and I both believe that recycling should reach beyond the confines of laboratory processes. Many materials could technically be recycled in a lab, but the actual recyclability of a material is contingent upon its design,” Espinosa expressed. “Ensuring the durability of materials and making components reusable are core tenets of our manufacturing ethos.”

Espinosa’s dedication to “true circularity” stems from his previous venture, Auara—a Spanish B Corp that packaged natural mineral water in recycled and recyclable containers. Following its acquisition by a larger entity, he and Sancho chose to pursue new opportunities with Liux.

Focusing on vehicle advancements, Sancho leads efforts to create low-emission models. His experience includes engineering electric vehicles competing with gasoline-powered cars. Before joining Liux, he played an integral role in developing the Bóreas, a hybrid supercar unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017. After departing from previous partners, he collaborated with Espinosa to establish Liux.

Liux’s initial prototype, dubbed Animal, highlighted their blended expertise—a fully electric five-seater predominantly made from recycled and plant-based materials. However, after showcasing the SUV to the public in 2022, the team decided to redirect its focus, recognizing that a smaller vehicle would offer better prospects for homologation.

Now, in 2026, Liux has successfully attained European homologation for the Liux Big and intends to officially launch it in the first half of the coming year. The company currently employs 65 people and is actively expanding production across three locations in Spain.

One of these facilities is based in Azuqueca de Henares, located about an hour from Madrid, which TechCrunch recently visited.

Though the Azuqueca plant is relatively small, it adheres to Toyota’s “lean management” principles and is concentrated solely on the final stages of production. Production manager Beatriz Belda González, a Spanish engineer with experience at BMW in Munich, confirmed the company’s ambition to achieve an annual production capacity of 20,000 vehicles by 2030.

While it is still early to assess market interest, over 7,500 people have shown their desire for the Liux Big. Free registration allows the startup to evaluate its potential customer base. The main demographic appears to be urban dwellers aged 55 to 60, leading Liux to believe the Liux Big will likely serve as a supplementary vehicle for families.

This may temper expectations regarding the microcar’s role as a complete alternative to conventional car ownership. Nevertheless, Espinosa stresses the importance of a strategic perspective for Liux. By remaining adaptable, the startup is open to partnerships with B2B fleet operators or companies involved in autonomous vehicle technology.

Espinosa envisions the Liux Big as a strong contender in the market by offering a more sustainable and affordable option. Though discussions on pricing are ongoing, the aim is to keep costs under €18,000—approximately $21,000—before any applicable EV incentives. This positions the vehicle at the upper limit of the microcar segment, but Liux is dedicated to ensuring that it provides real value.

Celso Fernández Llorens, who heads R&D at Liux, pointed out critical aspects regarding the industry’s strict weight and size regulations. He believes that many microcars share similar characteristics, despite European regulators making distinctions between the lightweight L6e four-wheelers and the more robust L7e models. Despite these complexities, Liux has adeptly navigated the regulations to optimize its L7e homologation.

By making intentional design choices, the startup has successfully incorporated a 260-liter trunk into its model. The principal aim has been to ensure drivers feel as though they are controlling a legitimate car, rather than a two-wheeled vehicle, which is vital for safety. As Sancho emphasized, it’s essential for a lightweight vehicle to maintain its structural integrity and stability while turning.

Even though crash tests are not mandated for their vehicle class, Liux has proactively conducted tests to demonstrate the Liux Big’s agility, braking, and handling. Many of these attributes were showcased during a brief test drive of the prototype’s off-road variant with TechCrunch.

The primary model will offer two battery size options: 15 kWh and 20 kWh, with plans for a cargo version also in development. Despite Sancho’s impressive background, he remains enthusiastic about the thrill of supercar development. The company has recently shared on LinkedIn its ambitions to expand beyond being “just a one-car brand.”

In the short term, however, Liux aims to use the €16 million it has raised so far (approximately $18.5 million, including European grants) to market the urban version of the Liux Big in collaboration with dealerships across Europe.

The showroom where we met provides a glimpse into Liux’s future sales strategy, as brand manager Ana Terrado Leyva explained. She emphasized the use of textile displays, 3D models illustrating the three color options for the Liux Big—which offers two more choices than the Ford T—and a linoleum floor inspired by linen. These design elements underscore Liux’s commitment to distinguishing itself from its Chinese competitors.

Perhaps the dream of a European car is not entirely out of reach.