Liux Courageously Enters the Sustainable Microcar Market, Challenging Chinese Competitors

A notable transformation is underway in various European cities as compact vehicles gain popularity. The increasing fascination with microcars is fostering a gradual shift from traditional Italian ‘yoghurt pots’ to compact electric vehicles (EVs) produced in China. In response, Smart, a well-known manufacturer of ultra-compact cars, has relocated its production to China.

To carve out a distinct niche in this saturated market, the Spanish startup Liux is set to introduce a compact electric vehicle centered on sustainability.

Building on the success of Switzerland’s Microlino, Liux is thrilled to introduce its groundbreaking microcar, the Liux Big. The name “Big” adds a playful twist; although its design allows for convenient parking, it encapsulates the adventurous spirit of a team committed to continuous innovation.

“The concept of a European car is almost becoming obsolete,” remarked Liux co-founder Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros in a TechCrunch interview. The attention garnered by the startup’s products for being “made in Spain” makes his remarks particularly relevant to the company’s ambitions.

Although Liux procures its batteries from outside Europe, they are designed for home charging utilizing solar energy. The vehicle’s structure emphasizes easy maintenance and counteracts the rapid obsolescence typical of modern cars. Additionally, the exterior features a unique linen-based biocomposite which enhances future recyclability.

“David and I both believe that recycling should not be confined to laboratory settings. Many items may technically be recyclable in a lab, but the actual recyclability of a material depends on its design,” Espinosa stated. “Preserving the integrity of materials and ensuring components are reusable are core principles of our manufacturing philosophy.”

Espinosa’s dedication to “genuine 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 opted to pursue new paths with Liux.

Focusing on vehicle innovation, Sancho drives initiatives aimed at developing low-emission models. His background includes engineering electric vehicles designed to rival gasoline-powered cars. Before joining Liux, he played an integral role in creating the Bóreas, a hybrid supercar launched at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017. After separating from former partners, he joined forces with Espinosa to establish Liux.

Liux’s inaugural prototype, named Animal, embodied their combined expertise—a fully electric five-seater primarily constructed from recycled and plant-based materials. However, after showcasing the SUV to the public in 2022, the team decided to pivot, recognizing that a smaller vehicle would stand a better chance for homologation.

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

One of these locations is situated in Azuqueca de Henares, about an hour from Madrid, which TechCrunch recently toured.

While the Azuqueca facility is relatively modest, it adheres to Toyota’s “lean management” principles and focuses exclusively on the final production stages. Production manager Beatriz Belda González, a Spanish engineer with a background at BMW in Munich, confirmed the company’s aspiration to reach an annual production capacity of 20,000 vehicles by 2030.

While it’s still early to assess market demand, over 7,500 people have shown interest in the Liux Big. Registration is free, enabling the startup to evaluate its potential customer base. The primary target audience seems to be urban dwellers aged 55 to 60, leading Liux to speculate that the Liux Big will likely serve as a secondary vehicle for households.

This might temper expectations regarding the microcar’s role as a complete alternative to traditional car ownership. Nonetheless, Espinosa underscores the importance of a strategic approach for Liux. Remaining flexible, the startup is receptive to collaborations with B2B fleet operators or companies involved in autonomous vehicle technology.

Espinosa envisions the Liux Big as a significant market contender by offering a more sustainable and cost-effective option. Although pricing discussions are ongoing, the aim is to maintain a price below €18,000—roughly $21,000—before any applicable EV incentives. This positions the vehicle at the higher end of the microcar range, but Liux is dedicated to ensuring it offers real value.

Celso Fernández Llorens, who leads R&D at Liux, raised important points about the stringent weight and size regulations in the sector. He believes many microcars have comparable characteristics, even though European regulators differentiate between the lightweight L6e four-wheelers and the sturdier L7e models. Despite these challenges, Liux has adeptly navigated the regulations to optimize its L7e homologation.

Through intentional design choices, the startup has incorporated a 260-liter trunk into its model. The main objective has been to ensure that drivers feel like they are handling a genuine car rather than a two-wheeled vehicle, which is essential for safety. As Sancho emphasized, it’s vital for a lightweight vehicle to maintain structural integrity and stability during turns.

Although crash tests are not mandated for their vehicle class, Liux has proactively conducted tests to demonstrate the agility, braking, and handling of the Liux Big. Some 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 options: 15 kWh and 20 kWh, with plans for a cargo variant in development. Despite Sancho’s impressive credentials, he remains intrigued by the thrill of supercar development. The company has recently outlined its ambitions on LinkedIn to expand beyond being “just a one-car brand.”

In the short term, however, Liux aims to capitalize on the €16 million it has raised to date (approximately $18.5 million, including European grants) to launch the urban version of the Liux Big in partnership 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 highlighted the use of textile displays, 3D models illustrating the three color options for the Liux Big—which offer two more choices than the Ford T—and a linoleum floor inspired by linen. These design choices reflect Liux’s efforts to differentiate itself from its Chinese rivals.

Perhaps the vision of a European car is not completely out of reach.