Key facts
- Spanish startup Liux is launching the Liux Big microcar, focusing on sustainability.
- The car features a body made from a novel linen-based biocomposite designed for recyclability.
- Liux aims to compete with Chinese EV manufacturers by emphasizing circularity and ease of maintenance.
- The company has secured Europe-wide homologation for the Liux Big and plans to start sales in the first half of next year.
- Liux has raised €16 million and expects to reach a production capacity of 20,000 cars per year by 2030.
- The Liux Big is expected to be priced below €18,000 before subsidies.
Spanish startup Liux is preparing to enter the competitive microcar market with its upcoming electric vehicle, the Liux Big, emphasizing sustainability and circular economy principles. The company aims to challenge established players, including Chinese manufacturers and brands like Smart, by focusing on innovative materials and design for longevity and recyclability.
Liux's approach centers on a novel linen-based biocomposite for the car's body, designed to be easily extracted and recycled. Co-founder Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, who previously co-founded the B Corp Auara, brings experience in circularity. The company's other co-founder, David Sancho, is an engineer with a background in electric vehicle development, having previously unveiled a hybrid supercar at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Despite opening Spain's first new car plant in over 30 years, Liux acknowledges the difficulty of achieving a fully sovereign supply chain. Instead, they are prioritizing sustainability as their guiding principle. The Liux Big is designed for easy maintenance and to avoid rapid obsolescence, with rechargeable batteries that can utilize solar power.
Liux has secured Europe-wide homologation for the Liux Big, with sales slated to begin in the first half of next year. The company has grown to 65 employees and is preparing to scale production across three facilities in Spain, including its plant in Azuqueca de Henares, which operates on lean management principles. Liux projects a production capacity of up to 20,000 cars annually by 2030.
More than 7,500 individuals have joined the waiting list for the Liux Big, with the typical prospective buyer identified as a 55- to 60-year-old city dweller, suggesting the microcar may often serve as a second vehicle. Liux is also exploring partnerships for B2B fleets and autonomous driving technology. The final price is expected to be below €18,000 (approximately $21,000) before subsidies, positioning it at the higher end of the microcar segment.
The Liux Big is homologated in the L7e category and features a 260-liter trunk. The company has focused on safety and driving dynamics, conducting tests beyond regulatory requirements. The vehicle will be available with 15 kWh and 20 kWh battery options, with a cargo version also planned. Liux has secured €16 million (about $18.5 million) in funding to bring the urban version to market through European dealerships, aiming to differentiate its sales experience with sustainable design elements.