A new electric vehicle being developed partly on the Costa Blanca is getting closer to production, and there’s one detail likely to attract plenty of attention: you won’t necessarily have to wait until you’re 18 to drive one.
The Liux Big can be driven from the age of 16 because of the European vehicle category under which it has been approved.
The Spanish electric vehicle company Liux has carried out development work in Elche and opened a facility in Novelda as it prepares the Big for series production.
The company plans to start production during 2026, with a target price of under €18,000 including IVA and before any available public subsidies.
Why can you drive it at 16?
The Big falls within the European L7e category rather than the same category
as a conventional passenger car.
That classification places limits on characteristics including the vehicle’s weight and power and means different rules apply.
For Liux, it also gives the Big an obvious potential market among younger drivers as well as people looking for a small electric vehicle for everyday urban journeys.
Developed in Elche and Novelda
Although Liux will carry out final assembly in Azuqueca de Henares in Guadalajara, an important part of the work behind the Big takes place here in Alicante province.
Elche handles technical development, research and development and component validation.
Liux has also worked on structural components and materials for the vehicle in Elche, including development of its monocoque and bodywork.
Meanwhile, Novelda is home to a Liux facility dedicated to developing and manufacturing chassis and body components made from biocomposites.
The company uses flax fibre and other natural fibres as part of its efforts to reduce the vehicle’s weight and environmental impact.
Lighter materials for the body and chassis
Liux says its use of flax fibre can produce a chassis and body up to 50% lighter than conventional alternatives while reducing the CO₂ footprint by at least 60%.
The company also says its manufacturing process can recover up to 98% of the resin and 100% of the fabric used.
These materials form an important part of the company’s approach to the Big and its plans for larger-scale production.
Production planned to grow quickly
Liux plans to begin producing the Big during 2026 before gradually increasing output over the following two years.
The company aims to reach production capacity of 15,000 vehicles a year by 2028.
Its financial targets are similarly ambitious. Liux expects turnover to reach €80 million in 2027 and €170 million in 2028.
The company plans to invest €30 million over five years as it moves from vehicle development and component preparation into series production.
How much will the Liux Big cost?
Liux currently expects the Big to cost less than €18,000, including IVA.
That figure does not include any public grants or incentives that buyers may qualify for, so the eventual cost could depend on which electric vehicle schemes are available when sales begin.
There is already considerable interest ahead of its launch. More than 7,500 people have registered with Liux before the vehicle has gone on sale.
The company must now make the jump from development and testing to producing the Big on a much larger scale.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- What: Liux Big electric vehicle
- Costa Blanca connection: Development and R&D in Elche, with a component manufacturing facility in Novelda
- Minimum driving age: From 16 under its European vehicle classification
- Vehicle category: L7e
- Expected price: Under €18,000 including IVA and before possible grants
- Production: Planned to begin in 2026
- Final assembly: Azuqueca de Henares, Guadalajara
- Production target: Capacity for 15,000 vehicles a year by 2028
- Materials: Biocomposites incorporating flax and other natural fibres
- Investment: €30 million planned over five years
- Early interest: More than 7,500 people have registered ahead of commercial launch
