Chinese electric vehicle brands, led by giants like BYD Co., are steadily gaining ground in Europe. Their sleek, high-tech models at competitive prices have already begun winning over customers across the continent. But while much of the spotlight has been on family-sized sedans and SUVs, one lesser-known startup is setting its sights on an entirely different frontier, which is Europe’s compact micro-car segment.
Image Source: Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
The all-aluminium frame & much more
Linktour Automotive, a relatively small name compared to its established peers, has announced plans to introduce two new all-electric “Alumi” models — the L6e and the L7e, to European streets. Featuring an ‘all aluminium’ frame and battery cells integrated directly into the structure, the company is planning to debut its L-series vehicles in Italy this November, aiming to sell 20,000 units across Europe next year at prices it promises will remain “competitive.”
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For now, though, the company’s greatest hurdle is not tariffs or trade policies. “Tariffs aren’t our biggest worry right now,” said Linktour Chief Executive Officer William Tang. “The genuine challenge is gaining consumer acceptance.” Winning over European drivers accustomed to well-established local brands will be the ultimate test.
These vehicles measure just over 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) in length, embodying the definition of city-friendly design. Their top speeds are modest, with the L6e capped at 45 kilometres per hour and the L7e reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour. While Tang declined to reveal pricing, he promised it would be “competitive.”
Because of their compact dimensions, both models can be charged at home using a standard outlet, a practical selling point for urban residents. Inside, they feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch intelligent panel for functions like Apple CarPlay integration and remote controls.
Although Linktour’s new models look like small city cars, under European Union rules, they actually fall into the category of motorised quadricycles. That point matters because it spares them from the import tariffs the EU recently slapped on electric vehicles from abroad. For a newcomer trying to win a foothold, escaping those extra costs could make all the difference in keeping prices attractive and gaining market share. Motorised quadricycles are compact, budget-friendly four-wheelers designed for city travel, with limited speed and power and sometimes even handlebars.
Backing from aluminium giants
The Alumi series is more than just a commercial venture; it is also a test case for Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, the parent company of Linktour and of aluminium powerhouse China Hongqiao Group. As one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, Hongqiao is eager to demonstrate how advanced alloys can transform EV manufacturing.
Shandong Weiqiao already supplies aluminium products to major names like BYD and Xiaomi Corp. By backing Linktour’s foray into Europe, it is essentially showcasing aluminium’s potential as the material of choice for next-generation mobility.
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Opportunities abroad
Back in China, carmakers face a very different reality. The domestic EV market has become overcrowded, with fierce competition and a government crackdown on relentless price-cutting. Overseas, though, the picture is brighter. By leaning on their ability to manufacture at lower cost, Chinese brands have been able to offer European buyers affordable options and grow their presence on the continent. For companies like Linktour, expanding overseas is no longer just an option but a necessity.
“We’ve been focused on the overseas market from the very beginning,” said Linktour Chief Executive Officer William Tang. “We don’t have the baggage of a domestic market.”
This clarity of purpose sets Linktour apart, but it doesn’t insulate the company from challenges. Europe already has a robust appetite for micro EVs, and Linktour will need to compete with familiar brands like Citroën and Renault, both of which already sell two-door, two-seat models.
The aluminium advantage
What could truly distinguish Linktour’s Alumi models is not just their size or affordability, but their innovative construction. The vehicles integrate battery cells directly into the frame, a design that enhances both safety and handling.
What truly sets the L-series apart is its all-aluminium frame, the first of its kind in this segment. At under 100 kilograms, the frame is about 45 per cent lighter than a traditional steel body. That kind of weight saving isn’t just a design detail; it has a direct impact on efficiency, since in electric cars every extra kilo reduces range and performance.
This move also reflects a wider industry trend. Carmakers around the world are turning to aluminium because it allows them to build vehicles that are lighter, tougher, and far more resistant to corrosion. For electric vehicles in particular, aluminium has become indispensable as it balances out the bulk of heavy battery packs while adding safety and durability.
For Linktour, choosing aluminium is not only a practical decision, it’s also a statement that the company wants to stand out in a crowded market through innovative, forward-looking engineering.
Also Read: Asia’s EV market 2020-2025: China leads the growing production trend, as India follows suit
Looking beyond microcars
Linktour is not stopping at compact models. According to Tang, the company plans to gradually introduce larger vehicles tailored to different markets, including the UK and the Middle East. The next offering will be built on a longer, more conventional wheelbase, signalling ambitions beyond the micro-EV niche.
Aluminium & the future of EVs
If Linktour succeeds, it could mark a turning point not only for the startup but also for the role of aluminium in EV design. As the industry searches for ways to enhance efficiency, extend range, and reduce carbon footprints, aluminium’s lightweight, durable, and recyclable qualities are becoming indispensable. The Alumi L6e and L7e, small as they are, embody this trend.
By putting aluminium at the heart of their design, Linktour isn’t just selling cars but is making a statement about the material’s importance to the future of electric mobility. In doing so, the startup may well prove that in the race for EV adoption, sometimes smaller truly is smarter.
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