The Evolution of the Linktour K-One: The First Vehicle of China’s Linktour Electric Brand
The Linktour K-One occupies a unique place in the history of China’s electric vehicle industry. Introduced in 2018 as the first production model from the newly established Linktour brand, the K-One was designed to showcase the company’s ambitions in the rapidly growing new-energy vehicle market. Although its production run was relatively brief, the K-One remains significant as the vehicle that launched the Linktour brand and established its presence in China’s competitive electric vehicle sector.
Developed as a compact electric crossover, the K-One combined contemporary styling, practical interior space, and competitive driving range figures for its era. The vehicle was offered with multiple powertrain and trim-level configurations, providing buyers with a choice of performance and range options. While sales volumes were limited and production lasted only a short period, the K-One played an important role in laying the foundation for later Linktour electric vehicles.
Origins of the Linktour Brand
The Linktour brand emerged in 2018 as part of Link Tour Holdings, a venture involving Hebei Yogomo Vehicle Industry and support from Great Wall Motor. The company’s objective was to create a dedicated electric vehicle brand capable of competing in China’s rapidly expanding new-energy vehicle market. At the time, China was experiencing unprecedented growth in electric vehicle adoption, driven by government incentives, emissions regulations, and technological advances.
Linktour’s strategy involved developing multiple electric vehicle platforms covering several market segments. The company announced plans for five models, ranging from compact city cars to larger crossover vehicles. The K-One was selected as the brand’s first production vehicle and served as the public introduction to Linktour’s technology and design philosophy.
The K-One was officially unveiled in September 2018 and entered production shortly thereafter. It was marketed as a compact electric crossover with styling intended to appeal to younger buyers and families seeking an affordable electric vehicle.
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2018: Introduction of the Linktour K-One
Production of the Linktour K-One began in late 2018. The vehicle was built as a five-door crossover hatchback and featured a battery-electric powertrain. Measuring 161.4 inches (4,100 mm) long, 67.3 inches (1,710 mm) wide, and 62.8 inches (1,595 mm) high, the K-One occupied the subcompact crossover segment. Its wheelbase measured 99.2 inches (2,520 mm), providing a relatively spacious cabin for a vehicle of its size.
The K-One’s styling was developed with assistance from international design teams and featured rounded body surfaces, a raised ride height, and crossover-inspired proportions. The design was intended to differentiate the vehicle from conventional compact hatchbacks while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
At launch, the K-One was available exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle and offered several trim levels built around two primary range categories.
2018–2019 Model Lineup
The K-One lineup consisted of four officially documented production variants.
K-One 300 Comfort
The entry-level version of the range was the K-One 300 Comfort.
Key specifications included:
- 45 kW (60 horsepower) electric motor
- 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque
- Front-wheel drive
- 40.55 kWh ternary lithium battery
- NEDC driving range of 193 miles (310 kilometers)
- Maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h)
This model was designed to provide an affordable entry point into electric vehicle ownership while maintaining practical daily usability.
K-One 300 Luxury
Positioned above the Comfort model, the K-One 300 Luxury utilized the same battery pack but offered additional equipment and improved performance.
Specifications included:
- 96 kW (129 horsepower) electric motor
- 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque
- Rear-wheel drive
- 40.55 kWh battery
- NEDC driving range of 193 miles (310 kilometers)
- Maximum speed of 78 mph (125 km/h)
The Luxury trim was aimed at buyers seeking stronger acceleration and enhanced equipment levels.
K-One 400 Comfort
The next step in the lineup was the K-One 400 Comfort.
Features included:
- 45 kW electric motor
- 170 Nm torque
- Front-wheel drive
- 46.2 kWh ternary lithium battery
- NEDC driving range of 252 miles (405 kilometers)
- Maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h)
The larger battery pack significantly improved driving range, making the vehicle more practical for longer-distance travel.
K-One 400 Luxury
The flagship version of the K-One lineup combined the larger battery with the more powerful electric motor.
Specifications included:
- 96 kW (129 horsepower) electric motor
- 230 Nm torque
- Rear-wheel drive
- 46.2 kWh battery pack
- NEDC driving range of 252 miles (405 kilometers)
- Maximum speed of 78 mph (125 km/h)
The K-One 400 Luxury served as the top-of-the-line model and represented the highest level of performance and range available in the lineup.
Equipment and Features
One of the K-One’s strengths was its generous equipment list. Even entry-level versions included features that were becoming increasingly expected in modern electric vehicles.
Standard equipment across much of the range included:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
- Dual front airbags
- Tire-pressure monitoring
- Keyless entry
- Keyless start
- Panoramic sunroof
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Touchscreen infotainment system
Higher trim levels added:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Rear-view camera
- Connected vehicle functions
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Enhanced multimedia systems
These features helped the K-One compete against other Chinese electric crossovers introduced during the same period.
Technology and Engineering
The K-One utilized permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors and ternary lithium battery technology. Buyers could choose between two power outputs and two battery capacities, resulting in the four-model lineup.
Battery choices included:
- 40.55 kWh battery pack
- 46.2 kWh battery pack
Motor choices included:
- 45 kW electric motor
- 96 kW electric motor
This modular approach allowed Linktour to offer a variety of performance and range combinations without requiring major engineering changes.
Fast charging capability was also available. Under ideal conditions, the battery could be charged from 0 to 90 percent in approximately one hour using a fast charger. Slower home charging required approximately 10 to 13 hours depending on battery size.
Sales Performance and End of Production
Despite the promising specifications, the K-One experienced limited commercial success. Production and sales lasted only a short time, with most sources indicating that sales effectively ended during 2019. Total Chinese sales are generally reported at approximately 1,156 vehicles during the model’s market life.
Several factors likely contributed to the vehicle’s limited market impact, including intense competition within China’s electric vehicle market and the rapid emergence of newer models from larger manufacturers.
Although the K-One’s production run was brief, it successfully introduced the Linktour brand and demonstrated the company’s engineering capabilities.
Production Timeline
2018
- Linktour brand launched
- K-One unveiled
- Production begins
- Four trim levels introduced:
- K-One 300 Comfort
- K-One 300 Luxury
- K-One 400 Comfort
- K-One 400 Luxury
2019
- Continued sales
- Production concludes
- Approximately 1,156 total units sold during model life
Legacy and Future Outlook
While the K-One itself did not remain in production for long, it served an important purpose as the founding model of the Linktour brand. The lessons learned from the K-One helped shape the development of later Linktour electric vehicles, including compact urban EVs and other new-energy models.
As Linktour evolved during the 2020s, the company shifted its focus toward newer vehicle categories, improved battery technologies, and broader market opportunities. The K-One remains an important milestone in the brand’s history because it established the foundation upon which future products were built.
The Linktour K-One was a pioneering vehicle for the young Linktour brand. Produced from 2018 to 2019, it was offered in four trim levels that combined two battery sizes and two electric motor options. With driving ranges of up to 252 miles and power outputs reaching 129 horsepower, the K-One delivered competitive performance for its time while introducing consumers to Linktour’s vision of affordable electric mobility.
Although its production run was short, the K-One remains historically significant as the first vehicle to carry the Linktour name. Its development marked the beginning of the brand’s journey into the electric vehicle market and helped establish the foundation for the company’s future growth.
