Lucid Motors, a startup based in California, has recently made a remarkable entrance into the EV market with its impressive and highly capable sedans.
While the company has been in operation for many years, it only introduced its first consumer-ready vehicle in 2021. Although the company has primarily focused on sedans, it is set to launch an SUV, the Lucid Gravity, in the near future. Here’s an overview of the expanding EV company and a comparison with Tesla, the more established company led by Elon Musk.
What is Lucid?
Established in 2007, Lucid Motors began producing and selling its first (and currently only) model, the Air sedan, in late 2021, around the time when Tesla was still relatively young.
The premium brand now offers multiple versions of the Air. The vehicles are manufactured at a factory in Arizona. Peter Rawlinson, Lucid’s CEO, previously held a senior engineering position at Tesla.
About Lucid Group
Lucid’s mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating advanced technologies and the most captivating luxury electric vehicles centered around the human experience. The company’s first car, the Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California- inspired design. Assembled at Lucid’s factories in Casa Grande, Arizona and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Saudi Arabia, deliveries of Lucid Air are currently underway to customers in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
What is the price of a Lucid car compared to Tesla?
Over time, Tesla has developed a range of vehicles, with prices varying from relatively affordable (such as the $39,000 Model 3 sedan) to quite expensive (like the nearly six-figure Model S Plaid, or around $121,000 for the Cybertruck Beast).
Lucid primarily caters to the luxury market, with the entry-level Air Pure starting at $69,900. The pricing for the model extends up to $250,000 for the Air Sapphire, a high-performance luxury vehicle.
As indicated by its pricing, Lucid prioritizes delivering substantial amounts of luxury, performance, and technology — and it certainly delivers. The $111,400 Air Grand Touring Performance, tested by Business Insider, was one of the most remarkable vehicles they had ever experienced.
Externally, the long, low, and wide Air has a futuristic appearance that sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. The interior of the Lucid Air is equally stylish and distinctive, complementing the overall package. The vehicle they tested was adorned with supple leather and featured a vast windshield that extended beyond the driver’s head.
Some Air models boast over 1,000 horsepower and exceptional performance. Additionally, Lucid offers the longest EV range on the market with the Air Grand Touring, which can travel 516 miles on a full battery charge.
For years, Tesla led the market, but its flagship Model S sedan is no longer the electric car with the longest range, offering only 405 miles on a full charge.
Tesla’s primary competitor to Lucid is its flagship Model S sedan, which also provides extensive range, impressive speed, and advanced technology at a high price — although not as high as Lucid’s top-of-the-line offering. Both vehicles provide some of the fastest charging available, although Tesla’s charging speed varies significantly based on the type of charging station used.
Both brands eschew traditional buttons and switches in favor of touchscreen interfaces that control various functions, from air conditioning to door locks. Tesla’s interiors are minimalistic, while Lucid offers a more compelling interior and additional features, such as massaging seats.
One drawback of Lucid Motors’ vehicles is that they cannot access Tesla’s extensive network of Supercharger stations, which Tesla owners benefit from.
Neither brand operates franchised dealerships like traditional automakers. Instead, they own and operate their own showrooms and service centers. Customers have the option to order a vehicle online directly from the company, which will then be delivered to a showroom or service center. Depending on the location, it is also possible to have the vehicle delivered to a home or business address.
Why The Lucid Air Is Better Than The Tesla Model S
There was a time when the Tesla Model S was the sole choice for electric sedans, but the landscape has changed significantly. Today, there are numerous electric sedans available, offering different prices, power outputs, purposes, and all-electric ranges. also a time when the Model S led the way in terms of range and efficiency, but that is no longer the case.
Many rival automakers have not only caught up with the technology that Tesla has worked hard to pioneer, but they are also beginning to surpass the California-based company in numerous ways, causing Tesla to lose ground in the sales battle.
The Lucid Air currently reigns as the leader in the electric sedan market, as it provides more power and range and is also faster than the Model S. This alone is likely to pique the interest of most buyers, perhaps even why you are here. point is, however, that the Lucid Air offers much more than just superior power and range, and here are the main reasons why the Lucid Air outshines the Model S.
On 29th October 2023, Lucid Air continues to present a strong challenge to the Tesla Model S. This electric vehicle offers competitive or even superior performance compared to the Model S, although at a slightly higher price. As the 2024 models for both Lucid Motors and Tesla is being introduced, the competition in the electric vehicle segment is intensifying.
Many drivers perceive the Lucid Air as more sophisticated and traditionally luxurious than the Model S.
A key reason why some people choose the Lucid Air luxury sedan over the Tesla Model S is its classic design and more conventional approach to luxury. The Lucid Air offers a timeless driving experience, in contrast to the Model S, which somewhat resembles the “fishbowl” ” ” design of the Model 3. However, some individuals prefer the rounded design and spaceship-like interior of Tesla, although for many luxury car buyers, the Lucid Air is more appealing.
Historically, the Model S has been a sleek and sporty electric vehicle, featuring design elements not commonly found in luxury sedans. In contrast, the Lucid Air exudes charm and elegance, with numerous advanced features that outperform those of Tesla. While aesthetics are not the only consideration, they undoubtedly make a difference.
The 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire model boasts 1,234 horsepower, a 118.0 kWh battery, and a 900-volt architecture.
One of the most exciting announcements from Lucid Motors is the introduction of the 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire, an ultra-fast and luxurious sedan set to hit the market soon. The latest generation Lucid Air offers specifications such as 1,234 horsepower, a 118.0-kWh battery , and a 900-volt architecture, enabling it to recharge at rates of up to 300 kW at DC fast-charging stations.
These details clearly outshine the current Model S, although Tesla has been reluctant to share any information about a next-generation redesign or update. In contrast, the media has been captivated by Lucid Air’s Sapphire model, which comes with a price tag of $250,000. Pricing a luxury sedan at such a high level is rare, positioning Lucid in a new realm within the global vehicle market.
As of October 2023, customers can purchase a Lucid Air model for $77,400
In October 2023, Lucid Motors is offering deals on the Air models, starting at $77,400 for the Lucid Air Pure RWD. Lease options begin at $749 per month, with an $8,069 initial payment. Although this may seem relatively high even for a lease, Lucid Motors is actively striving to attract more drivers to its vehicles, whether for the Air or any other model.
Tesla has also reduced prices (more aggressively than Lucid Motors), with the Model 3 and Model Y receiving the greatest discounts. The Model S, being a higher-end option, has seen minimal changes in pricing, currently retailing for $74,990, excluding taxes and fees, which is still slightly lower than the Lucid Air. Once again, customers get more value for their money when purchasing through Lucid (for the time being), which is a justification for the higher-priced vehicle for many people.
The 2024 Lucid Air model is available in 6 trim levels, with Canadian pricing ranging from $94,500 to $325,000 MSRP.
The entry-level Pure model starts at $94,500 Canadian dollars and features an Electric: 321-kW motor & 88.00-kWh & Lithium Ion battery. The mid-range Pure Dual Motor trim is priced at $109,900 MSRP. The top-tier model, Sapphire , is priced at $325,000 Canadian dollars. Freight and PDI (Destination or Delivery charges) amount to $2,000 Canadian dollars, although this may vary between provinces and dealers.
The Lucid Air is equipped with a 360-degree overhead camera system
Similar to many luxury cars, the Lucid Air is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, providing drivers with a clear view of their surroundings while driving, parking, or even when inside the vehicle. This system operates similarly to Tesla’s camera technology, but with the Lucid Air, drivers get a more comprehensive view around their vehicle. The camera provides an ‘overhead’ view, displaying the car from a top-down perspective rather than showing all sides at once.
Given the high price of the sedan, it is understandable for Lucid to develop this system, which is displayed on the driver’s infotainment screen. However, with Tesla actively working on a similar feature, it remains to be seen what will come next?.
Tesla Model S achieves 0-60 MPH in 1.99 seconds, while Lucid Air achieves it in 1.89 seconds
If you think back a few years, you can probably recall when the electric car making headlines was the Tesla Model S Plaid. This electric vehicle is essentially a speed demon on wheels. Today, we are witnessing a vehicle that can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 1.99 seconds and complete a quarter-mile sprint in about 9.23 seconds.
Surprisingly, these are no longer the fastest production EV times, as the Lucid Air can accomplish the same in 1.89 seconds and 8.95 seconds, respectively. These are figures that used to be unheard of without significant modifications to an ICE engine, but now can be achieved by a combination of electric motors and advanced technologies.
The flagship Lucid Air Sapphire is equipped with three electric motors and over delivers 1,200 horsepower
The Lucid Air Sapphire, the top-tier model in the Air lineup, is powered by three electric motors that produce a combined 1,200 horsepower. In contrast, the Model S Plaid features the same tri-motor all-wheel-drive system but with an output of only 1,020 horsepower. According to the information we have from Lucid, the Sapphire can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 1.89 seconds, from 0 to 100 MPH in just 3.87 seconds, and reach a top speed of 205 MPH.
On the other hand, the Model S Plaid takes 1.99 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH and can achieve a top speed of 200 MPH. The Air Sapphire also promises a quarter-mile time of under nine seconds, while the Plaid’s official quarter- mile time is 9.23 seconds with a 155-MPH trap speed. However, some enthusiasts have managed to achieve a time of just 8.94 seconds at 156 MPH.
The Lucid Air is significantly lighter than conventional EV sedans, contributing to its performance
One of the major challenges in the EV manufacturing industry has been the weight of the vehicles. The weight of the batteries needed to power an EV, as well as the motors that must be installed on each axle or tire for higher performance options, has been a significant concern. Lucid Air has revolutionized this by developing an all-new platform called the Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP).
With this innovative approach, Lucid has created a smaller electric motor that weighs only 163 pounds, while offering more horsepower per motor than any others currently available on the market (up to 670 horsepower). To put this into perspective, according to reports from Lucid Motors, one of these electric motors could fit into a carry-on piece of luggage!
Both the Lucid Air and the Model S utilize rapid-charging systems
Advancements in battery technology have led to improved range for electric cars in a short period of time. In some parts of the world, including the United States, the transition to electric vehicles has been slower compared to other regions due to the disparity in range compared to a full tank of gasoline. When factoring in the time required to charge an EV versus refueling an ICE vehicle, there is a significant discrepancy.
Fortunately, today’s innovative technology is enhancing the range and charging times, making the playing field more level. Lucid is one of the companies making significant strides in this area, now offering driving ranges of over 500 miles per charge. If Toyota succeeds in producing solid -state batteries with a range of over 900 miles and the ability to charge within 20 minutes, the shift to EVs will be more of a sprint than a leisurely walk.
The Lucid Air offers a greater range than the Tesla Model S (520 miles versus 405 miles)
There was a time when no one could match Tesla’s range, but those days are long gone as more manufacturers are pledging ranges of 400 – 500 miles, with Lucid Motors being one of them. Even in its base configuration, the Lucid Air promises more driving range than the Model S, so Tesla has lost significant ground in this segment.
The Air Pure has a range of 410 miles, and the range only improves from there. The Touring model offers up to 425 miles, the Grand Touring up to 469 miles with 21-inch wheels, and 516 miles with 19-inch wheels. Dream Edition Range provides 481 miles of range with 21-inch wheels and 520 miles with 19-inch wheels.
The Dream Edition Performance is rated at either 451 or 471 miles, depending on the wheels, while we are still awaiting the official figures for the Sapphire. As for the Model S, the range is 405 miles for the base model and 396 miles for the Model S Plaid.
350 kW rapid charging can also be utilized with the Lucid Air
In terms of charging speed, the Model S also falls short. While the Tesla Supercharger network is widely regarded as one of the best and most extensive in the world, it only provides charging speeds of up to 250 kW. Using one of the 45,000 Superchargers available in the United States, the Model S can gain up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging, which is still quite impressive.
However, the Lucid Air takes advantage of an ultra-high 900V+ electrical architecture and has access to an expanding 350kW fast-charging infrastructure being developed nationwide. The Air can achieve 20 miles of range for every minute of charging, making it the fastest-charging electric vehicle available.
Upon purchase, Lucid Air models come with three years of fast charging at Electrify America Stations
It goes without saying that the Lucid Air is not without its flaws and is far from being a perfect EV. This is why a solid warranty is essential. It enjoys a warranty identical to what Tesla offers: four-year/50,000-mile basic coverage and eight years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and battery.
In fact, the Model S comes out on top in this aspect, as it includes an eight-year/150,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and battery. However, Lucid will provide Air owners with three years of free, fast charging at Electrify America stations, allowing for complimentary charging during this period.
The Lucid Air offers superior driver assistance compared to nearly every other car on the market
While Tesla has long boasted about its self-driving capabilities, they essentially consist of two optional functions that enable its models to operate on autopilot. On the other hand, the Lucid Air features Dream Drive – the most advanced driver assistance system in the world with autonomous driving capabilities that surpass those of Tesla.
The latest version, called Dream Drive Pro, incorporates an extensive 32-sensor suite comprising 14 cameras, 1 lidar, 5 radar, and 12 ultrasonic units. Its software stack operates on the NVIDIA Drive platform, providing significant computing power for advanced features that enhance driver safety and aid in critical road decision-making. This feature is standard on Lucid Air Dream Edition and Lucid Air Grand Touring trims and is available as an option on all other Lucid models.
The Lucid Air boasts a more sophisticated, timeless interior compared to the Model S
With all the cutting-edge technology available in today’s market, every new car and SUV must incorporate as many modern features as possible without going overboard. Ensuring that the commute from home to the office, to the grocery store, and back home is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, as well as turning those out-of-the-way drives into adventures rather than nightmares, is the ultimate goal.
Both Tesla and Lucid are packed with state-of-the-art technology, and despite some complaints about the interiors of both not meeting expectations, both companies have significantly improved in recent years.
The Model S has a somewhat uninspiring interior, mirroring the bland exterior. The most divisive feature is likely the steering yoke, which has garnered both praise and criticism. The sedan also features a 17-inch touchscreen that replaces all physical buttons, making simple commands more distracting while driving. Of course, this issue is prevalent in many cars these days, not just those from Tesla. The Air is no exception as it is equipped with a curved 34-inch Glass Cockpit panel that floats around the driver’s seat, providing easier access and visibility.
A retractable central Pilot Panel also allows for deeper control of features. The rest of the cabin is characterized by high-quality craftsmanship and sustainability inspired by the natural landscapes of California.
Customers have the option to select from high-quality Nappa leather or a sophisticated PurLuxe leather alternative, Alcantara, a sustainable alpaca and recycled yarn wool blend textile, or premium woods such as Silvered Eucalyptus, North American Walnut, or Carbon Oak.
According to customer reviews, the Lucid Air has a more comfortable and spacious interior compared to the Model S
The Model S can accommodate up to five people and offers synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. While the front seats provide ample space and good support, the rear passengers may desire more legroom. Similarly, the Air can seat five adults, with the base model featuring synthetic leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats.
In contrast, higher trims of the Lucid Air come with genuine leather upholstery for the seats, which are also heated and ventilated as standard and offer optional massage functions. Unlike the Model S, the Air’s rear cabin provides generous space for three adults and offers the most legroom in its segment.
The Lucid Air is considered a more elegant and stylish sedan compared to the Model S
This four-door electric vehicle features a more sophisticated design, with the roof being its most distinctive feature. Tesla’s exterior design, which has been consistent across its models for years, has not seen significant improvements. This is one of the main reasons why the Model S feels outdated compared to the Air.
The Air sports an exterior design inspired by aircraft, with clean and graceful lines. It is also one of the most aerodynamic cars globally, with a drag coefficient of 0.197.
The Air also offers an optional Glass Canopy, which not only provides a beautiful view of the sky but also includes a protective interlayer to block out heat and sunlight. In early 2023, Lucid announced a Stealth Look exterior upgrade for the Air, which, for $6,000, modifies thirty-five external components of the car, giving it an even more distinctive appearance.
Both the Lucid Air and the Model S boast a wide range of safety features and specifications
The Lucid Dream Drive sets the Air apart from the Model S, with superior driver monitoring and detection. Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and both the Lucid Air and the Tesla Model S are equipped with some of the most advanced safety features available .
Both vehicles include features such as backup assistance, cross-traffic alerts, self-driving modes, parking assistance, self-parking, lane-keeping assist, and more. What sets the Lucid Air apart is the Lucid Dream Drive, which offers some features that the Tesla does not. For instance, the Lucid Air is equipped with a lidar sensor (Light Detection and Ranging), a driver-monitoring system, and 32 different sensors.
Tesla and Lucid Motors are recognized for producing some of the safest electric vehicles on the market
Unfortunately, the NHTSA has not yet conducted comprehensive testing on either the Lucid Air or the Tesla Model S, preventing the release of crash test videos at this time. However, the Tesla Model S has achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating twice since it entered production, a significant achievement.
Most recently, in 2022, it received a 98% rating for driver assistance safety, 91% for child protection safety technology, and 94% for adult protection safety technology. On the other hand, the Lucid Air has not received as favorable ratings from the same organization, scoring 84% for driver assistance safety technology, 91% for child safety assistance technology, and 90% for adult safety technology assistance.
Like their traditional internal combustion engine units, the Lucid Air and the Tesla Model S have a finite lifespan. While they are built to last as long as possible, it is important to understand that all moving parts eventually wear out and require repair or replacement, and these two electric vehicles are no exception.
Reliability ratings for newer vehicles can be easily obtained by seeking input from current owners or consulting reputable sources such as Consumer Reports, which aggregates data from numerous owners.
In this case, the predicted reliability of the 2023 Lucid Air is rated at 2/5, indicating that it has encountered issues with the electrical systems and the backup cameras. Similarly, the 2023 Tesla Model S has also received a 2/5 rating, with problems reported in the electrical system and front-facing camera angles.
The Lucid Air offers a wider range of options compared to the Model S
Although not all Lucid Air models are currently available for purchase, the company has announced plans for six trims: Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, Dream Edition Range, Dream Edition Performance, and Sapphire. In contrast, the Model S offers three trims: base , long-range, and plaid.
With the exception of the Lucid Air Sapphire, all Air models are powered by two electric motors, providing power ranging from 480 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque in the Pure trim to 1,111 horsepower and 1,025 pound-feet of torque in the Dream Edition Performance.
Lucid has also announced that the Air Pure will soon be available with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. For the Model S, the options are more straightforward: customers can choose between the dual motor setup with 670 horsepower or the tri-motor setup with 1,020 horsepower.
The Lucid Air is designed with revolutionary battery and charging technology to make owning a sustainable vehicle more convenient and less complex
Offering the longest range of any electric car currently available,¹ the Lucid Air provides the freedom to travel longer distances with confidence. During road trips, the Lucid Air minimizes charging stops with its advanced onboard technology, making it one of the fastest-charging vehicles on the market.
For daily use, most Lucid owners prefer the convenience of charging their vehicles at home overnight. It’s akin to starting each day with a full tank of gas, without the hassle of stopping to refuel. Additionally, overnight home charging is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it utilizes energy during off-peak times.²
To ensure customers have the best charging experience, every new Lucid Air now comes with a $1,000 Charging Allowance ($1,300 CAD) that can be used towards the purchase of Lucid charging accessories, such as the Lucid Home Charger.
Equipping your home with the leading charging technology from Lucid is possible with the Lucid Home Charger. This high-capacity 80 Amp/19.2 kW Lucid Connected Home Charger is the most powerful Level-2 home charger available, delivering up to 80 miles of range per hour in an eco-friendly manner. Its compact design and generous 24-foot cable make it easy to install and use indoors or outdoors. With Wi-Fi connectivity, the Lucid Connected Home Charging Station is designed to receive future updates to enhance performance and functionality.
Lucid is launching its first-ever Sustainability Report
Today, Lucid Group is releasing our inaugural Sustainability Report, outlining our commitment to accelerating the adoption of efficient, decarbonized technology for a sustainable future.
Sustainability is at the core of Lucid Group as an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and technology company. It’s integral to our purpose and products, as we have a crucial role in shaping a more innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible future.
The Need for Efficiency
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the US Achieving a more environmentally sustainable future requires reducing emissions in the transportation sector through accelerated adoption of green technologies and improved efficiency.
Efficiency involves using fewer materials and less energy to achieve more. It means providing drivers with the range they need to travel further and recharge less, addressing “range anxiety” and reducing the reliance on energy resources like fossil fuels, which are heavily used by much of our grid. Efficiency enables us to accomplish this using fewer batteries and precious minerals in the process.
Not All EVs Are Alike
While all EVs offer the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions, their overall environmental impact can vary significantly. Numerous factors influence this, primarily due to the wide-ranging differences in energy efficiency among EVs. The less electricity an EV consumes to drive each mile, the fewer carbon emissions are associated with each mile traveled.
Lucid dedication to efficiency is evident in the EPA’s widely utilized miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating, with the Lucid Air Pure achieving a rating of up to 137 MPGe in combined city and highway driving. This is the highest rating in the EPA’s Large Car category and the second-highest rating among any 2024 model-year vehicle as of the present.³
Through Lucid focus on efficiency, different versions of the Lucid Air have managed to achieve the longest range (up to 500 miles on a single charge⁴) and one of the fastest-charging EVs (up to 20 miles added per minute⁵) with the highest efficiency measured in miles/kilowatt-hour (4.74 miles per kilowatt hour).
Lucid commitment to efficiency also influences our battery approach. Lucid use fewer batteries and battery materials to maintain the safety, quality, and driving experience expected by Lucid’s customers. In contrast to prevailing trends in the market, where larger vehicles often require larger battery packs to achieve even a fraction of the Lucid Air’s range, Lucid focus on efficiency allows us to achieve impressive range with a smaller battery pack.
Social Responsibility, Community Impact, and Human Rights
As an EV company, Lucid naturally places a strong emphasis on the environment. However, Lucid believe that sustainability and social responsibility extend far beyond our efforts towards a lower emissions future.
Lucid Air is a strong program for nurturing talent to support and promote the growth of our workforce. Lucid Air places a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across its global locations through training and initiatives such as employee resource developing groups (ERGs) ).
Lucid Air is dedicated to giving back to local communities through various activities, fundraising efforts, and volunteer opportunities that promote STEAM and DEI initiatives. Lucid Air proudly partners with the United Way of Pinal County in Arizona, supporting programs like GED scholarships, rental and utility aid, and childcare assistance, having raised over $130,000 in 2022 for this important cause.
In addition, Lucid Air is committed to safeguarding human rights and is working to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address adverse human rights impacts throughout its operations and broader value chain, including those of its suppliers and business partners. In line with these efforts, Lucid Air has initiated the development of a comprehensive human rights program to address potential human rights risks in its operations, an initiative that spans across all aspects of Lucid Air’s global business operations.
The Path Ahead
Lucid Group possesses the technical expertise, innovative design, and pioneering mindset to create impactful products with reduced environmental impact.
Lucid Air believes that true sustainability means never compromising when it comes to its environmental and social impact and is in the early stages of establishing a comprehensive approach in this area. As a relatively young company, Lucid is focusing on collecting data and setting a baseline on key sustainability focus areas.
Today, Lucid unveiled a range of updates to the Lucid Air Pure model line, all aimed at enhancing the capabilities and enjoyment of the world’s best electric vehicles.
One of the most exciting updates is that the new Lucid Air Pure offers an EPA-estimated range of 420 miles from a battery pack that is only 84 kilowatt-hours. Enabled by further advancements of Lucid’s groundbreaking technology, this makes the Lucid Air the first vehicle in the world to achieve a ratio of 5.0 miles of range per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy. It has also earned the highest MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating ever given to an EV with 146 MPGe from the EPA.
With the advancements driven by Lucid, the Lucid Air Pure is the most energy-efficient and sustainably-powered vehicle ever made. Whatever journey you are embarking upon, the Air Pure effectively requires less energy to go from point A to point B than anything else available today. It is a major milestone in the global effort for sustainable electric transportation.
To put this in some context, the new Lucid Air Pure is not only vastly more fuel-efficient than popular gasoline-powered vehicles like the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius Hybrid, it is even significantly more efficient than other fully electric vehicles.
The batteries used in electric vehicles are better than ever, but they remain large, heavy, and costly. The larger the battery pack in a vehicle, the bigger, heavier, and more expensive it will be. Indeed, this is why so many automakers have struggled to introduce appealing EVs.
Efficiency is the key to electric vehicles without such compromises. Efficiency is what makes it possible to design electric vehicles that deliver the range that consumers expect without relying on an enormous battery pack and thus sacrificing affordability, passenger space, and a fun driving experience.
How efficient an electric vehicle is when driving on the road also drives critical differences in how much time is spent off the road for charging. While much attention is paid – rightly – to public charging infrastructure, the fact remains that roughly 90% of EV charging is done at home, with Level 2 (AC) charging systems that deliver the same power regardless of what kind of EV is plugged in.
This means that, when plugged in overnight, most EVs will receive roughly the same amount of energy. But how far an EV can travel with that energy is another matter entirely.
When plugged in for 10 hours at home, the new Lucid Air Pure can add 380 miles of driving range, charging the vehicle from 0% to 90%. Over the same 10-hour period, a Tesla Model S would only reach 76%, for a total of 306 miles. Plugged in overnight, a Rivian R1S SUV would be only 51% charged, with just 204 miles of range available from its large battery pack.
Increasing efficiency also makes it possible to manufacture more cars with a given amount of raw materials, helping mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing. Lucid recently announced that its first sustainability report will be published this year and looks forward to sharing more on this topic as well .
Lucid is proud of this recent achievement, but acknowledges that the work must continue to make EVs even more appealing and accessible to consumers around the world. While achieving 5 miles per kilowatt-hour is a significant milestone, the focus must continue on striving towards a future with even more efficient transportation, cleaner air, and a sustainable environment.
Rumors of a Saudi Buyout
Reports have recently suggested that Lucid Motors, an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer based in California, might be subject to a significant acquisition. The speculation indicates that the Public Investment Fund (PIF), an investment firm controlled by the government of Saudi Arabia, is contemplating the purchase of Lucid Motors. In this article, we’ll delve into these speculations and consider the potential implications of a Saudi acquisition of Lucid Motors for the company’s future and the EV industry.
Lucid Motors is emerging as a prominent contender in the electric vehicle market despite being a relatively new participant, gaining recognition for its innovative designs and state-of-the-art technology. The company’s debut vehicle, the Lucid Air, is scheduled for release later this year and has already garnered substantial attention due to its advanced features, high-end luxury, and exceptional performance.
The speculation about a Saudi acquisition of Lucid Motors originates from the country’s recent ventures in the electric vehicle market. Saudi Arabia has been actively striving to reduce its reliance on oil and invest in alternative energy, including electric vehicles. The PIF has already made investments in various EV companies, including Tesla, and is rumored to be seeking further opportunities in the sector.
If the speculations regarding a Saudi acquisition of Lucid Motors are accurate, it could entail a substantial infusion of capital for the company. This would enable Lucid Motors to expand its operations, enhance its production capacities, and continue advancing its cutting-edge technology. could also facilitate the company in realizing its objective of establishing a significant presence in the premium EV market.
Nevertheless, a buyout by the Saudi government could raise certain apprehensions, particularly concerning the aspects of autonomy and authority. Some individuals may express concerns that the acquisition of Lucid Motors by a government-owned investment firm could compromise the company’s independence and restrict its ability to make decisions aligned with its values and objectives.
At present, the speculations about a Saudi acquisition of Lucid Motors are merely speculative. However, if the reports are substantiated, it could have a notable impact on the company’s future and the electric vehicle market. Lucid Motors has the potential to emerge as a prominent contender in the premium EV market, and a buyout by the Saudi government could equip the company with the necessary resources to accomplish its aspirations. The future of Lucid Motors remains to be seen, but for now, it’s certainly prudent to keep a close watch on the speculations about a Saudi acquisition.
