The Lucid Air is a new all-electric luxury sedan aimed at competing with the Tesla Model S. Lucid Motors was founded in 2007 and unveiled the production version of the Air in September 2020. However, deliveries to customers only began in October 2021. As a relatively new model from a startup automaker, there is still much to be learned about the real-world performance and ownership experience of the Lucid Air.
Key Specifications
Battery Sizes: 113 kWh and 131 kWh
EPA Range Estimates:
- 113 kWh Version: Up to 410 miles
- 131 kWh Version: Up to 520 miles
Power and Performance:
- Up to 1,050 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds (for top trim)
Charging:
- 900V+ architecture allows very fast charging
- Adds up to 300 miles of charge in 21 minutes
Driver Assistance Technology:
- 32 sensors, including LIDAR
- ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking
Price: From $87,400 to $179,000
Potential Advantages
- Industry-leading driving range from 113 kWh and 131 kWh battery options
- Extreme fast charging capability
- Very high horsepower and acceleration
- Spacious interior and frunk storage space
- Over-the-air software update capability
- Level 3 autonomous driving hardware suite
Potential Disadvantages
- Very high starting price, especially compared to the Tesla Model S
- Newer company with unproven reliability track record
- Limited real-world experience from owners currently
- Expensive or lengthy repairs possible as with any luxury, high-performance electric vehicle
As with any new vehicle model, there are open questions and some risk involved with being an early adopter. However, the Lucid Air‘s initial characteristics show a compelling entry that pushes forward EV capabilities in many areas. Each consumer will weigh the pros and cons differently based on their individual needs, priorities and budget.
