Lucid Air

Lucid Air
2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring in Zenith Red
Overview
ManufacturerLucid Motors
ProductionSeptember 2021 – present
Model years2022–present
Assembly
DesignerDerek Jenkins
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style4-door sedan
Layout
Powertrain
Power output430–1,234 hp (321–920 kW)
Transmission1-speed fixed gear
Battery88, 93, 112 or 118 kWh lithium-ion
Electric rangeUp to 520 mi (840 km)[1]
Plug-in charging
  • AC: 19.2 kW AC (240V at 80A)
  • DC: 250 or 300 kW, CCS connector
Dimensions
Wheelbase116.5 in (2,960 mm)
Length195.9 in (4,975 mm)
Width76.3 in (1,939 mm)
Height55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Curb weight4,516–5,336 lb (2,048–2,420 kg)[2][3]

The Lucid Air is a battery electric 4-door luxury sedan made by Lucid Motors. The car was announced in December 2016 and sold starting in 2021.

The Dream Edition's EPA range is estimated at 520 mi (840 km), the longest on the market as of 2024.[1][4] The production model was unveiled in September 2020, and production began in late 2021.[5][6]

In November 2020, the Lucid Air Pure was announced with 406 mi (653 km) of projected range and 480 horsepower (360 kW) and a starting price of US$77,400.[7] The range of trim levels includes Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, and Dream Edition.[7]

On September 28, 2021, Lucid Motors announced that production had begun, with the base Pure model expected in late 2022.[8] Deliveries commenced on October 30, 2021, with the first reservation holders taking delivery of Air Dream Editions in an event in California.[9][10]

History

[edit]

The Lucid Air was conceived in the early 2010s, with a prototype unveiled to the public in 2016,[11] and the production version unveiled in September 2020, with production planned for 2021.[5][6]

Lucid contracted with Samsung SDI on December 2, 2016, to supply batteries.[12][13]

In 2016, Lucid Motors created a delivery van with the prototype of its electric powertrain for the Air using batteries from its former brand, Atieva. Known as "Edna", the delivery van contained two gearboxes, motors producing over 900 hp (671 kW) and an 87 kWh battery pack. Combined with all-wheel drive and other physical and software updates, Edna was able to achieve 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.74 seconds and a quarter mile in 11.3 seconds.[14] According to Lucid Motors, Edna was used to test the real world performance of its powertrain, including "motor control algorithms, regenerative braking behaviors, accelerator pedal feel, and cooling strategies".[15]

In 2018, a modified Lucid Air prototype set an EV lap record of 1:41.67 at the Laguna Seca track, beating the Jaguar I-Pace's previous record of 1:48.18 by seven seconds.[16] The prototype Air was equipped with "Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tires, modified high temperature brake pads and fluid, a 6-point roll cage and fire suppression system".[17]

In 2018, Lucid Motors closed a US$1 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to fund the Air production,[18] then expected to commence in late 2020 following the construction of the Lucid factory in Casa Grande, Arizona.[18] The factory investment was expected to reach US$675 million by 2025 when all phases are complete, with the first phase including a US$168 million investment in equipment and US$82 million to acquire property.[19]

By May 2019, the Air was available for pre-order in the United States and Canada, with plans slated for China.[20] In an interview, CEO Peter Rawlinson stated that China was projected as a significant market for Lucid Motors due to their intensive usage patterns, for which the Air is best suited.[21]

In a 2019 interview, Rawlinson outlined that the US$100,000-plus vehicle could be the first stage of a much bigger vision, which could achieve a level of energy efficiency that combined with a ubiquitous fast charging network, would counteract the need for larger batteries.[22] Rawlinson said that Lucid Motors aims to improve energy efficiency to 5 mi/kWh (8.0 km/kWh) compared to an industry average of 3 mi/kWh (4.8 km/kWh).[22] Rawlinson further predicted that the price of batteries was expected to drop to US$100 / kWh within the next decade, which he believes will enable Lucid Motors to produce a luxury EV for less than US$30,000.[22]

On June 30, 2020, Lucid Motors said that they expected the Lucid Air to be "the world's most aerodynamically efficient luxury car when it goes into production".[23] The company "achieved a new benchmark in aerodynamic efficiency for its luxury electric car … with tests recently completed at Windshear's advanced rolling-road wind tunnel, the automaker verified a coefficient of drag of 0.21."[23]

On May 5, 2022, Lucid Motors announced that it was raising prices of its luxury Air sedan beginning June 1. The price hikes would push the base price of the Air sedan up as much as 13%.[24]

In June 2024, Rawlinson announced that the Lucid Air (RWD) had achieved a record efficiency, covering 5 mi/kWh (8.0 km/kWh), up from its prior record-setting 4.7 mi/kWh (7.6 km/kWh).[25]

Overview

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Rear view
Interior

Design

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The Air has been designed to compete in the luxury sports segment against the Tesla Model S as well as high-line models from German car manufacturers.[26] Its goal is to match the ability of sport coupes,[27] but has a greater interior space, with a smaller external length and width.[28] The exterior design was led by Derek Jenkins.

On September 9, 2020, the Lucid Air was officially unveiled, and on November 24, 2020, Lucid Motors detailed the full range including the Lucid Air Pure, Touring, Grand Touring and Dream Edition.[7]

Range

[edit]

The Dream Edition R's EPA range is up to 520 mi (840 km),[1] making it the longest range of any EV rated by the EPA.[29]

On November 24, 2020, the company-predicted range for all four models was announced: 406 mi (653 km) for the Lucid Air Pure and Lucid Air Touring, 503 mi (810 km) for the Lucid Air Dream Edition, and 516 mi (830 km) for the Lucid Air Grand Touring.[29][30] A 2022 test drive revealed that the Grand Touring model only managed 410 miles; however, this was still the first EV tested by Car and Driver to top 400 miles.[31] In 2024, Lucid Air broke the Guinness World Record for an EV driving through the most countries with a single charge – crossing 9 countries in 567 miles (912 km).[32]

DreamDrive (ADAS)

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On July 29, 2020, Lucid Motors announced DreamDrive, an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) which will debut in the Air. The DreamDrive sensor suite has 32 sensors in total, including "14 cameras: Three forward-facing, four side- and rear-facing, four surround-view, a rear-facing, a rear-facing fisheye, and lastly, a driving monitoring one. There are five radar units. One is a forward-facing long-range sensor, and the other four are short-range ones. Twelve short-range ultrasonic sensors handle near-field detection, and lastly, a high-resolution, long-range, 125-beam (equivalent), forward-facing Lidar maps the three-dimensional space ahead of the car."[33][clarification needed]

Aerodynamics

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The preproduction Air has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.21.[23] Later reporting from Motor Trend gives it as Cd=0.20 for the production version.[34] Rawlinson claims the Air has less drag than the Mercedes-Benz EQS due to a smaller frontal area.[35]

Powertrain

[edit]
Lucid Air chassis at Lucid Studio in New York City

Lucid Motors uses lithium-ion battery cells sourced from LG Chem to supply the Air's primary powertrain.[12]

The entry level Air Pure will be equipped with a 88-kWh battery with rear wheel drive, capable of producing 430 hp (321 kW),[36] 600 N⋅m (443 lbf⋅ft) of torque and 406 mi (653 km) of range.[37] The Air Dream Edition Range will have a 112 kWh battery pack which will provide an estimated 520 mi (840 km) of EPA range. The Air Dream Edition Performance will have a combined output of 1,111 hp (828 kW) and will be able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds.[27] In their most recent performance test, it achieved a top speed of 235 mph (378 km/h).[38]

As of 2021, the most efficient version on sale in the US, the Air Grand Touring with 19-in wheels, has an EPA rated energy efficiency of 26 kWh/100 mi (130 mpg‑e).[1]

Later independent reporting on real-world testing (drag strip performance times) showed the 1,111 hp (828 kW) Air Dream variant achieving a 1⁄4 mile (402 m) time of 10 seconds flat. The test providers noted that conditions on that particular day were suboptimal (colder than ideal temperature for example), leading them to speculate that 1⁄4 mile times closer to 9.8 seconds could be achieved under friendlier conditions.[citation needed]

Battery and charging

[edit]
Lucid Air Electric Drive Unit and Battery

Lucid Motors plans to offer a nationwide charging plan to customers in the US through its joint agreement with Electrify America.[39] The 800-volt DC charging system, first used by the Porsche Taycan, allows variable voltages up to 1000 volts, and thus is fully compatible with Lucid's 924-volt electrical architecture.[40]

When used with a 300 kW or higher charging station, the vehicle can gain 300 miles of range in 20 minutes.[41] The vehicle features a bidirectional rectifier capable of supplying up to 19.2 kW (240V ~ 80A) of AC power that could power a home or other load.[5]

It upconverts 400-volt or lower power coming from a charger to its operating voltage. It downconverts the battery pack's 900 volts to 400 volts to power other loads in the vehicle or to charge another vehicle.[42]

The company claims that its 2170 cells differ significantly from normal lithium ion cells due to their tolerance of repeated cyclic fast charging and non-use for a prolonged period of time while maintaining capacity.[21]

The Lucid Air is also capable of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, but only when using the optional RangeXchange[43] cable in conjunction with the second generation 40A Mobile Charging Cable.[44]

Features

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Front trunk
Tail spoiler on a Lucid Air Sapphire

Other standard features include: "LED headlights, all the necessary hardware for autonomous driving, four high resolution screens (three of which are touch sensitive), 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-speaker sound system, 12-way power adjustment for the front seats with heating, front and rear trunk with a total luggage space of around 900 liters (32 cu ft), and over-the-air software updates."[27][45][46][47]

The Air can be optioned as a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain producing up to 1,111 horsepower (828 kW) for the top of the range Air Dream Edition P.

Other options include: "active suspension, a panoramic sunroof, executive rear seats that can recline up to 55 degrees, a 29-speaker sound system with noise cancellation, 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels, and 22-way electric adjustment front seats with ventilation, dynamic bolsters and massage."[27][45][46]

Safety

[edit]
Euro NCAP test results
Lucid Air GT (LHD) (2022)[48]
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 34.2 90%
Child occupant: 45 91%
Pedestrian: 42.2 78%
Safety assist: 13.5 84%

Awards and accolades

[edit]

The Lucid Air has received several awards and honorary titles, such as:[49][non-primary source needed]

  • Car and Driver The quickest-charging EV Car and Driver has tested
  • SAE Automotive Engineering Lucid Motors’ home-grown technologies are setting the pace in electrification.
  • InsideEVs 2022 Record for longest range EV ever tested
  • InsideEVs 2022 Record-setting 70-mph range test
  • Edmunds 2022 Record for longest-range EV ever tested
  • Wards Auto 10 Best Engines & Propulsion System
  • Newsweek 2022 Best Super Luxury Car
  • Green Car Reports Best Car to Buy in 2022
  • Cars.com 2022 Top EV Pick for Luxury
  • Wards Auto 2022 Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX
  • U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Luxury Electric Car
  • Car and Driver 2023 Record for longest-range EV ever tested
  • U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Luxury Electric Car
  • Newsweek 2023 World's Greatest Powertrain Award
  • World Car Awards 2023 World Luxury Car
  • Car and Driver2024 10Best List

Models

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Model Pure Touring Grand Touring Grand Touring Performance Dream Edition Range Dream Edition Performance Sapphire[50]
Years 2023–present (as of 2024) 2022–present (as of 2024) 2022, 2023 2021–2023 (Limited Edition) 2023–present (as of 2024)
Layout Single-motor rear-wheel drive Dual-motor all-wheel drive Tri-motor all-wheel drive
Battery capacity 88 kWh 93 kWh 112 kWh 118 kWh
Power 430 hp (436 PS; 321 kW) 480 hp (487 PS; 358 kW) 620 hp (629 PS; 462 kW) 819 hp (830 PS; 611 kW) 1,050 hp (1,065 PS; 783 kW) 933 hp (946 PS; 696 kW) 1,111 hp (1,126 PS; 828 kW) 1,234 hp (1,251 PS; 920 kW)
Torque 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft)[51] 600 N⋅m (443 lbf⋅ft) 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) 1,200 N⋅m (885 lbf⋅ft) 1,390 N⋅m (1,025 lbf⋅ft)[52] 1,939 N⋅m (1,430 lbf⋅ft)
0 to 60 mph 4.5 sec 3.8 sec 3.4 sec 3.0 sec 2.6 sec 2.7 sec 2.5 sec 1.89 sec
Range (EPA) 20-in. wheels: 394 mi (634 km)
19-in. wheels: 419 mi (674 km) 		410 mi (660 km) 425 mi (684 km) (w. 19-in. wheels) 21-in. wheels: 469 mi (755 km)
19-in. wheels: 512 mi (824 km)[1] 		446 mi (718 km) 21-in. wheels: 481 mi (774 km)
19-in. wheels: 520 mi (837 km)[1] 		21-in. wheels: 451 mi (726 km)
19-in. wheels: 471 mi (758 km)[1] 		427 mi (687 km)
DC charging 250 kW 300 kW
AC charging 19.2 kW
Curb weight 4,564 lb (2,070 kg)[53] 4,988 lb (2,263 kg)[54] 2,272 kg (5,009 lb)[55] 5,236 lb (2,375 kg)[56] 5,336 lb (2,420 kg)[57]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Fuel Economy Guide, Model Year 2022 (PDF) (Report). United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2021. p. 39. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  2. ^ https://lucidmotors.com/media/document/lucid-air-pure-technical-specs-2024.pdf
  3. ^ "Dreams Come True: Lucid Confirms First Customer Deliveries to Take Place on October 30". Lucid Motors (Press release). Newark, California. October 27, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  4. ^ BENTIA, RANDI (April 28, 2024). "Is the Lucid Air Grand Touring the Longest-Range Electric Vehicle in 2024?". Electrify News Site. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Dream Ahead". YouTube. September 9, 2020. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Baldwin, Roberto (February 26, 2021). "Lucid Air Electric Sedan Will Miss Spring Delivery Timetable". Car and Driver. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Baldwin, Roberto (November 25, 2020). "2022 Lucid Air Pure, Base Model of the New EV, to Start at $77,400". Car and Driver. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  8. ^ Jin, Hyunjoo (September 29, 2021). "Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October". Reuters.
  9. ^ "Lucid Air Dream Edition's First Customers Can Take Possession Of Luxury EV Sedan Saturday". Yahoo Finance. October 27, 2021.
  10. ^ "Dreams Come True: Lucid Air Customer Deliveries Officially Begin". InsideEVs. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  11. ^ Lambert, Fred (December 14, 2016). "Lucid unveils its electric sedan called 'Air': 400 miles of range, 1000 hp, 'autonomous-ready' and 'more than $100,000'". Electrek. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Lucid and Samsung SDI Strategic Partnership". Lucid Motors. December 6, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  13. ^ Lucid (December 13, 2016). "Lucid Motors Teams With Samsung SDI To Develop Next-Gen Lithium-Ion Battery Cells". InsideEVs. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  14. ^ "Edna Gets an Upgrade". Lucid Motors. October 11, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  15. ^ "Introducing Edna". Lucid Motors. July 13, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  16. ^ Dow, Jameson (September 6, 2018). "Lucid Air prototype beats production Jaguar/Tesla EVs by ~7 seconds in Laguna Seca lap". Electrek. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  17. ^ "Lucid Air Sets Laguna Seca Lap Time of 1:41.67". Lucid Motors. September 9, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  18. ^ a b Hawkins, Andrew J. (September 17, 2018). "Lucid Motors closes $1 billion deal with Saudi Arabia to fund electric car production". The Verge. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  19. ^ "Casa Grande preparing for Lucid's high-dollar Arizona car factory". AZ Central. February 19, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  20. ^ "Lucid Air On Sale Now For $68,000". CarShowroom. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  21. ^ a b "A look at Lucid Motors: Q&A with CTO Peter Rawlinson". chargedevs.com. April 24, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  22. ^ a b c "Exclusive: Lucid Explains Long-Term Vision For Affordable Luxury EV". InsideEVs. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  23. ^ a b c "Lucid Air claimed to be the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car". Green Car Reports. July 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  24. ^ "Lucid is raising prices on its luxury Air EV". TechCrunch. May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  25. ^ Doll, Scooter (June 14, 2024). "Lucid CEO says its Air has hit efficiency of 5 miles per kWh and 'no one else is even close'". Electrek. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  26. ^ "How does the Lucid Air stack up against the competition?". TechCrunch. March 16, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
  27. ^ a b c d "Lucid". Lucid Motors. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  28. ^ Exploring Air: Space Reimagined, Lucid Motors, April 14, 2017, retrieved May 6, 2019 – via YouTube
  29. ^ a b Scooter Doll (September 16, 2021). "Lucid shares EPA range for Air models including 520 miles on the Dream Edition Range". Electrek.
  30. ^ "Lucid Names Its Base Model Lucid Air Pure". InsideEVs. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  31. ^ Drew Dorian (July 18, 2022). "Tested: 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring Dazzles with Clever Design and Inspired Engineering". Car and Driver.
  32. ^ "Lucid Drives 912 km Through 9 Countries on a Single Charge, Breaking Guinness Record - EV". eletric-vehicles.com. June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  33. ^ "2021 Lucid Air's DreamDrive Driver Assistance Package Will Include 32(!) Sensors". Motor Trend. July 29, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  34. ^ "The Lucid Air is the 2022 Car of the Year". Motor Trend. November 15, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  35. ^ "Lucid Investor Call Transcript". SEC.gov. Securities and Exchange Commission. July 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  36. ^ "Lucid Air | Specs". Lucid Motors.
  37. ^ "Lucid Air: 235mph EV to be launched at New York motor show". Autocar. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  38. ^ Lambert, Fred (July 10, 2017). "Lucid Motors hits 235 mph (378 km/h) top speed with its all-electric sedan". Electrek. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  39. ^ Edelstein, Stephen (September 25, 2018). "Lucid Motors to Use Electrify America Charging Network". The Drive. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  40. ^ Lambert, Fred (February 5, 2020). "Lucid: Tesla hasn't cracked it, we can take it to whole new level of range and efficiency". Electrek.
  41. ^ Brady, Duncan (August 25, 2021). "2022 Lucid Air". Motor Trend. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  42. ^ Markus, Frank (November 15, 2021). "The 2022 Lucid Air's Stunning EV Powertrain Tech Is Why It's So Far Beyond the Competition". MotorTrend. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  43. ^ "Introducing RangeXchange, an Innovative New Feature Enabling the Lucid Air to Directly Charge Other Electric Vehicles". November 9, 2023.
  44. ^ "40A Mobile Charging Cable Kit". store.lucidmotors.com. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  45. ^ a b "Lucid Air will significantly undercut Tesla Model S on price". CarAdvice. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  46. ^ a b "The Lucid Air electric car starts at just $60,000 — before tax credit". TechCrunch. March 16, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  47. ^ O'Kane, Sean (March 16, 2017). "Lucid Motors' electric car will cost $60,000". The Verge. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  48. ^ https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/lucid/air/48413
  49. ^ "Awards & Accolades". Lucid Motors. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  50. ^ "Lucid Announces Final Production Specifications for the Lucid Air Sapphire: The World's First Luxury Electric Super-Sports Sedan" (Press release). US: Lucid Group. August 8, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2024 – via PR Newswire.
  51. ^ Ewing, Steven (October 6, 2023). "Lucid's new base Air Pure EV seems like a hell of a car". Top Gear. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  52. ^ Lieberman, Jonny (August 25, 2021). "2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R Exclusive First Drive: An Absolute Mic Drop". Motor Trend. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  53. ^ https://lucidmotors.com/media/document/lucid-air-pure-technical-specs-2024.pdf
  54. ^ https://lucidmotors.com/media/document/lucid-air-touring-technical-specs-2024.pdf
  55. ^ https://lucidmotors.com/media/document/lucid-air-grand-touring-technical-specs-me-260524.pdf
  56. ^ "Dreams Come True: Lucid Confirms First Customer Deliveries to Take Place on October 30". Lucid Motors (Press release). Newark, California. October 27, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  57. ^ https://lucidmotors.com/media/document/lucid-air-sapphire-technical-specs-2024.pdf

Further reading

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[edit]
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