Luxury EV maker Lucid says it’s working on mid-size rival for the Tesla Model 3 and Y that will benefit from its advanced tech
Lucid Motors has declared it is ready to go mainstream with the launch of an all-new mid-size car that will target the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Set to be introduced in the second half of this decade, according to Lucid’s boss Peter Rawlinson the new entry-level model will be priced around US$50,0000 ($A73,000) – a big drop from the $80,000 ($A118k) currently charged for the cheapest Air limousine or Gravity SUV.
Speaking to Autocar, Lucid’s CEO said the more affordable model in its line-up would help
the luxury brand ramp up its global volume: “We have to go with volume, because that’s
what we’re about”.
Rawlinson, who was originally the chief engineer of the Tesla Model S, wouldn’t disclose what form the new baby Lucid would take but it’s thought considering the worldwide success of the Model Y the brand would focus its resources to produce a mid-size SUV.
“The mid-sized [model] is going to be overtly a Tesla competitor – Model 3, Model Y. This is the first time I’ve ever said it: we’re going to compete in that market – high-volume family car,” he said.
“And how can we compete? Because we’ve got the most advanced technology, which means we can go farther with less battery, and the battery is the most high-cost item of an electric car. So if you can go a certain distance with less battery, you can make that car more cheaply than anyone else.”
When it arrives around 2027, it’s thought the cheapest Lucid will adopt its siblings’ 900-volt electrical architecture and battery, plus its super compact electric motors that produces up to 500kW but combined with its small one-speed transmission and inverter in a single casing that can fit into an airplane carry-on bag.
Expect the Lucid SUV to feature the longest range and be the quickest to charge. thanks to its battery and advanced aerodynamics.
It could also be the most spacious in its class thanks to its powertrain’s novel packaging.
As well as the new model, Rawlinson also confirmed that it will launch its first right-hand drive vehicle in 2025 that will pave the way for a UK launch that could finally lead to the brand’s Australian debut.
“We’ve got to do right-hand-drive Air. To do that is probably going to take us 18 months and we’re absolutely slammed, because I’ve got all my main engineering team doing all the design and development for Gravity,” said.
“So realistically, it’s two years away. I’d love it to be less. If we started tomorrow, it would be 18 months.”
If that’s not enough for the car-maker that aims to only build around 10,000 cars in 2023, recent leaks suggest that Lucid is also secretly developing a pick-up based on its latest Gravity SUV.
If true, the unnamed Rivian or Tesla Cybertruck alternative could be on sale by 2025.
