Lucid Air has been designed to compete in the luxury sports segment primarily against the Tesla Model S as well as high-line models from German rivals. Dynamically, the goal is to match the ability of sport coupés. It has a greater interior space, with a smaller external footprint, spanning 195.5 inches.
Aerodynamics
On June 30, 2020, Lucid Motors announced that its "electric car will be the world's most aerodynamically efficient luxury car when it goes into production later this year." 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."
Powertrain
Lucid Motors will use lithium ion battery cells sourced from Samsung SDI as the Air's primary powertrain. This follows a partnership deal between the two companies, which took place on 2 December 2016. The base Lucid Air will be equipped with a 75kWh battery with rear wheel drive, capable of producing, of torque and of range. A second battery pack with a capacity of either 100kWh or 130kWh with all-wheel drive can also be equipped, which combined will produce and of range. The most powerful version of the Air will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. In their most recent performance test, the Lucid Air achieved a top speed of 235 mph. According to Lucid, the production model of the Air will be capable of a top speed over 200 mph if equipped with dual motors. Lucid Air has a rated energy efficiency of 21.4kWh/100 km, equivalent to 2.4 litres/100 km in fuel.
Edna
In 2016, Lucid created a prototype of its electric powertrain for the Lucid Air using batteries from its former brand, Atieva. Known as “Edna”, the electric powered delivery van contained two gearboxes and motors capable of storing 87 kWh of energy, and producing over. Combined with all-wheel drive, other physical and software updates, “Edna” was able to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 2.74 seconds and quarter mile time of 11.3 seconds. According to Lucid Motors, “Edna” was used to test the performance and real world functionality of its powertrain, including “motor control algorithms, regenerative braking behaviours, accelerator pedal feel, and cooling strategies”.
Laguna Seca
In 2018, the Lucid Air set an EV production lap record of 1:41.67, beating the Jaguar I Pace by seven seconds, previously holding a record of 1:48.18. Featured as a prototype, the Air was equipped with "Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tyres, modified high temperature brake pads and fluid, a 6 point roll cage and fire suppression system". According to Lucid, these modifications had little impact on the production weight of the car, differing only a few percent.
Production
In 2018, Lucid Motors closed a $1 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabia to fund the Air's production, which is expected to commence in late 2020 following the construction of its factory in Casa Grande, Arizona. The factory's total investment is expected to amount to $675 million by 2025 when all phases are complete, with the first phase including a $168 million investment in equipment and $82 million property investment.
Charging
Lucid Motors will offer a nationwide charging plan to customers in the US through its joint agreement with Electrify America, for a 900 volt system. In the first phase of its construction, Electrify America will offer “more than 2,000 fast charging stations over 500 sites, spread out across 40 states and 17 major metropolitan areas”. In an interview with Lucid Motors Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson recognised fast charging capability as a priority due to the emergence of more intense usage patterns and demand for “stop-and-go” fast charging as a result of time constraints amongst consumers. Lucid 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 prolong period of time without losing capacity.
Features
The base model will be equipped with a single motor, rear wheel drive setup, producing 400 horsepower and 240-mile range. According to Lucid Motors, other standard features include: “LED headlights, all the necessary hardware for autonomous driving, four high resolution screens , 19 inch alloy wheels, 10 speaker sound system, 12-way power adjustment for the front seats, front and rear boots with a total luggage space of around 900 litres, and over the air software updates”. The Lucid Air can be optioned with improved battery packs that will offer either 315 miles and 400 miles, as well as a dual motor, all-wheel drive powertrain producing up to 1000 horsepower for the top of the range. Other options for the car include: “active suspension, a panoramic sunroof, executive rear seats that can recline up to 55 degrees, a 29 speaker sound system with noise cancellation, 21 inch alloy wheels, and front seats with heating, ventilation, dynamic bolsters, massage and 22 way electric adjustment”. The base Lucid Air can be reserved for 1 of 255 limited edition versions, which will come equipped with Lucid's dual performance motors and optional extras. Air is available for pre-order in the United States and Canada. Whilst only available in these locations, Lucid aims to break into other markets in the near future, with a focus on China. In an interview, Peter Rawlinson outlined that China would pose as a significant market for Lucid due to their intensive usage patterns, which the Air is best suited for.
Vision
Lucid Motor's vision for the Air extends beyond the production and commercial release of the vehicle. In an interview, Peter Rawlinson outlined that the $100,000 plus vehicle can be seen as the first stage of a much bigger vision, which is to achieve a level of energy efficiency that combined with an ubiquitous fast charging network, will counteract the need for bigger sized batteries. Rawlinson specified that Lucid aims to improve energy efficiency to 5 miles per kilowatt-hour as opposed to an average of 3 miles per kilowatt hour. Rawlinson further outlined that the price of batteries is expected to drop to $100 per kWh within the next decade, which he believes will enable Lucid to produce a luxury EV for less than $30,000.
