Lucid Air EV could beat the Tesla Model S, gets 517 miles range in III party testing

KUALA LUMPUR: Till date, Tesla is crushing its EV competitors in key parameters like range, acceleration, and semi-autonomous driving technology. But now it seems that other automakers have begun to take electrification of their models seriously. A few days back, Mercedes-Benz revealed a driving range of over 700 km for EQS. 

And now, it is Lucid Motors, a Silicon Valley-based EV startup, which says that its upcoming Lucid Air electric sedan is expected to get an unprecedented driving range of 517 miles (832 km) on a single battery charge. This is almost 115 miles higher than Tesla's longest-range Model S. 

The estimated EPA range was announced ahead of next month's reveal of the electric sedan. According to Lucid Motors, the estimated EPA range was verified by FEV North America, Inc., which is an independent company that conducted the test in Michigan. However, official EPA figures have not yet been released.

Other than the mind-boggling range, the Lucid Air boasts its performance in other ways also. The automaker says that the luxury sedan will be capable of sprinting from zero to 100 kmph in only 2.5 seconds and peaks at a top speed of 322 kmph. However, further details on the battery capacity and powertrain layout are still undisclosed.

Design-wise, the electric sedan features a minimalistic yet modern design philosophy with X-factor elements. It includes a sleek pair of headlamps below the long chrome bar and turbine-style alloy wheels. 

The cabin of Lucid Air concept is mostly digital, incorporating a fully digital driver's instrument panel integrated with the touchscreen infotainment system and a huge tablet-style centre console unit. It will offer the optional executive rear seating. Other notable highlights comprise autonomous tech with OTA updates.

"We're building a brand-new factory to produce the world's first true luxury EV," said Peter Hochholdinger, VP of Manufacturing, Lucid Motors. "That requires an incredible amount of effort and planning, with our 'just-in-time' model continuing to serve us well as we enter this critical home stretch."

More details about the Lucid Air are expected when its production version will make an online debut on September 9. More importantly, if this efficiency breakthrough happens, it could enable the arrival of more affordable electric vehicles in the future. 

Also read: With SpaceX thrusters, Tesla Roadster might hit 0-97 kmph in 1.1 seconds