What Electric Car Offers the Most Range? The Lucid Air, According to Claims
Lucid Motors, one of several start-up companies seeking to compete with Tesla in the high-end portion of the growing electric vehicle market, is preparing to debut the production version of the new Lucid Air sedan on September 9, 2020. In the lead up to the car’s global introduction, Lucid claims that independent testing puts the Air’s driving range at 517 miles, well above the current record-holding Tesla Model S, which is 402 miles when properly equipped.
With a grand touring body style similar to a Kia Stinger or a Porsche Panamera, the Lucid Air features clean, appealing design inside and out combined with a panoramic glass roof promising what the company characterizes as an “unrivaled sensory experience.” The car seats five in standard specification and promises class-leading legroom. An optional executive rear seating package with reclining individual rear seats is planned for the future.
Perhaps wisely, Lucid designed the dashboard to modern yet conventional standards. Dual digital displays place the instrumentation and other data in expected locations, and physical climate controls are present on the center of the dashboard. Below that, an angled tablet handles other vehicle controls, and Lucid promises a natural voice recognition system to make the entire car responsive to spoken commands.
Naturally, the Lucid Air’s smartphone-connected technology supports over-the-air software updates and the car is ready for fully autonomous driving in the future. The company claims the electric drivetrain accelerates the car to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 200 mph. All-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension are standard.
Backed by Silicon Valley, Chinese, and Saudi Arabian investors, Lucid Motors is based in Newark, California. It is building a factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, south of Phoenix, with the ultimate goal of making 360,000 EVs annually.
Due for customer delivery in early 2021, the Lucid Air is priced, according to reports quoting the company’s CEO, Peter Rawlinson, well above $100,000. However, more affordable versions of the Air will be offered at a later date to better compete against the Tesla Model S. The company also plans to offer an SUV built on the same platform in 2023.
The information in this article is from Lucid Motors and Automotive News. It was accurate on August 11, 2020 but may have changed since that date.


