Lucid’s dream comes true with 1065bhp, 517-mile Air EV
AMERICAN START-UP FIRM Lucid’s new Air saloon is the fastest and longest-range electric production car on sale.
With a claimed 1065bhp, a top speed of 235mph and a claimed maximum range of 517 miles, it further promises to be the most aerodynamic luxury car in the world, with a drag coefficient of just 0.21.
Lucid claims the Air can hit 0-60mph in 2.5sec and cover a quarter-mile sprint in 9.9sec. Those figures apply to the top-rung Dream Edition model, which is priced at $161,500 (£125,870). This also receives four-wheel drive, a bespoke interior and 21in wheels, but production will be limited.
More attainable versions of the Tesla Model S rival are available, however. The $52,000 (£40,500, including the US EV tax credit) base car uses a single electric motor for 295bhp and gets a 240mile range from a Samsungsourced 75kwh battery pack.
The $87,500 Touring (£68,200) raises power to 612bhp and range to 406 miles, while the $131,500 Grand Touring (£102,500) packs 789bhp and can do 517 miles.
Using a CCS connector at a DC charger, every Air can take on 300 miles’ worth of energy in 20 minutes. This is thanks to 900V architecture and a peak charging rate of above 300kw.
The production Air design remains similar to the 2016 concept, retaining a futuristic wraparound light bar and long, low silhouette.
Lucid says the four-or-fiveseat cabin offers a “light and airy feel”. The dashboard is dominated by a huge (34in) curved screen with 5K display quality and a retractable Pilot Panel touchscreen to control its functions. Amazon Alexa voice control also features.
Air suspension promises “segment-leading ride quality”, plus Lucid claims its 32-sensor driver assistance system offers up to level-three autonomy.
Lucid plans to produce up to 20,000 Airs per year at a newbuild US factory in Arizona.
Launching in the US in spring 2021, the saloon is now also available to order in select European countries and the Middle East. It can be reserved online for a £770 deposit, but a UK launch date is unconfirmed.
Lucid is headed by Peter Rawlinson, who was previously chief engineer for the Model S. An SUV is set to follow the Air.