It’s supposed to hit the roads in 2018 with self-driving capability
After a series of teasers, EV startup Lucid Motors (formerly known as Atieva) has finally unveiled its first ever production vehicle, the battery-powered Air luxury sedan.
Targeting range-topping Tesla Model S versions as well as conventionally-powered luxury sedans, the Lucid Air is powered by two electric motors that deliver 1,000 hp, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint of 2.5 seconds. That's the same acceleration as the Tesla Model S P100D.
Customers will be able to choose between two battery packs with 100 kWh or 130 kWh, with the latter providing an impressive 400-mile (644 km) driving range on a single charge. Lucid Motors says its vehicles will be delivered autonomous-ready "with a comprehensive sensor suite able to scale to complete autonomy through ongoing software upgrades."
The Lucid Air adopts a futuristic design inside out, with sleek LED headlights and taillights, recessed door handles, very short front overhangs and wide, body-colored C-pillars.
The luxurious EV features a bright cabin thanks to the generous glass panoramic roof and the extended windshield. It also appears very comfortable due to the reclining rear seats upholstered in white leather. Technology-wise it looks promising as well, with interactive displays all over the place, including in front of the driver. Both the instrument panel and the center console are fully digital.
As for interior space, Lucid Motors says the Air has the interior length of a large luxury sedan in a midsize footprint.
Lucid Motors plans to launch the Air in 2018, with the first 250 cars to be range-topping models priced from around $160,000. Later on, the company will launch a less expensive version expected to cost about $100,000. Buyers can already place deposits for the top-of-the-line Lucid Air, with a minimum of $25,000 required.