Lucid Motors has unveiled exciting updates about its upcoming Gravity SUV and offered a glimpse of a new, budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV). These announcements were made during the company's Technology and Manufacturing Day on Tuesday, showcasing their innovative approach to EV technology.
Gravity SUV to include Tesla-compatible port
Lucid's highly anticipated Gravity SUV, set for its first deliveries later this year, will feature a Tesla-compatible charging port starting in 2025. This charging port, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), is rapidly being adopted by many automakers, including Hyundai, Rivian, and Lucid. NACS is expected to become the norm for future EVs in North America, making charging more convenient for drivers across brands.
The Gravity SUV might even be the first non-Tesla vehicle to have a charging port on the driver's side rear, just like Tesla's cars. This placement could prevent common issues like blocking access to Supercharger stations when plugged in. Current EV owners often face challenges using Tesla's Superchargers without a CCS-to-NACS adapter, which can be hard to find. In addition, charging stations with built-in adapters, known as MagicDock stations, are still relatively rare.
Post by @lucidmotors View on Threads
Most EVs today still require an adapter to use Tesla Superchargers, but Ford and Rivian have taken steps to improve compatibility by releasing software updates that allow their vehicles to communicate more effectively with Tesla's charging stations.
Lucid teases a midsize SUV under US$50,000
In addition to updates on the Gravity SUV, Lucid also teased a new, more affordable EV. Set to be released in late 2026, this midsize SUV will cost under US$50,000, making it a strong contender in the competitive EV market. Built on Lucid's upcoming Midsize Platform, the vehicle will be powered by a next-generation “Atlas” drive unit, which promises to offer great value without compromising on performance.
This new midsize SUV will be a key player in the growing electric SUV and crossover segment, an area that Tesla's Model Y currently dominates. The vehicle will target budget-conscious buyers who still want the quality and innovation associated with Lucid's brand.
Lucid also hinted at another upcoming vehicle that could rival Tesla's Model 3, further demonstrating the company's determination to compete across multiple segments of the EV market.
Lucid's financial outlook and market expansion
Although Lucid's current offering, the Air luxury sedan, has been priced at the higher end of the market, the company is working hard to expand its lineup with more affordable options. The Air's high cost has limited its market penetration, and Lucid has been burning through cash to grow its customer base. However, Lucid has stayed afloat despite these financial challenges thanks to its partnership with Saudi investors, who own a significant portion of the company.
Lucid is optimistic about its future, having delivered more vehicles this year than in 2023. With the introduction of the Gravity SUV and the promise of a more affordable midsize EV, the company hopes to capture a larger share of the growing electric vehicle market in the United States.
Lucid's efforts to offer a diverse range of vehicles—from luxury sedans to budget-friendly electric SUVs—show that the company is serious about competing with industry leaders like Tesla. As more details emerge about these new models, potential buyers and EV enthusiasts alike will eagerly watch to see how Lucid's strategy unfolds.