An electric car’s range has always been a major concern for consumers. Until recently, EV battery technology was limited, with most models offering a maximum range of 200 miles. However, Tesla was able to produce electric cars with ranges of 300–400 miles, becoming a leader in the industry. Lucid Motors, a California-based startup founded in 2014, quickly emerged as a strong competitor to Tesla by offering luxurious EV vehicles with similar technology. To gain an edge over Tesla, Lucid launched the Lucid Air in 2021, which became the longest-range electric vehicle (EV) with an EPA rating of 520 miles. With this achievement, the Lucid Air has pushed the boundaries of battery technology by driving over 100 miles longer than any other EV on the market.

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Behind the Record-Breaking Lucid Air

Front 3/4 shot of the Lucid Air Grand Touring.

Lucid Motors, initially known as Atieva, was a startup focused on battery technology development in 2007. Over the years, it shifted its focus to producing electric cars and hired former Tesla executives. Lucid Motors aimed to create a luxury electric vehicle that could outperform its competitors in multiple aspects. The company partnered with Formula E to supply batteries for electric race cars, gaining expertise in making more efficient electric batteries. Lucid’s batteries lasted the entire duration of Formula E races, setting a new standard at the time.

The knowledge gained from partnerships with McLaren and Formula E was then applied to the development of the Lucid Air. Unveiled in 2016, the Lucid Air initially grabbed attention by defeating the Tesla Model S in a quarter-mile race and setting a track record at Laguna Seca. Although Tesla eventually reclaimed the title for the fastest production EV, the Lucid Air showcased impressive performance capabilities that could not be ignored. However, the most remarkable feature was its long range. In the fall of 2021, the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range received an official EPA rating of 520 miles, making it the first EV to surpass the 500-mile mark.

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The Lucid Air Dream Edition came in two trims, the Dream Edition R and Dream Edition P. The Dream Edition P focused on speed and performance, boasting 1,111 hp, while the Dream Edition R emphasized maximum range. With 933 hp, the Dream Edition R showcased the impressive 520-mile range compared to the Dream Edition P’s 471-mile range. Both trims were released with a starting price of $169,900, and the limited 520 units produced in honor of the record range sold out immediately. So, how did Lucid achieve this impressive range in its EV? It all comes down to the in-house technology used by Lucid Motors.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Lucid Air Is The Best Electric Car In 2023

Under The Skin Of The Lucid Air

Rear shot of the Lucid Air Sapphire racing on the track.

EVs are generally heavier than gas-powered vehicles due to their electric batteries, which can weigh anywhere from 1000 to 3000 pounds in larger vehicles. To tackle this weight issue, Lucid Motors focused on making everything else in its car as light as possible. Taking inspiration from the D-Type Jaguar, the automaker constructed the Lucid Air like an airplane. The aluminum body is formed through casting and extrusion, resulting in a rigid yet lightweight frame. Lucid packages its batteries in lightweight composite material, and their placement underneath the shell optimizes control and efficiency for both the driver and car.

Jean-Charles Monnet, Lucid Motors’ head aerodynamicist, designed the car’s aerodynamics to maximize its range. With past experience working on Red Bull’s Formula 1 car, Monnet brought F1 technology to the Lucid Air. Twin passages were added to the outside of the hood to direct airflow over the car, while small end plates beneath the car funnel air to the rear diffuser. The company’s claim of being “the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car” was confirmed through testing at Windshear’s rolling-road wind tunnel, where the Air achieved a drag coefficient of 0.21. The Air features a 900-volt electrical system, compared to the industry-standard 400 volts, allowing for smaller and lighter electrical components. By combining the motor, inverter, gears, and differential into a single unit, Lucid reduces the overall weight pushed around by the motors. This increased efficiency also provides more interior space for passengers and larger cargo space compared to Tesla models.

Lucid also enhanced the power generation capabilities of the Lucid Air’s motor. By optimizing the placement of rotor magnets, the Lucid Air generates more power with a motor that is 30 percent smaller than the one in the Tesla Model 3. This allows for more efficient transfer of energy from the battery to the powertrain, using only 27 kilowatt-hours of power per 100 miles. To improve efficiency further, Lucid streamlined the heating and cooling systems in the car. The higher voltage battery reduces heat output, leading to less power required for cooling.

The battery packaging in the Lucid Air differs from that of its competitors. While other automakers cool their batteries from the side, Lucid employs bottom cooling. This simplified battery packaging process prevents overheating and allows for better cooling throughout the entire vehicle. Additionally, the Air has front air inlets designed in-house that distribute air evenly over the radiator for maximum cooling. By integrating all of these innovative technologies, Lucid Motors has produced the most efficient and longest-range EV to date with the Lucid Air.

Related: Top 10 EVs With The Longest Range In 2023

What’s Next For Lucid Motors?

Front shot of Lucid Motor’s first SUV—the Lucid Gravity.

Although Lucid Motors delivered more Lucid Air models than originally promised in 2022, the company still faces obstacles in the near future. The entire EV industry is grappling with supply chain and logistics issues, leading to rising material costs. Battery production costs increased by seven percent in 2022, resulting in a price increase for the Lucid Air model. In contrast, Tesla managed to lower prices for most of its models.

In order to remain competitive, Lucid Motors needs to find ways to decrease expenses. The company had to reduce production in 2021 and 2022 and also delayed the release of its new all-electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity. While specific details about the Lucid Gravity are still unknown, many anticipate it to have similar capabilities to the Lucid Air, with impressive range and performance ratings. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Lucid Motors will address these challenges and continue to compete with Tesla and other EV automakers.