New Cosmos and Earth models target higher-volume premium segments, with a new Lunar concept and Uber partnership highlighting autonomous ambitions.
Lucid Motors is looking at ways to leverage its EV knowhow to turn a bigger profit.That’s a very corporate-speak way of announcing it plans to launch new models, namely, the kind that makes a lot of money: midsize SUVs.
Speaking at the company’s investor day in New York, Lucid executives said the new models will be built on a midsize platform that aims to extend the brand’s reach into higher-volume segments of the premium EV market. The first two models, the Lucid Cosmos and Lucid Earth, are expected to arrive with starting prices below $50,000—far lower than Lucid’s current flagship Air sedan and Gravity SUV .Lucid says the new platform will focus on efficiency, performance, and range while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.“With Midsize, we didn’t compromise what makes a Lucid special, we engineered it to scale,” said Derek Jenkins, Lucid’s senior vice president of design and brand. “These vehicles deliver unmistakable Lucid design and driving characteristics, while embracing a radically simpler, more efficient approach to manufacturing and cost.”The platform will be powered by a new Atlas electric drive unit, which Lucid says improves efficiency while lowering production costs through a lighter and more integrated design. The company emphasized that its efficiency-first engineering philosophy allows it to achieve more driving range with smaller battery packs.“Our efficiency leadership directly translates into cost leadership with our Midsize platform,” said Emad Dlala, senior vice president of engineering and software. “Smaller batteries, fewer parts, and tighter integration mean lower cost, better performance, and a superior customer experience, all at the same time.”Lucid also revealed a new robotaxi concept called Lunar, a two-seat autonomous vehicle built on the same Midsize architecture. The announcement comes as Lucid continues to nurture its partnership with Uber. Lucid says the companies are discussing plans to deploy Midsize-platform vehicles as robotaxis at scale, similar to Lucid’s previously announced Gravity-based autonomous program.“Lucid has already proven its capabilities through technology and product leadership,” said interim CEO Marc Winterhoff. “Today, we’re keeping the same Lucid product and technology DNA intact, while applying increased scale, capital efficiency, and cost discipline… to enable a great business with a clear and credible path to profitability.”Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi agreed, calling Lucid “a key strategic partner” in the company’s autonomous mobility ambitions.
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