Lucid Air sets new EV range record

Dream Edition versions of the weirdly-named Lucid Air electric sedan will come with a US EPA-verified maximum driving range of up to 520 miles (837km), bettering the current industry standard of 651km set by the Tesla Model S Long Range.

Matching or bettering the range offered by many equivalent petrol and even diesel models, the 800km-plus range applies to the top-spec 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition Range with 19-inch wheels, which consumes energy at the rate of just 160Wh/km.

But all versions of the new EV, first deliveries of which will commence in North America later this year, will deliver a relatively long range as well as supercar-style performance and super-fast charging capability.

In fact Lucid says the Air is not only the world's longest-range EV, but the world's fastest charging luxury electric car, capable of adding 300 miles of range in as little as 20 minutes.

All Lucid Airs run a relatively beefy 113kWh lithium-ion battery pack and deliver a very fast (for an EV) 270km/h top speed.

And ‘Range’ variants employ a zesty 695kW powertrain to offer the record range figure, which shrinks to a still-handy 774km on 21-inch wheels, and 0-60mph (96.6km/h) in a brisk 2.7 seconds.

But Dream Edition Performance variants up the ante even further with an 828kW/1000Nm dual-motor powertrain that delivers 0-60mph acceleration in just 2.5sec and a still-generous range of 758km (726km on 21s).

Two other variants will be available in the Lucid Air line-up and both 595kW Grand Touring grades are claimed to hit 60mph in 3.0sec – despite offering an 830km range (755km with 21s).

The Lucid Air is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, but in North America pricing starts at $US77,400 ($A105,000) for the entry-level Pure grade (358kW, 652km) and tops out at $US169,000 ($A230,000).

“I’m delighted that our Lucid Air Dream Edition Range has been officially accredited with a range of 520 miles by the EPA, a number I believe to be a new record for any electric vehicle,” said Lucid CEO, Peter Rawlinson.

“Crucially, this landmark has been achieved by Lucid’s world-leading, in-house electric vehicle technology, not by simply installing an oversize battery pack.

“Our race-proven 900V battery and BMS technology, our miniaturised drive units, coupled with our Wunderbox technology endow Lucid Air with ultra-high efficiency, enabling it to travel more miles from less battery energy.”