Lucid Motors to build a Tesla Model Y fighter
Californian EV brand proves it wants to go mainstream with a more affordable, mid-size SUVLucid Motors has confirmed it is developing a sleek new Tesla Model Y rival, with the all-new battery-electric mid-size SUV only a “few years” away from launch.
An image of the all-new model under drapes was revealed during a presentation by Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson, and subsequently posted on Twitter by journalist John Voelcker.
The medium SUV is expected in showrooms in 2026/27, moving the Californian car-maker into higher-volume territory after opening with the Lucid Air luxury sedan and following up with the Lucid Gravity family SUV, which goes on sale in North America later this year.
Reports suggest the smaller SUV will be assembled at a new plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, rather than Lucid’s current Casa Grande factory in Arizona.
It’s expected to borrow its styling from the larger Gravity, while pricing is tipped to start from about $US50,000 ($A76,000).
Despite its lower entry price, the new Lucid model is expected mirror the current line-up by offering buyers an appealing combination of a long driving range with quick recharging, thanks to its 900-volt electrical architecture.
It should also boast advanced aerodynamics and class-leading packaging due to its small but powerful electric motors that, along with a small transmission and inverter, take up little space within the skateboard architecture.
This is the Lucid 'Project Midsize', the 3rd #EV @LucidMotors expects to launch ... after the Gravity SUV, for which deliveries are to begin late this year.
— John 'legacy blue check' Voelcker (@johnvoelcker) January 24, 2024
Per CEO Peter Rawlinson, engineering prototypes exist already. It'll be Lucid's Model Y, if you like. No timing discussed. pic.twitter.com/D6MsGa99O2
The smaller SUV model could pave the way for Lucid to finally launch in Australia.
The company began taking orders for the Lucid Air back in 2020, but a production delay for right-hand drive vehicles brought those to a halt.
There’s still no word when Lucid will launch here but it’s likely to coincide with the brand branching out in Japan and the UK.
As well as the new entry model, a leaked full-size clay model of a Gravity SUV-based pick-up suggests a Rivian R1T or Tesla Cybertruck rival might also be on the way.
Related: Lucid readying Tesla Model Y fighter
Related: LA MOTOR SHOW: Electric 600kW Lucid Gravity SUV revealed
Related: Lucid Air 2022 Review
Related: Lucid Air order book opens for Australia
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
