Lucid Air beats Tesla Model S to become the longest-range electric car

KUALA LUMPUR: The Silicon Valley-based EV startup Lucid Motors unveiled its all-electric Air sedan in September 2020 to take on the likes of the Tesla Model S. At that time, the brand claimed that its electric car can hit the highest range of 517 miles (832 km), which means 115 miles higher than Tesla's longest-range Model S. And now when the deliveries of the EV are about to start, the automaker declared its official EPA range.

As per the Environmental Protection Agency, the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range can run for 520 miles (836 Km) between charges when fitted with 19-inch wheels whereas it can cover 481 miles (774 km) with the larger 21-inch set. So, the Tesla Model S Long Range is no longer the longest-range electric car on the market. 

"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 EV," said Peter Rawlinson, CEO, and CTO of the Lucid Group.

Lucid offers the Air Dream Edition in two versions - Range and Performance. The former is a range-focussed version that scored the above-mentioned range and has a maximum power output of 933 hp. The Performance model, on the other hand, is more focused on performance with a dual-motor setup that generates a combined output of 1,111 hp, which allows EV to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds. It can run for 471 miles (758 km) with 19-inch wheels or 451 miles (725 km) with the bigger ones on a single charge.

Slotting below the Air Dream Edition is a more affordable Air Grand Touring that can travel 516 miles (830 km) or 469 miles (754 km) with different sets of wheels, all while delivering 800 hp. Both Dream Edition and Grand Touring are equipped with a 113-kWh battery pack.

The 500 units limited Air Dream Edition price for the US market starts at $161,500 plus destination charges (RM 673,545), while the Grand Touring retails for $131,500 (RM 548,428).

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