Lucid Challenges Tesla with High-Performance Electric Vehicle
Lucid is making a bold move to challenge Tesla’s Model S Plaid as it sends out the first deliveries of its Air Sapphire electric vehicles (EVs). Positioned as a “luxury super-sports sedan,” the Air Sapphire promises an impressive zero to 60 miles per hour acceleration in just 1.89 seconds and a top speed of 205 miles per hour. To alleviate range anxiety, Lucid claims the vehicle can cover a distance of 427 miles on a single charge, all without producing any tailpipe pollution.
The news of the Air Sapphire deliveries sparked comparisons to Tesla’s Model S on Electrek’s website. Commenters were quick to highlight the luxury aspects of the Lucid vehicle, with one reader noting, “The difference is the Lucid is an actual luxury vehicle. The Model S’s steering wheel starts peeling off within a year.” Another commenter declared, “This is a gamechanger.”
Peter Rawlinson, CEO of Lucid Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenger, stating, “With the release of the Lucid Air Sapphire, we are witnessing an unprecedented moment in time. The technology that underpins Sapphire enables an unsurpassed blend of performance, agility, and versatility.” Rawlinson also expressed confidence in the model’s ability to disrupt the market, claiming that the Air Sapphire creates the world’s most well-rounded and versatile high-performance EV.
In comparison, Tesla’s Model S Plaid offers a range of around 370 miles on a single charge and can reach a top speed of 200 miles per hour. It takes the Model S Plaid 2.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour, slightly slower than the Air Sapphire’s impressive time.
However, the Lucid Air Sapphire comes at a significantly higher price point. Electrek highlighted that acquiring one would require a hefty payment of $249,000, whereas the Model S Plaid is priced at a more reasonable $89,990.
A recent video on the YouTube channel Ultimate Drag Race Replay showcased the Model S Plaid outperforming the Lucid Air in speed and acceleration tests. It remains to be seen if the Air Sapphire can surpass the Model S Plaid’s performance.
As the competition heats up in the high-performance EV space, it will be interesting to see how Tesla responds to Lucid’s challenge.
