In our age of increasing climate instability, electric vehicles are at the forefront of society's attempt to mitigate the impending disaster. As we move away from fossil fuels and explore renewable energy, electric cars will continue to gain popularity.
But where do you start? Are all EVs the same? Today, we'll look at a couple of cars from two of the most popular electric vehicle manufacturers: Lucid Motors and Tesla. We'll break down the specifications and explain why you should choose the Lucid Air over the Tesla Model S if you're in the market for a luxury EV.
Lucid Air: The Price Is Right
If you're considering a luxury electric vehicle for your next car, the price might not be your primary concern. However, even the most prolific spender appreciates a good deal. The Lucid Air is available in four trims: Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, and the Lucid Air Dream Edition.
The 2022 Lucid Air Pure starts at $77,400. Compare that to Tesla's base Model S, which has a starting price of $95,000. While Lucid's Air models quickly increase in cost as you climb the trim tier, its entry-level offering remains far cheaper than Tesla's.
The Lucid Air has a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery pack warranty. Tesla provides customers with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an 8-year/150,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Lucid Air Offers The Freedom To Travel Farther
The major downside of electric vehicles is the limited range of EV batteries. While the industry continues to make advancements in this field — although often at the expense of indigenous communities — the undeniable fact is that electric vehicles face limits resulting from the need for a source of electricity.
Enter the Lucid Air. The company's premium Lucid Air Dream Edition can travel 520 miles on a single full charge. That's 115 miles farther than Tesla's base Model S and 124 miles farther than Tesla's premium Plaid model. And, at up to 406 miles per charge, Lucid's base model beats the Tesla Model S by one mile.
In terms of charging capabilities, the Lucid Air is superior to the Model S. The Lucid Air takes roughly 13 hours to reach a full charge using a 240-volt outlet or a Level 2 public charging station. If plugged into a DC fast charging station, the Lucid Air can restore 300 miles worth of energy in 20 minutes of charging.
Comparatively, the Model S stores 34 miles of driving range for every hour it is connected to a 240-volt outlet or Level 2 charging station. Using a Tesla supercharger station will yield 200 miles of driving time in 15 minutes.
Lucid Air Packs Game-Changing Technology
The technology and features are essential when it comes to luxury electric vehicles. While the Tesla Model S has long led the EV industry as the standard for high-tech, green cars, the Lucid Air is rapidly outpacing its competitor.
The newcomer boasts a 34-inch, three-panel touchscreen display behind the steering wheel, plus a fourth touchscreen in the center console.
Lucid's three-panel display is known as the Glass Cockpit, and each of its three sections controls distinct features of the car. Its fourth display, the Pilot Panel, allows you to control the car's climate and adjust your seats.
On the other hand, Tesla's base Model S has only one touchscreen display. While some drivers may appreciate the convenience of a single panel, its position facilitates distracted driving. In short, by mounting the primary displays behind the steering wheel, Lucid allows drivers to navigate critical vehicle controls while simultaneously maintaining focus on the road.
The Perfect Combination of Power and Luxury
The Lucid Air continues to prove itself a game-changer. The company's premium Air Dream Edition Performance model can produce a staggering 1,111 horsepower, eclipsing the Model S by nearly 100 horses. All that power allows the Lucid Air to reach 60 mph in roughly 2.5 seconds.
Speed is great, but what good is driving fast if you're uncomfortable? The Lucid Air pulls out all the stops in terms of luxury. The car seats five, with front heated, messaging, and ventilated seat options.
Its safety features are similarly impressive. The Lucid Air comes fully loaded with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assistance.
The Lucid Air Vs The Model S: The Bottom Line
If you're in the market for a luxury electric vehicle, you should consider the Lucid Air.
While the premium editions of the Lucid Air are pricey, the base model is significantly cheaper than its competitor, the Model S. And with similarly powerful mechanicals and a greater single-charge range, the Lucid Air is the obvious winner between the two.
Sources: U.S.News, Edmunds, Lucid Motors, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)