Lucid Motors now has greater capability to challenge other electric vehicles in the market. The company has reached a new milestone in its young life after it completed the first phase of construction on its new manufacturing site in Casa Grande, Arizona just a year after breaking ground in 2019.

First Greenfield EV Plant In North America

Dubbed the Lucid AMP-1 (Advanced Manufacturing Plant), the factory is the first greenfield, dedicated EV plant in North America. Lucid picked Casa Grande as the site for the AMP-1 due to its geographic location and pre-existing automotive supply chain, as well as the available infrastructure and talent in the area.

Offering a large production footprint, the Casa Grande site won't remain the same in the years to come as Lucid is planning four phases of expansion starting in early 2021 through 2028. This would expand the square footage of the Lucid AMP-1 from the current 999,000 sq-ft to 5.1 million sq-ft upon completion. By then, the site will have an annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles.

Lucid's new factory was constructed adhering to several manufacturing philosophies such as ‘Future Ready’ and ‘On Time’ to ensure the company can build a new factory from the ground up.

Production Processes And Equipment Tested

Lucid AMP-1 paint shop
Via Lucid Motors

In commissioning AMP-1, Lucid tested its state-of-the-art equipment and advanced production processes. For instance, Lucid's EVs won't employ spot welds, and will instead use an aircraft-inspired riveted and bonded monocoque body structure for state-of-the-art structural efficiency.

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The carmaker has also built its full beta prototype test fleet, and is now manufacturing a final series of production-representative versions of the Lucid Air. As per Lucid's schedule, the first customer EVs will come off the production line in Spring of 2021. AMP-1 currently has an initial production capacity of 30,000 units.

Lucid Air To Arrive Soon

Lucid AMP-1 before and after
Via Lucid Motors

Once production commences, the new Lucid Air (Dream Editions followed by Grand Touring and Touring models) will start arriving at global markets, starting in North America.

In early 2022, the carmaker will boost its lineup with Lucid Air Pure, which is currently priced starting at $69,900 (after $7,500 US Federal tax credit). Certain Air models are expected to sprint from nil to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds and offer a range of over 500 miles.

Source: Lucid Motors

NEXT: Lucid Motors: A Full Preview Of Their Electric Vehicles Lineup