Lucid claims its upcoming Air Pure to be the most efficient EV ever produced The company claims it can achieve the highly sought-after efficiency of five miles per kilowatt hour.
Lucid Motors, a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced that its upcoming 2025 Air Pure model will set a new standard for efficiency among EVs currently on the market, and possibly in automotive history.
The company’s claims follow a detailed unveiling of enhancements to its already highly energy-efficient Air Pure model. These upgrades include the integration of a new standard heat pump across all variants, along with significant updates to the vehicle’s computer hardware for enhanced software management.
Interestingly, despite a reduction in battery pack size from 88kWh to 84kWh, the Air Pure continues to drive its rear wheels through a single electric motor. Lucid’s refinements have resulted in achieving an impressive five miles per kilowatt hour during testing.
In the US market, prices for the Air Pure start at $69,900, positioning it competitively against the Tesla Model S, which starts at $66,490 after potential EV rebate savings.
With EVs, efficiency is key
While electric vehicles are renowned for their blistering straight-line speed, the primary concern for most owners and prospective buyers is often the range and efficiency they offer.
Simply adding more batteries to an EV doesn’t necessarily improve its mileage, as the added weight can offset any potential gains. However, Lucid’s achievement of surpassing the five miles per kilowatt hour mark is significant. It positions the company ahead of every other production EV currently available, highlighting its breakthrough in efficiency.
For context, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX Concept, designed as an ultra-aerodynamic test vehicle, achieved an impressive 8.4 miles per kilowatt hour and managed over 620 miles on a single charge. However, it’s not available for purchase and lacks practicality.
In contrast, the Lucid Air Pure is a sleek four-door sedan featuring optional massaging seats and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds when desired.
While Lucid’s efficiency claims should be viewed optimistically, any advancements that minimize the need for frequent charging stops are welcomed as electric vehicles continue to establish themselves as credible alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel cars.