If you’re in the market for an electric car, chances are you’re considering either a Tesla or a Lucid. Both companies are based in California, and both produce fully-electric cars. But which is the better buy? We put Lucid Air and Tesla face-to-face across efficiency, price, running costs, and other key performance factors in determining the winner in the Lucid vs. Tesla competition.
So, which company should you put your money behind? Both Tesla and Lucid have a lot to offer potential buyers, but they also have some significant differences. To help you decide which the right buy is for you, we’ve comprehensively compared these two EV giants in this Lucid vs. Tesla race. Read on to see how Tesla and Lucid stack up against each other across a variety of key performance factors.
Let’s start with a brief background of the both.
Lucid Motors: Atieva to Lucid Air
Lucid Motors started as Atieva, a company set to improve battery durability, reliability, and efficiency for other modes of transportation like buses, motorcycles, and vans. But in 2016, they shifted gears (literally) and changed their name to Lucid Motors.
Lucid Motors now set its sights on creating an all-around impressive car—not just an electric one. So, they set out to create a vehicle with sustainable luxury and uncompromised performance. With that comes some amazing specs. With 1,111 horsepower for the Dream Edition and four different trims, the Lucid Air is undoubtedly a big step in the right direction.
The Lucid Air has 800-1,050 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and 0-100 in 1.9 seconds with that of 1050 hp. With its dual-motor setup, the top speed is 124-200mph. Starting from 400 miles, the highest range Lucid offers is an estimated 516 miles per charge—the longest range of any EV in the world. Not too shabby for a company that started focused on other modes of transportation.
Currently, the only car available from Lucid Motors is the Air with four different trims. However, they have plans to release an SUV called the Gravity in 2024. So if you’re in the market for a luxurious, high-performance electric car, keep your eye on Lucid electric car—they’re sure to have something that catches your eye in the next few years.
Tesla Motors: Start to EV Star
When most people think of Tesla, they think of cutting-edge all-electric cars. But few people know the original story of Tesla Motors. The company started as Tesla Motors to honor Nikola Tesla, a revered name in the field of electric currents and renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering.
Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers who wanted to challenge the status quo and prove that electric cars could be cool too. In 2004, SpaceX founder Elon Musk came on board as CEO and helped secure over $30 million in funding for the company.
In 2006, Musk oversaw the production of first Tesla car, the Tesla Roadster. The Roadster was based on the Lotus Elise chassis and had over 200 miles per charge range. It quickly gained popularity among celebrities and other early adopters but faced skepticism from the auto industry at large.
In 2009, Tesla debuted its flagship Model S Sedan at the North American international auto show. It was a major step up from the Roadster in terms of size, range, and luxury features. It also had a much more affordable price tag than previous Tesla cars, making it more accessible to mainstream consumers.
The Model S quickly became Tesla’s best-selling car, and demand has only increased in recent years thanks to continued innovation from the company. In 2016, Tesla debuted its auto-driving features with the Model S; in 2017, it released its highly anticipated Model 3 Sedan. Today, Tesla sells four different models of cars: the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Each one has helped cement Tesla’s reputation as a cutting-edge luxury automaker. Who knows what they’ll think of next?
For now, Tesla X vs. Y and Tesla 3 vs. Y may interest you with more in-depth feature comparison.
Lucid vs. Tesla Comparison
Both companies have their unique take on how to best provide for the future of transportation. Now, our lookout is to present where similarities end and differences begin. Sit tight and read this 2022 Lucid vs. Tesla argument to the finish until you can come out with the decision on which one to vote for.
Lucid Air Offers Better Range
When people look for an electric vehicle (EV), one of the first things they check is range. In this blog post, we’ll compare the range of a base-model Tesla Model S to a base-model of Lucid Air and do the same for their highest-trim models.
The entry-level Tesla Model X has 333 miles of range, while the longest-possible range for a Model S is 405 miles (Model S). Going back to Lucid Air, the starter Lucid Air Pure offers an extended range of 406 miles, but the longest range offered by the maiden lucid electric car is a whopping 516 miles. So right off the bat, it’s clear that the Lucid Air has a better range than the Tesla Model S.
But how is this possible? After all, Tesla is known for its cutting-edge technology, while Lucid is a relative newcomer to the EV world. The answer lies in several factors, including battery technology, aerodynamics, and weight. If you’re looking for an EV with an impressive range, be sure to add the Lucid Air to your list of contenders. As a timely caveat, EV manufacturers may not be EV batteries manufacturers for their cars.
Efficiency
Regarding efficiency, both Tesla and Lucid have made significant strides in recent years. And already shown that Lucid currently has the edge over Tesla when it comes to range anxiety—the fear of running out of charge while on the road. Lucid also enjoys the edge over Tesla by definition of EV efficiency. Tesla’s efficiency is 30kWh /100, while it is 28.17kWh/100 for Lucid (ecocostsavings.com). If that seems a bit technical and goes, over your head, let’s make it easy for a non-automobile background owner to determine which EV is more efficient.
Of course, the range isn’t the only factor determining a car’s efficiency. How quickly a car can charge also plays a role. The Lucid Air can reach a charge level to run 300 miles in just 20 minutes, while the Tesla Model S takes 15 minutes of charging to cover 200 miles.
We can be more specific by taking two models from two brands– Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD has a battery with 75 kWh capacity, and Lucid Air Grand Touring comes with a battery of 112 kWh capacity. The former takes 11.5 hours at 240V, and the latter takes 13 hours at 240V (via ecocostsavings.com). But the Tesla base models are way faster than the Lucid Air base model.
Performance Battle
Things get interesting when looking at their base and top-of-the-line models to run a Lucid vs. Tesla drag race.
The quickest car on the market to do the 0-60 sprint is the Tesla Model S Plaid, which takes 1.99 seconds. The Lucid Air Dream Edition comes in second with a time of 2.5 seconds. So, when it comes to 0-60 times, Tesla has the edge. The cheapest-possible Tesla Model S still gets you 670 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, which beats out the Lucid Air Pure, which comes standard with 480 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 4 seconds (via EVCompare).
It is quite literally the only 0-60 time Lucid Motors doesn’t supply itself. Both the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Lucid Air Dream Edition have a top speed of 200 mph. So, when it comes to top speed, both cars are neck and neck.
It’s a close race of a high-end powertrain model of Lucid vs. Tesla Plaid, but we have to give the edge to Tesla here. The Model S Plaid is just a hair quicker to 60 than the Dream Edition and has more horsepower. So if you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of performance, go with the Tesla Model S Plaid. But if you’re on a budget, either EV will serve you well.
Look and Feel
When choosing a new car, design and quality are two of the most important considerations. You want a car that looks good and feels good to drive. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Lucid vs. Tesla interior and exterior cross here. We’ll compare their exteriors, interiors, and overall quality to see which one comes out on top.
Exterior Design: The Tesla Model S and the Lucid Air have sleek, aerodynamic designs. But when it comes to details, the Lucid Air has a few more features that give it an edge over the Model S. For example; it has signature LED headlights that help it stand out from other cars on the road. The Model S, on the other hand, has more traditional-looking headlights.
The Lucid Air also has 19-inch and 21-inch wheels, while the Model S only comes with 19-inch wheels. And if you want bigger wheels on your Model S, you’ll have to pay extra for them. So in terms of exterior design, the Lucid Air is slightly ahead of the Tesla Model S.
Interior Design: When you step inside the Lucid Air, you’ll notice that it has a more traditional layout than the Model S. The steering wheel is fully enclosed and mostly circular—just like what you would find in any other car on the market today. On the other hand, the Model S has a “yolk” steering wheel that takes some getting used to.
The Lucid Air is seemingly better in terms of quality and materials resulting in look and feel. It features various fabrics, leathers, metals, and high-end plastic for creating different “moods” for all the trims of Lucid Air. On the other hand, Tesla features some wood trims and various leather options—but it’s not as diverse or bright as what you’ll find in the Lucid Air. So if you’re looking for a car with a more luxurious feel inside, the Lucid Air is probably a better choice.
Price
When it comes to price, Tesla seems to be the clear winner because Lucid Air price is far higher both for basic and top-of-the-line trims than that of its counterpart.
The entry-level trim of Lucid vs. Tesla model 3 price comparison will make things crustal clear. Tesla Model 3 starts at $46,990, while the base model Lucid Air will set you back $87,500—almost double the starting pricing of Tesla. Keep in mind that Lucid Air is eligible for a federal tax credit of $7,500, bringing its final price down to $79,500. The Tesla Model S is not eligible for this credit. Instead, it has hidden and extra cost amounting to $6850, according to solarreviews.com. Even with that hidden cost added, Tesla seems jaw-dropping cheaper than Lucid when comparing the budget models.
The case is even bleaker with high-end versions of Lucid Air, claiming a far higher price tag. For example, Lucid Air Sapphire states $249,000 of price on the company website, and the highest price of the most exclusive and expensive Model of Tesla is nowhere near it.
Costs
Both Tesla and Lucid offer competitive warranty packages that cover mechanical defects for 4 years or 50,000 miles or 80,000 kms (whichever comes first). When it comes to servicing an EV battery, both companies recommend replacing it every 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) after the normal EV battery lifespan.
The ongoing discussion is determining the better option between the two EV manufacturers – Tesla Motors and Lucid Motors. And we see that replacement costs for the batteries will not differ much; the lookout should be the charging and running costs from the Lucid vs Tesla battery competition. To start with, Tesla costs between $9 and $15 to charge the battery fully. Lucid is a bit up as it costs between $16.80 and $17.70 to charge a Lucid Air. It appears Tesla batteries are cheaper to charge than their Lucid counterparts.
Hold. Not time to decide yet. Charging cost depends on the battery capacity. The more capacity the batteries have, the more money they will cost. Now, the million-dollar question is to see how much extra range is covered by the extra cost or extra battery capacity.
Going back to the extra range, low-end price model batteries differ by $7.9 in cost against 67 miles of extra range coverage. And the cost difference for the higher-end model battery is just $2.70 against 111 miles (516-405) of extra range.
From these numbers, we can easily find out the cost spent and electricity discharged by the brands for every mile. If you want to vote for an EV costing less, it should be the basic Tesla models and high-end Lucid Air versions.
FAQs
Q: Is a Lucid car better than Tesla?
In the world of electric cars, there are a few clear frontrunners. Tesla has been leading the way for years, but they may finally have some serious competition from Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors has only recently entered the market, but their car is already being hailed as a serious contender to Tesla’s dominance. So, which car is better?
Lucid Motors has made a big splash with their new electric car. The car has several features designed to make it more competitive with Tesla. For one, the Lucid car has a much longer range than Tesla’s cars. It can travel up to 516 miles on a single charge, while Tesla’s cars max out at around 405 miles. The Lucid car also has a faster charging time, meaning you can return to the road quickly after stopping to recharge.
Q: Is Lucid cheaper than Tesla?
Lucid Motors, an electric vehicle startup, is taking on Tesla with its new Lucid Air electric cars. The Lucid Air is priced at $87,000, about double the price of the Tesla S base model. So, the base model of Tesla not merely cheaper, it is nearly half the entry-level Lucid Air Pure.
As for high-end prices, there also Lucid runs far higher than Tesla’s top-of-the-line models. Lucid Air Sapphire, the most exclusive of Lucid Air cars, sells at $249000, whereas Tesla’s most exclusive one costs $160,000. With tax fees exempted, Lucid will drop by $7500, and Tesla’s price will be added by a hidden or extra cost of $6850.
So, the price of Lucid Air Sapphire will drop to $241500 after deducting the tax fees, and that of Tesla will rise to $166850.(solar reviews.com). Here the verdict will favor Tesla to be a cheaper brand than Lucid.
Q: Is Lucid car faster than Tesla?
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan with impressive performance numbers. It’s said to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, which is slower than Tesla S Plaid, which can accelerate from 0-60 in 1.99 seconds. So, Tesla is faster than all Lucid Air models currently on the market except the Air Sapphire trim of Lucid that can allegedly speed up to 0-100 miles in 1.99 seconds. As for the top speed of the top-level cars of the brand, it is the same for both – 200 mph. Considering the figures as mentioned above, Tesla seems faster than its counterpart.
Of course, raw acceleration and top speed aren’t the only measures of a car’s performance. But they show that the Lucid Air is capable of impressive straight-line speed. This could make it a viable option for luxury buyers looking for an electric car with performance that rivals or exceeds that of a Tesla.
All the queries be it in google, youtube, or Lucid vs. Tesla Reddit search, the results stand by what is said in answer to this question.
Q: Is Lucid The new Tesla?
Tesla has been the undisputed leader in the world of electric vehicles for years. But a new challenger has emerged that could give Tesla a run for its money – Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors is an up-and-coming American EV manufacturer quickly gaining buzz and investment. Many are wondering if Lucid Motors could be the new Tesla.
Lucid Motors was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng, who both previously worked at Tesla. Tse was one of Tesla’s earliest investors, and Weng was an engineer at Tesla who worked on the Roadster. Lucid Motors has since raised over $1 billion from investors like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Peter Thiel’s Mithril Capital Management. In early 2017, Lucid Motors unveiled its first car, the Lucid Air. The design of the Lucid Air is an evolution of what many consumers expect from a luxury electric vehicle.
The car features a large touchscreen and a minimalist dashboard. It has four doors and seats five adults comfortably. The Lucid Air will come with a 112-kilowatt-hour battery pack that can take the car up to 400 miles on a single charge. It is expected to have a more than 400 km (248 mi).
Q: Is Lucid Air a luxury car?
Lucid Motors emerged very recently in the EV market with its first vehicle later this year. The Lucid Air is a luxury sedan that boasts a range starting from 405 miles and rising to 516 miles on a single charge and a hefty starting price tag of $87,000.
The Lucid Air is certainly a luxurious car. It has a sleek design, a long list of features, and an impressive range. However, whether or not it can be considered an actual luxury car remains to be seen.
Several electric cars on the market offer comparable range and performance to the Lucid Air, including the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. So what sets the Lucid Air apart from these other cars?
For starters, the Lucid Air has an advanced driver assistance system that features autonomous driving capabilities. This feature, known as Autonomous Valet Parking, allows the car to park it. If the Lucid Air catches your eye and you’re interested in purchasing one for yourself, we have some good news for you. The company is currently accepting pre-orders for the vehicle.
Q: What car is better than Tesla?
There are plenty of cars that are better than Tesla. For starters, the Chevy Bolt is a much cheaper option with a longer range. The Bolt also has a quicker charging time than the Tesla. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly car, the BMW i3 (check our takes on drivetrain problems in BMW) is a great choice.
It’s smaller than the Tesla but has a similar range and features an electric motor that runs on renewable energy. How to turn your car into a luxury vehicle? Most people think that luxury comes with the price of a car. However, there are many ways to get the same luxurious experience without spending too much money on the actual vehicle. Lucid Air may add to the line at least by dint of efficiency, charging cost, and increased range, if not other considerations.
Q: Can Lucid catch Tesla?
Tesla has been the undisputed leader in the world of electric vehicles for years. But a new challenger has emerged that could give Tesla a run for its money: Lucid Motors.
Lucid Motors was founded in 2007 by Peter Rawlinson, who previously served as chief engineer at Tesla. Rawlinson is now Lucid’s CEO, spearheading the company’s efforts to develop a luxury electric car that can compete with Tesla’s offerings.
The Lucid Air went on sale in 2020 and promised to be a severe contender in the luxury EV market. The Air has a range of up to 516 miles on a single charge, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. That’s faster than most of the Tesla models except the Tesla Model S Plaid, which is currently the fastest production EV in the world.
Q: Is Lucid legitimate?
Lucid is a company that promises to help people achieve their dreams. But is Lucid legitimate?
There are mixed reviews about Lucid. Some say that the company has helped them achieve their dreams, while others claim it is a scam.
Lucid has been around for a few years, and it seems to be gaining more popularity. The company offers various services, including dream interpretation and dream control.
It is difficult to say whether or not Lucid is legitimate. Some people have had positive experiences with the company, while others have been disappointed. If you are considering using Lucid’s services, it is essential to do your research and read reviews from multiple sources before making a decision.
Q: Will Lucid Motors survive?
Lucid Motors is an electric vehicle startup in the news lately. The company has received much attention for its Lucid Air electric car, which is set to compete with Tesla Models. However, despite all the hype, there are some serious doubts about whether Lucid Motors will be able to survive.
The main issue is that Lucid Motors is not yet profitable. The company has burned through $1 billion of investment capital, and it is unclear when or if it will ever become profitable. This is a big concern for investors, and it means that Lucid Motors may not be able to raise any more money from investors in the future.
Another issue is that the electric vehicle market is still relatively small, and it remains to be seen if Lucid Motors can capture a significant market share. In 2021, electric vehicle sales in the United States were merely 5% of all new car sales. This means that Lucid Motors will have to convince many people to ditch their gas guzzlers and buy an electric vehicle.
But if you fall victim to the dilemma lucid vs. tesla stock, wise would be to go with Tesla at this moment. In trades and sales, Lucid is far behind Tesla to date.
Q: Who is Tesla’s biggest competitor?
In the automotive world, Tesla’s biggest competitor is undoubtedly Toyota. The Japanese automaker has been in the business for much longer than Tesla and has a vast global network of dealerships and service centers. Toyota also has a strong reputation for quality and reliability, which Tesla is still working to establish. Toyota has already shown their interest in EV and Toyota electric SUV and Toyota Hybrid Racing car are witness to that.
Another major competitor for Tesla is Nissan. While Nissan doesn’t have the same luxury cachet as Tesla, it offers a wide range of affordable electric vehicles that appeal to budget-conscious consumers. In addition, Nissan has a strong presence in Europe, where Tesla is just beginning to make inroads.
Finally, Volkswagen is another major automaker that poses a threat to Tesla. Volkswagen has deep pockets and an expansive global reach. It’s also been investing heavily in electric vehicle technology and plans to bring several new EVs to market in the coming years. The naming can go on, but that much should suffice as some formidable Tesla competitors.
Limiting the competition in EV industry, Lucid vs Tesla vs Rivian is the new debate as Rivian beats Lucis by production and Tesla by the towing capacity. So, beside Lucid, Rivian is another EV manufacturer approaching to challenge Tesla.
Lucid vs Tesla: Is It a Tie or Final Verdict Favoring the Victor
When the debate is on quality electric cars, two top-quality EV brands always seem pitted against each other: Tesla and Lucid. But when it comes to who makes the faster car, there can only be one winner. And that winner is Tesla Motors with their Model S Plaid. With a 0-60 time of 1.99 seconds, it beats out the Lucid Air Dream Edition by just one millisecond. So if you’re looking for a fast car, your best bet is going to be a Tesla Model S Plaid.
Conversely, the Lucid Air beats all Tesla models regarding range – the biggest worry for electric vehicles. Then again, Tesla appears winner as they can charge their batteries (lesser capacity) faster than that of Lucid. To quell it, Lucid electric car will cost you less for charging and so for running.
So, it is beyond anyone’s capacity to declare one of the contenders as a clear victor in the heated competition of Lucid vs. Tesla. In fact, it is a matter of choice rather than preference, as both have their edges over each other. You have everything broken into pieces; now make your choice meeting your budget, needs, and taste.
