The writers at History-Computer argue there are 7 compelling reasons to avoid purchasing a Lucid Air electric vehicle. As an emerging luxury EV maker, Lucid faces skepticism about its staying power and overall ownership experience. This article will dive into each supposed Lucid "con" to help you weigh both sides of the equation.
Overview of the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air is a high-end electric sedan available since late 2021 in multiple battery and power configurations. As Lucid‘s first vehicle release, it aims to compete with Tesla‘s Model S while bringing new technological advancements to market.
So far though, questions linger regarding real-world functionality, production inconsistencies, and long-term viability for such an ambitious upstart. History-Computer believes these factors should give potential buyers pause.
Reason 1 – Sky-High Pricing
The Lucid Air commands a premium price, with the entry level Pure model starting at $87,400 before potential tax credits and incentives. Top-end models approach $200,000.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Pure | $87,400 |
| Touring | $107,400 |
| Grand Touring | $154,000 |
| Sapphire | $249,000 |
For comparison, the Tesla Model S Long Range – also considered a pricey luxury EV by most standards – starts under $100k.
Analysis: There‘s no denying you pay a high tariff to put a Lucid Air in your garage. The company positions it as a high-end luxury electric vehicle. But with other options available for less money, the price itself provides reason for pause by some buyers.
Reason 2 – Unfulfilled Charging Promises
Lucid advertises charging rates up to 300kW and adds up to 20 miles per minute. However, multiple third-party testing outlets have recorded peak charging for the Air considerably lower – in the 135-150kW range during real-world conditions.
Analysis: No production EV today can fully utilize a 300kW power source. And at 150kW, the Air remains a very rapid charger. But overpromising and under-delivering charging speed does undermine trust.
Reason 3 – Overreliance on the Touchscreen
Controlling the Air‘s doors, windows, climate settings and more relies almost entirely on the central touchscreen. No manual override buttons exist for core vehicle functions. Any touchscreen failure would severely limit key controls.
Analysis: Tesla‘s influence shows here, but the difference is Tesla has a service network for rapid repairs. As a new manufacturer, Lucid lacks that infrastructure safety net, amplifying worries about touchscreen dependency.
Reason 4 – Tight Driver/Passenger Space
With a sloping coupe-like roofline prioritizing aerodynamics over headroom, multiple reviewers have noted somewhat cramped driver and passenger space for such a large vehicle. The front seat headroom measures at 37.4 inches.
| Specification | Lucid Air | Audi e-Tron GT | Mercedes EQS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 37.4 in | 38.1 in | 41.0 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.5 in | 41.3 in | 41.7 in |
Analysis: For a $100k+ luxury sedan billed as spacious, the usable interior room trails competitors.
Reason 5 – Problematic Door Handles
Lucid utilizes electric door handles that sit flush against the bodywork to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. However, multiple owners have reported issues with the powered handles not deploying or retracting during real-world operation – sometimes freezing shut entirely.
Analysis: Smoothly functioning doors are a basic expectation, especially for premium vehicles. Early reliance issues highlight why mechanical overrides remain the preferred approach for doors and latches.
Reason 6 – Buggy Smartphone App
Nearly all Lucid Air functionality connects to mobile devices through the Lucid app. But owners widely complain of an unreliable user experience – laggy response times, failed commands, freezing screens and other software problems.
Analysis: Like other automakers, Lucid ties much of the infotainment, climate and charging management to a smartphone app. Their early instability damages overall ownership satisfaction and confidence in connecting tech.
Reason 7 – Disruptive Software Updates
Lucid issues over-the-air software updates similar to Tesla aimed at improving performance and functionality. However multiple reviewers have experienced extended update processes that disable the vehicle altogether during installation.
One Car & Driver journalist documented being locked out of a Lucid Air test vehicle mid-drive when an update initiated. The car became non-operational for 30 minutes until the process finished.
Analysis: On the leading edge of automotive software, multi-hour vehicle shutdowns for updating cause understandable concerns over disruption and accessibility.
So Should You Avoid the Lucid Air?
The Lucid Air brings awe-inspiring EV performance numbers with up to 1,050 horsepower and supercar acceleration. Combined with high-tech luxury appointments, it earns its place as a compelling offering from an ambitious upstart.
However, ambitious does not always translate to proven long-term ownership satisfaction. As with any manufacturer‘s first vehicle, hesitations around service support, manufacturing maturity and infrastructure coverage accompany the cutting edge tech.
Reliability assessments will take years more to accurately gauge. Those less inclined toward early adopter risk may prefer established German and Japanese electric luxury brands. Or they might wait to see how Lucid fares ramping up over the next 3-5 years.
If you prioritize being on the leading edge of an automaker disrupting the status quo, Lucid merits consideration. But a degree of uncertainty always accompanies trailblazing offerings. Weighing your own preferences and risk tolerance seems the wisest path forward.
I hope this analysis brings thoughtful perspective as you evaluate your own priorities for the ultimate driving machine. Please reach out with any other questions raised as you consider the available options on the market.
