So you‘re intrigued by electric vehicles (EVs) but unsure whether to consider trail-tough trucks from Rivian or luxury sedans from Lucid? Let‘s explore how these two exciting brands compare.
Overview
Rivian: Electric Adventure Vehicles
Founded in 2009 by CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian is an EV startup based in Irvine, California that specializes in a niche rarely targeted by other manufacturers – electric adventure vehicles.
Scaringe‘s vision catalyzed development of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Launched to deliver emission-free off-road driving capabilities surpassing petrol-powered trucks, early reviews praise their performance.
As of December 2022, Rivian has produced over 15,000 vehicles at their Normal, Illinois plant. Expansion is also underway, including a $5 billion Georgia facility due to open in 2024.
Lucid: Luxury and Efficiency
Founded in 2007 by CEO Peter Rawlinson, Lucid is a Newark, California-based EV maker focused exclusively on the high-end luxury market.
Rawlinson and team spent years optimizing proprietary technology to reach new benchmarks before unveiling the Air luxury sedan in 2020. It immediately stood out with its otherworldly 1,111 horsepower, 2.5-second 0-60 time, and jaw-dropping 520-mile EPA range.
Production volumes still remain low for the $100,000+ Air models. But with the 2023 opening of Lucid‘s Arizona factory, they aim to scale up dramatically in coming years.
Capability Comparison
Range
Thanks to its industry-leading battery capabilities, Lucid Air models currently outpace both Rivian vehicles with maximum range reaching 520 EPA-rated miles – 67% beyond the R1T pickup‘s best 314 mile rating.
| Specs | Rivian R1T | Rivian R1S | Lucid Air Dream Edition Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Range (EPA) | 314 miles (Large pack) | 316 mi (Explore pkg) | 520 miles |
Lucid optimizes range through its in-house designed batteries featuring new longitudinal architecture and a whopping 113 kWh capacity for longer energy storage.
But Rivian isn‘t standing still – their next-gen R2 platform aims for over 400 miles to enhance road trip readiness by 2025.
Performance
While the Lucid Air steals headlines with up to 1,111 horsepower propelling 0-60 acceleration in a physics-defying 2.5 seconds, Rivian models supply plenty of pop for the pavement or rugged terrain courtesy of quad-motors generating 835 HP.
Remarkably, Rivian achieves comparable torque to Lucid‘s beastly sedans – enabling its trucks to tow over 10,000 lbs while still ripping from 0-60 in about 3 seconds flat. Impressive!
| Specs | Rivian R1T | Rivian R1S | Lucid Air Grand Touring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Power | 835 HP (Max pack) | 835 HP (Max pack) | 1,111 HP |
| Peak Torque | 908 lb-ft torque | 908 lb-ft torque | 933 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 MPH Time | 3.0s | 3.0s | 2.5s |
| Towing Capacity | 11,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs | N/A |
Clearly Lucid emphasizes unbridled power over towing brawn, while Rivian balances both. This aligns logically with their differing targets…
Off-Road and Utility
One of Rivian‘s key strengths lies in retaining traditional truck utility while eliminating emissions. Both the R1T and R1S leverage physical and software innovations enabling remarkable off-road aptitude.
Rivian trucks boast generous ride height, sturdy underbody fortification, precisely calibrated air suspension tuning, and a sophisticated traction system managing torque actively between motors.
That‘s paired with tough exterior protection against scratches, dents and debris while retaining impressive wading depth even when fully loaded thanks to clever door seals, gaskets, and raised air intakes shielding critical mechanical components.
| Specs | R1T Off-Road Hardware |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 14.9 inches |
| Max Wading Depth | 42.7 inches |
| Approach / Breakover / Departure Angles | 35 / 32 / 30 degrees |
| Steel Skid Plates | Full set protects battery, motors, differentials |
| Tow Rating | 11,000 lbs |
| Gear Tunnel Capacity | 11+ cubic feet |
Where Rivian trucks shine off pavement, Lucid Air sedans will clearly remain on reserved for smooth roads as expected for luxury flagship vehicles with minimal ground clearance.
Pricing Comparison
Now that we‘ve covered capabilities, how do these impressive EV options compare price-wise?
| Pricing | Rivian R1T | Rivian R1S | Lucid Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $73,000 | $78,000 | $87,400 |
| Max MSRP | $93,000 | $93,000 | $179,000 |
The base Rivian R1T presents solid value stacking up nicely against the $77,000 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro Standard Range trim. Meanwhile the R1S undercuts rivals like the ICE-powered BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE luxury SUVs.
Moving toward fully loaded editions, Rivian‘s max pack models with added features inflate cost toward $90K – rivaling Hummer EV Edition 1 territory.
Meanwhile, Lucid‘s cheapest Air Pure model actually charts the most affordable luxury EV path starting under $100k. But maxing all options on the limited Air Sapphire model catapults absurdly over the $200k threshold!
Clearly incomes (or bank accounts) must rise substantially to access Lucid ownership. But Rivian delivers capable electric trucks at relatively more affordable luxury pricing if your needs demand off-road performance.
Real World Use Case Scenarios
Your personal needs and priorities will dictate whether Rivian and Lucid models align logically with your lifestyle. Let‘s compare some scenarios…
Off-Grid Adventure Seekers
- You frequently embark on ambitious deep wilderness expeditions requiring robust vehicles to reach remote destinations off the beaten track
- Must haul bikes/kayaks/camping gear for groups using the max bed capacity or Gear Tunnel
- Love overlanding but seek to reduce environmental impact from truck use
Rivian Best Choice: Adventure-focused R1T pickup or R1S SUV supply ideal blend of emissions-free driving and uncompromised utility to uplift your off-grid trips. All terrain confidence inspires extending journeys deeper thanks to next-level traction systems.
Luxury Buyers Craving Performance
- Passionate early adopter chasing latest cutting-edge electric luxury vehicles as statements
- Frequent driver longing for sublime acceleration while maintaining discreet or refined outward presence
- Seek ultra-long range and spacious, comfort-focused interiors for regional business trips
Lucid Best Choice: With world-beating 1,100+ HP performance, 505 mile max range, and exquisite hand-crafted details throughout, the Lucid Air sedans set new luxury benchmarks globally for refinement and progress.
The Bottom Line
Lucid or Rivian? Luxury or adventure? While comparisons show key segmentation in capabilities catering to diverging needs, both companies are winning.
Rivian empowers emission-free exploration by outperforming expectations for electric truck utility. Early adopters rely daily on R1 trucks tackling rugged trails thanks to uncompromised design and engineering.
Meanwhile, Lucid leapfrogs range and charging barriers via relentless tech innovation, shattering industry benchmarks while attracting former Lamborghini or Tesla Model S Plaid buyers.
So which approach makes "better" EVs ultimately comes down personal priorities. But by broadening electric adoption across vehicle segments, Lucid and Rivian collectively accelerate society forward towards more sustainable transportation.
Notes
Comparison specs compiled via official vehicle data accessed January 2023. Pricing for Rivian models as shown on Rivian.com configurators. Lucid pricing via Lucidmotors.com builder. Real world range and performance subject to driving conditions. Tow ratings may require optional equipment. Off-road equipment & specs can vary by trim. This analysis aims purely to educate readers on vehicle capabilities and best use case alignments. Author does not endorse or recommend one brand conclusively over the other.
