Lucid Motors is probably the most anticipated EV project to go public in the year 2021. For someone who has just entered the EV market, there will always be comparisons to Tesla, the leading electric car company that builds the greenest and most performance-oriented electric vehicles in the segment. It’s going to be a tough competition since Lucid was created by a former Tesla executive.

About Tesla

Tesla is a leading manufacturer of high-performance electric vehicles led by the visionary Elon Musk. Tesla is an already established market that designs and develops fully electric vehicles, energy generation and storage systems, and powertrain components. Started by a group of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Tesla is a fully-grown EV giant with a market cap of over $1 trillion as of Dec. 2021.

About Lucid

Lucid Motors is an EV startup which started as a battery company but now produces a new generation of luxury electric vehicles. Lucid is a relatively new name in the EV space, but the company sets out to produce a car that elevates the human experience with its all new Lucid Air. Recently the EV startup market value has exceeded Ford Motor Group.

Difference between Tesla and Lucid

Charging

 – The all new Lucid Air sedan reportedly offers a bi-directional charging system, which is a more cost-effective charging method and the Air sedan can also charge another one. In addition, Lucid also claims that the Air can also be used as a temporary energy reserve that will power the homes. Being able to charge one electric car from another electric car can come in handy in emergency situations.

Tesla vehicles are not equipped with bi-directional charging.

Charging Network

 – Lucid has currently no plans to set up and maintain its own charging infrastructure like Tesla has accomplished with its Superchargers, their in-house fast charging technology that offer incredible charging speeds.

– Tesla has a network of those. Lucid’s CEO Peter Rawlinson said they do not want to take the capital burden of a fast charging network. Instead, Lucid uses Electrify America, a Volkswagen-owned network of fast charging stations and the largest open DC fast charging network in the United States.

Range

 – Range has been one of the key features to look for in an electric car, particularly when it comes to traveling long distances. Range is also one of the most important factors in the success of an electric vehicle. Lucid’s top-of-the-line Air Dream Edition offers a range of whopping 520 miles on a full charge, the EPA said, beating the Tesla Model S Long Range by more than 100 miles. The range is so high that you probably do not need to use anything aside from the home charging kit.

Performance 

– The Tesla Model S Plaid is the highest-performing sedan ever built by Tesla. The Plaid delivers a beastly 1,020 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 2 seconds, which is the quickest acceleration in any electric car in production.

The Lucid Air Dream Edition produces a total of 1,111 horsepower, which is a bit more than the Tesla. But the Lucid Air quotes a slightly slower 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 2.5seconds. The Tesla is capable of 200 mph whereas the Lucid claims to achieve more than 200 mph top speed.

Market 

– Lucid is positioning itself as a luxury electric vehicle company whereas Tesla has positioned itself as a premium electric car company. This implies that the two companies may not be in direct competition with one another, at least not at the beginning.

Tesla is an already established company whereas Lucid is primarily an EV startup that is stepping into the EV market. In Feb. 2021, Lucid announced to merge with a publicly traded SPAC in a deal valued at US$11.75 billion.

Self-Driving Tech

 – Lucid Air is supposedly making its debut with a world-class system capable of supporting driver assistance technology as advanced as Level 3. The manufacturer claimed to have the most advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), which will set a new benchmark for the EV industry. It is the most advanced sensor array to be installed in a production electric vehicle, which they call Lucid DreamDrive. It features an array of 32 multimodal sensors including cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors.

Tesla vs. Lucid: Comparison Chart

Summary

Both Tesla and Lucid are insanely fast when it comes to performance. In fact, it appears that they are virtually tied. Tesla may have an edge over the Lucid in terms of acceleration, delivering 0-60 mph in less than 2 seconds while Lucid can achieve that in less than 2.5 seconds. Tesla Model S Plaid tops at 200 mph while the Lucid Air is reportedly having a top speed of over 200 mph. Lucid Air will feature the most advanced driver-assistance system, which will set a new benchmark for luxury cars. Lucid Air is a premium vehicle, and the manufacturer is confident that it will be treated as such when delivered. Lucid places a strong emphasis on comfort and user experience as compared to Tesla.

Is Lucid better than Tesla?

Lucid is a premium vehicle manufacturer which puts a strong emphasis on comfort and user experience. The Lucid outperforms the Tesla on various fronts, including luxury, performance, self-driving tech, charging system, etc.

Is lucid more efficient than Tesla?

Lucid’s top-of-the-line Air Dream Edition offers a range of whopping 520 miles on a full charge, the EPA said, beating the Tesla Model S Long Range by more than 100 miles.

Is Lucid a competitor to Tesla?

Tesla is already an established company that has positioned itself as a premium electric car company whereas Lucid is an EV startup that is positioning itself as a luxury electric car company.

Will Lucid overtake Tesla?

Tesla is arguably ahead because of its visionary leader Elon Musk, who is already known for his several accomplishments. His greatest achievement is probably his space program SpaceX. Lucid was created by a former Tesla executive, so the competition is going to be tough. But only time will tell who comes out on top.

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