The Lucid Air Years To Avoid
Lucid Air by Ganbaruby - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Lucid Air, a marvel of electric vehicle (EV) engineering, is a car that has been turning heads since its introduction. With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance, it has set a new standard in the electric vehicle market – even giving its main Tesla competitor, the Model S, a run for its money.
The Lucid Air boasts an impressive range, rapid charging capabilities, and a luxurious interior that rivals any competitor. It has been lauded for its innovation and has received numerous accolades in the automotive industry.
However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its potential issues. In this article, we will delve into the Lucid Air luxury EV, talk about its reliability, scrutinize its performance over time, and identify any specific years that prospective buyers might want to avoid (in this case, you only have one option). Let’s take a look.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE LUCID AIR
If you’re interested in the Lucid Air, you currently have one model year to choose from. But is this a reliable luxury EV model? We look at the current lineup and determine the most reliable Lucid Air year so far.
What is Lucid Air?
The Lucid Air is an all-electric luxury sedan from Lucid Motors, an American automotive company specializing in electric vehicles. Introduced to the market to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the Lucid Air is equipped with features that highlight its advanced engineering. The Lucid Air generated some buzz for its best-in-class electric range, rapid charging capabilities, and a suite of high-tech features. Interestingly, Lucid Motors was founded by a former Chief Engineer of the Tesla Model S, Peter Rawlinson.
Like most luxury cars, the interior of the Lucid Air is designed with a focus on luxury and comfort, while its exterior design emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency. Of course, you can’t talk about the Lucid Air without mentioning its performance and range. It offers multiple powertrain options, with the top-end variant boasting up to 1,080 horsepower, enabling the car to zoom from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
One of the standout features of the Lucid Air is its exceptional range. The vehicle holds the current record for the longest range of any electric vehicle, with the ability to travel up to 520 miles with a single full charge, according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Technology-wise, it’s about what you can expect from a six-figure EV. It features a 34-inch curved glass 5K display that merges the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The car also includes a comprehensive driver-assistance system, Lucid DreamDrive, which offers 32 sensors covering vision, radar, and ultrasonics.
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Which Lucid Air Years To Avoid?
As of this writing, the Lucid Air is available in only one version, the 2022 model year. As such, if you’re looking to buy a used Lucid Air, prepare to cough up between $94,000 to $138,000, depending on the trim level. You’re practically paying for brand-new prices even on the used car market.
Technically, the 2022 model is the only option you have as of this moment. Plus, the data about the Lucid Air’s reliability and common problems are relatively scarce. However, we’ll make sure to write follow-up posts about the Lucid Air years to avoid in the future.
Whether you buy or avoid the 2022 Lucid Air depends on whether you like the EV in the first place. To help you decide, we made a quick buyer’s guide below.
Is the Lucid Air EV for You?
Below, we have outlined some of the pros and cons of the 2022 Lucid Air:
Pros:
Exceptional range: The Lucid Air offers the longest range of any electric vehicle on the market, with the ability to travel up to 520 miles on a single charge. Exhilarating performance: With up to 1,080 horsepower for the topmost trim level, the Lucid Air boasts blistering acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Luxurious and spacious interior: This luxury EV features a spacious and modern cabin with upscale materials, providing a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. In addition, the EV sedan features segment-leading amounts of legroom and SUV-levels of space. Tech-Rich: The car has a gorgeous 34-inch curved glass 5K display and a sophisticated driver-assistance system, Lucid DreamDrive, which includes 32 sensors and the world’s first standard high-resolution LIDAR in an EV. Fast Charging: The EV supports fast charging and can charge up to 300 miles of range within 20 minutes when connected to a DC Fast Charging network.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
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Cons:
High Price: The Lucid Air is a premium vehicle with a premium price tag. The base model starts at around $77,400, and the top-end Dream Edition goes over $169,000. In comparison, the highest-end Tesla Model S Plain has a $138,000 starting price. Limited Charging Network: While the Lucid Air supports fast charging, it can only piggyback off Tesla’s supercharger network. However, Consumer Reports say that the Tesla supercharger’s short cord and the location of the Lucid’s charging port made the charging experience frustrating. New Brand: Lucid Motors is a relatively new player in the automotive industry. While it had a strong debut, its vehicles’ long-term reliability and resale value are yet to be proven. Availability: As a new model from a new automaker, availability can be limited. Potential buyers may face wait times for delivery. As of this writing, the Lucid Air still has a waitlist, especially for the Dream Edition.
What are the Common Lucid Air Problems?
One of the front-runners in the problems with the Lucid Air is its fuel propulsion system. A recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mentions an issue that could lead to a loss of propulsion without pre-warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The cause was tracked to the contact switches where the spring force may overcome the magnetic holding force, causing it to open unexpectedly.
Another emerging issue of the Lucid Air is its Turtle Mode. A Lucid Owners Forum post mentions a brief flash of the car going into turtle mode during boot, after which the car functions normally, suggesting it might have entered Turtle Mode briefly. Another forum post discusses concerns about the reported turtle or brick events, where the Air must be towed for service. Many agreed that it was a “scary and frustrating” experience.
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Overall, Lucid Motors has a bright future. As for the Lucid Air, it depends on your needs and if budget is not an issue for you. The Lucid Air excelled in many areas like performance and range, but its high price may deter used car buyers.
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