Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors is taking steps to broaden its market reach by introducing a more affordable variant of its Air Pure sedan. Priced at $77,400, this new rear-wheel drive version aims to tap into a wider audience while addressing recent challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
In recent times, increased borrowing costs have cast a shadow over the sales of electric vehicles, impacting the industry’s growth. Additionally, intensified competition, fueled by Tesla’s aggressive pricing strategy, has presented hurdles for smaller EV manufacturers like Lucid and Rivian Automotive. These dynamics have made it crucial for Lucid to rethink its pricing strategy and introduce a more accessible option.
The new Lucid Air Pure boasts a commendable range of 410 miles on a full charge, providing prospective buyers with a competitive electric sedan option. The company’s decision to offer this model at a starting price of $77,400 positions it just above Tesla’s Model S luxury sedan, which begins at around $75,000. This pricing move indicates Lucid’s determination to provide an attractive proposition to potential customers in an increasingly competitive EV market.
On the higher end of the spectrum, Lucid offers the Air Sapphire, its flagship model, with a price tag of $249,000. This premium offering underlines Lucid’s commitment to catering to various segments of the luxury EV market.
Notably, Lucid Group has recently experienced some financial challenges. Despite price reductions of up to $12,400 on its Air luxury sedans in August, the company continues to burn cash and report losses in its race to establish a solid foothold alongside industry giant Tesla. In the second quarter, Lucid reported revenue of $150.9 million, with analysts projecting $207.9 million in sales for the third quarter.
To further expand its global presence, Lucid opened its first overseas production facility in Saudi Arabia, backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund. The Saudi government has also committed to purchasing up to 100,000 Lucid vehicles over the next decade, a promising development for the company.
Despite these strategic moves, Lucid Group’s stock performance has faced challenges, with a 19% decline in the share price over the course of the year. Following the announcement of the more affordable Air Pure variant, the company’s shares experienced a 3.6% dip in early trading.
