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As this article goes live onto the interwebs, American EV automaker Lucid Motors is pulling the cloak off its second model and first-ever SUV – the Gravity. Today’s unveiling at AutoMobility LA is years in the making and represents the next chapter for Lucid, who looks to garner a larger audience of American consumers with its encore EV. Lots to unfold here, including some video footage you can peep below, so let’s dig in.

Today’s public milestone puts a bookend on Lucid Motor’s first production chapter and opens up an entirely new… space… in the market of larger EVs. We at Electrek have been following Gravity’s evolution ever since its makers teased its arrival at the end of the launch video of its flagship Air sedan back in 2021.

Since then, we’ve speculated on what Lucid’s sophomore model would look like, taking cues from patent filings and brief updates during quarterly reports. However, Lucid had remained quite mum about the Gravity SUV – at least until nearly a year ago to the day, when it shared its first official images.

By spring, we got video footage of public road testing and our best look at the overall exterior styling of the Gravity, albeit camouflaged. In August, Lucid shared it had about 30, three-row SUVs built, as it finalized development which remained on track for a launch in November.

That brings us to Los Angeles today, where for the first time ever, the general public gets its first full look at the Gravity inside and out. I got the chance to see it up close yesterday (more on that later), but to begin, check out these exterior images before we dig into the SUV’s specs.

Lucid’s Gravity SUV has arrived on Earth and its a sight

Upon first glance, you’ll notice this is a Lucid EV through and through. That’s interesting to type, as the automaker has only delivered one other model to date, but the Air sedan originally set the brand’s tone for a design language that is inherently lux and it has only been sharpened in Gravity.

It may be tough to distinguish from the images above, but one of the first details you’ll notice from the outside is how low the SUV rides (155 mm height in pre-production specs). That said, it still offers a wheelbase that’s only slightly shorter than the Rivian R1S, offering plenty of room for its third row.

To demonstrate its interior space (112 cubic feet of total usable cargo space with seats folded down), Lucid recruited some of its more vertically gifted team members to climb into the SUV and showcase how much room they had. Some people that were 6′ 4″ or taller sat comfortably in the second and third rows.

Although there is plenty of legroom in the interior thanks to Lucid’s long 900V platform, the Gravity does sacrifice a bit of “greenhouse” above to maximize its range and efficiency. There’s still plenty of headroom, but less compared to other SUVs on the current market – but we’d argue most consumers would forego a glass dome above their heads if it means better aerodynamics and range.

Speaking of which, official numbers aren’t in yet, but Lucid shared it is targeting a drag coefficient below 0.24 with the Gravity SUV, which would usurp the Tesla Model X as the production SUV with the lowest Cd on the planet. Lucid’s senior vice president of design and brand, Derek Jenkins spoke to the elements that went into bringing Gravity to fruition on today’s LA stage.

At Lucid, we believe in pushing the boundaries of design. We have leaned into this belief to  maximize spaciousness, aerodynamic efficiency, and utility, resulting in an electric SUV with a  previously unseen blend of attributes. Whether it’s a cargo-swallowing SUV for family camping trips or a long-range  grand tourer covering hundreds of miles between stops, Gravity is designed to be versatile. Our  team’s dedication to creating an SUV that seamlessly fuses form and function has resulted in a  vehicle that’s visually striking, incredibly versatile, and provides an elevated luxury driving  experience.

One last cool little tidbit I learned about the Gravity yesterday is that all models will come with two different wheel sizes between the front and rear. Options are 21″ and 20″, or 22″ and 21″.

Next, let’s check out the interior, where you’ll noticed some exciting changes compared to the Air sedan.

While a first look will probably trigger a nod to the minimalist yet purposeful tightrope of luxury Lucid continues to masterfully toe, the dashboard of its first SUV introduces some welcomed changes.

For instance, Lucid has moved its display panel up above the steering wheel. Referred to as the “Clearview Cockpit,” this 34-inch curved OLED display now sits uninterrupted (the Air has three separate screens) above a new steering wheel design.

Sitting in the driver’s seat myself yesterday, I can say the wheel is positioned in such a way that appears quite low before you sit down, but is actually perfectly placed to provide comfort and stability to your arms, while offering a complete line of sight to the display and road ahead.

You’ll also notice the center console display has been turned horizontally compared the vertical screen in the Air. Earlier this month, we surmised we might see this screen rotation in the Gravity after Lucid announced the addition of streaming apps like Apple and Amazon Music with “more media apps to follow.” How are you going to watch videos on a vertical screen? Exactly.

As you can see in the image above, Lucid’s Gravity SUV also features a new glass center console that slides open for additional storage and wireless phone charging. But wait, what about that frunk we mentioned? Lucid describes it as “substantial,” but that’s a bit of an understatement. The specific design of the hood and its latches leave plenty of room up front. In fact, the frunk can be used as a lounge if desired. Check it out.

How about that? Just casually lounging inside the hood of your new SUV? What a time to be alive. While the front FRONT seat may be slightly gimmicky, it does showcase the overall space of the Gravity’s frunk and Lucid’s expertise in maximizing every square inch in its vehicles.

Another factor Lucid is excellent is maximizing is range and efficiency – so last but certainly not least, let’s break down the performance specs, pricing, and when you can drive the SUV yourself.

Lucid Gravity specs, pricing, and availability

Alright, time for the juicy stuff. To begin, we’ve learned that Lucid will roll out trims to match its Air sibling, meaning the launch version of the SUV is called the Dream Edition (seen above), followed by a GT, Touring, and the most price-friendly – Pure.

During this morning’s debut, Lucid rolled out the Dream Edition version of the Gravity in silver (although there is not an exclusive exterior color this go around like there was for the Air launch). Joining the Dream Edition on stage was a “Stealth” version of Gravity, complete with blacked out wheels, trim, and a new color for the Lucid configurator called “Aurora Green.” Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson also spoke to its next iteration of electric mobility in front of the crowd in LA:

The Gravity SUV represents a significant leap forward for Lucid’s world-leading technology and  design. Customers will find an unprecedented combination of space and maneuverability,  luxury, and versatility, all seamlessly integrated into one remarkable vehicle with the driving  experience and range of a true Lucid. Lucid’s  innovative proprietary EV powertrain technology and our holistic approach to vehicle  engineering already enabled the Air sedan to redefine what was thought possible from a luxury sports sedan. With Gravity, these innovations evolved and our next generation technology is applied with even greater effect, resulting in an electric SUV that can achieve over 440 miles of  range with a battery pack a little more than half the size of some of our battery-hungry  competitors.

Please note, the specs shared today pertain to the top tier launch trim of the SUV and remain pre-production model specs that are subject to change. We are certain to learn more as we get closer to the official start of Gravity sales next year. Here’s what we know:

  • Platform Architecture: 900V
  • Battery Capacity: “About the same size as Air” (113 kWh)
  • Range: Up to 440 miles (Lucid Motors’ estimate)
  • Charging: Up to 200 miles in 15 minutes (on 350kW DCFC)
  • Horsepower: Over 800 hp
  • 0-60 mph Acceleration: Under 3.5 seconds
  • Payload Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
  • Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs.
  • Cargo Capacity: 112 cubic feet
  • Drag Coefficient: <0.24 (targeted)

As for pricing, our best idea of MSRPs begins with the aforementioned Pure trim, which Lucid says will start below $80,000. That could mean potential federal tax incentives, since it’s built in the US. Like the Air, Pure is almost certainly the last version of the Gravity we will see on the assembly lines… except perhaps, for the tri-motor Sapphire model you can most certainly expect to see announced someday.

As for pricing of the other Gravity trims, we were told to expect MSRPs to resemble those of the Air sedan, whose Pure, Touring, and Grand Touring trims are currently set at $74,900, $87,500, and $115,600 respectively. Expect the Dream Edition Gravity to eclipse all those numbers.

We are certain to learn more details of how these models will vary in specs and pricing in 2024, as Lucid moves closer to Gravity production in Arizona scheduled for late next year. That’s all for now. Lucid said it will upload a video of today’s unveiling at AutoMobility LA which we will add when it’s posted.

In the meantime, here’s a launch video showing the Gravity SUV in great detail. Enjoy!

Credit: Lucid Motors

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Jeep maker Stellantis takes a jab over EV sales, but BYD’s response is perfect

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Jeep maker Stellantis takes a jab over EV sales, but BYD's response is perfect

Former Jeep brand CEO Antonio Filosa, now head of Stellantis, took a shot at BYD over EV sales. BYD responded with the perfect comeback.

Stellantis and BYD trade shots over German EV sales

So, who really sold more electric vehicles? Stellantis’ CEO claimed that its joint venture, Leapmotor, outsold BYD in the heart of Europe during an investor conference last week.

“Last month, I believe that Leapmotor sold more BEVs than BYD in Germany,” Filosa said at the event. BYD wasted no time, responding in a press release issued on Friday.

BYD fired back, saying it registered 8,610 vehicles in Germany in the first eight months of 2025, more than double Leapmotor’s 3,536.

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After checking official data from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), BYD registered 8,563 passenger vehicles through August, compared to Leapmotor with 3,531. Broken down by powertrain, BYD registered 5,809 all-electric vehicles (EVs) and 2,844 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), compared to Leapmotor’s 3,083 EVs and 448 PHEVs.

BYD-Stellantis-EV-sales
BYD “Xi’an” car carrier loading Dolphin Surf EVs for Europe (Source: BYD)

BYD also boasted that it outsold Alfa Romeo and nearly Jeep, two other Stellantis-owned brands, during the same period.

Alfa Romeo registered 5,222 vehicles through August, while Jeep had 8,884, barely beating out BYD. However, Jeep only sold 350 EVs and 569 PHEVs during the period. Alfa Romeo sold just 140 all-electric vehicles.

BYD-Atto-2-EV
BYD Atto 2 compact electric SUV (Source: BYD)

A Stellantis spokesperson clarified (via Bloomberg) that Filosa’s comments “referred only to the month of August, when Leapmotor was indeed the first Chinese brand in the country, with the highest number of battery-electric vehicle registrations and market share.” But was it really? Not according to KBA data.

Electrek’s Take

It looks like Filosa was referring to just one model, the Leapmotor T03, which was the top-selling EV in Germany last month.

Either way, taking a jab at BYD, which is quickly gaining market share not just in Europe, but in nearly all global markets (outside of the US), is bold.

It will be interesting to see how sales shape up at the end of the year in Germany and overall Europe. Both BYD and Leapmotor are expanding with new models launching, including entry-level EVs like the Dolphin Surf (BYD) and Leapmotor B05.

Source: Bloomberg, KBA

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Avant joins the electric wheel loader race with new, 2-ton e747

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Avant joins the electric wheel loader race with new, 2-ton e747

Finnish equipment brand Avant Techno Oy is making their biggest push yet into the electric wheel loader market with the launch of the all-new Avant e747, packing a 47 kWh battery and serious, diesel-beating performance.

Since its founding in 1991, Finnish firm Avant Techno Oy has been working to make a name for themselves in the heavy equipment space with a line of articulated compact loaders (mostly diesel-powered). After releasing their first electric e5 and e6 options back in 2016, they’ve made some inroads, but the latest e727 and e747 models show a renewed, more concerted effort to break into the equipment space in a big way.

Avant’s new e747 is Avant’s biggest electric wheel loader to date, too, offering up to nine hours of continuous operation from its efficient, 47 kWh (51V) battery pack.

That battery isn’t just efficient, it’s unique. Developed in-house by Avant and marketed under the Avant Power brand, the e747’s 47 kWh pack uses “OptiTemp” immersion cooling, submerging the battery’s cells in a dielectric fluid that keeps temperatures stable (read: optimized) under even the heaviest load demands. The result is a bespoke battery pack that runs cooler, charges more efficiently, and maintains consistent output even during long, demanding shifts. 10-80% recharging is possible in under two hours on a 22 kW DC charger.

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Avant believes that technology will give its machines a crucial edge in a broader market that expects their wheel loaders to work at full power, all day long.

“The market has still been missing heavy-duty electric loaders with greater lifting power, longer range, faster drive speed, bigger battery capacity and energy efficiency,” explains Tuomas Färlin, Commercial Product and Sales manager at Avant Tecno Oy. “[With this new battery] Avant e747 is ideal for various professional uses. Think construction or demolition sites where raw power and durability are necessities. Or property maintenance work, where you need a compact, effective and agile loader for full workdays.”

The e747 sends power from its battery to four electric drive motors, one to each wheel, and to the auxiliary hydraulics, which are separate from the drive system. And, because each drive motor is controlled individually, traction control is precise and movement is smooth and predictable on all surfaces.

Avant says that series production for both versions of its e700-series electric wheel loaders will begin in Q1 of next year. No word, yet, on pricing.

Electrek’s Take


Avant e727; by Avant, via Equipment Journal.

Other electric wheel loader makers like Case, Liebherr, and Volvo are obviously feeling the heat from Asian brands like XCMG and LiuGong — knowing the competition is heating up even among other European brands is sure to keep the pressure on. Here’s hoping everything they say about competition improving the breed is true!

SOURCE | IMAGES: Avant, via Equipment Journal.


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XPeng begins localized EV production in Europe with plans to expand

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XPeng begins localized EV production in Europe with plans to expand

Six months after announcing plans to begin EV production in Europe with the help of contract manufacturer Magna Steyr, XPeng Motors has begun rolling two initial all-electric models off those assembly lines overseas. The Chinese automaker continues to deepen its presence in the EU to gain a larger market share.

While XPeng Motors remains one of the more popular Chinese BEV brands in its native country, the company has continued to expand to new markets over the last half-decade or so. We’ve extensively covered XPeng’s expansion into Europe, where it now sells its EVs in 12 different countries in the region, including the Netherlands where we have test driven several of its models.

As you may recall, the EU implemented a probe into the Chinese automakers that the European Commission believes had been “unfairly” subsidized as exports into the region by the boatload. To combat this alleged advantage, Europe imposed tariffs on imports of EVs built in China, including marques like NIO, BYD, and XPeng.

That has not deterred Chinese automakers, who continue to import from China by the boatload while setting up local production to alleviate some of those duties. In May 2024, we reported that Magna Steyr’s president confirmed nearly every Chinese EV automaker, including XPeng Motors, had been in touch with the contract manufacturer about localized EV production in Europe.

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This past March, the Austrian production arm of Magna International confirmed it was finalizing two EV assembly contracts with two Chinese brands – XPeng and GAC Group, which could begin as early as June. Today, six months after those reports arose, XPeng has confirmed EV production is underway in Europe at Magna Steyr.

  • XPeng EV Europe

XPeng begins assembling two EVs in Europe via Magna

In a Weibo post earlier today, XPeng confirmed the start of EV production in Europe, confirming that its G6 and G9 models have begun rolling off Magna Steyr’s assembly lines in Graz, Austria.

As you may recall, Magna Steyr was once home to production of the short-lived Fisker Ocean SUV and the Jaguar I-Pace, which has also been discontinued (although Jaguar isn’t bankrupt like Fisker). That left plenty of production space for Magna to fill, hence why so many Chinese automakers inquired.

This is a win-win for both Magna and XPeng. The former finds a potential long-term contract partner (more on that in a second). At the same time, the latter finally establishes localized EV production in Europe, avoiding most of the tariffs imposed by the EU.

The initial report out of Austria in March stated that both XPeng and GAC were planning to utilize a Semi-Knocked-Down (SKD) build process, in which pre-fabricated components are imported from China into Austria before being assembled locally at Magna Steyr.

The report also stated that the Chinese Automakers were initially only investing a minimal amount of funds into a small number of EV assemblies in order to test markets in Europe. Given XPeng’s growing presence overseas and today’s Weibo post, it has found a viable EV production solution in Magna and is already preparing for further expansions to secure more of Europe’s automotive market. Per the post (translated from Chinese):

In Q3 2025, Xpeng Motors officially launched its first localized production project in Europe at the Magna plant in Graz, Austria, with the first batch of the Xpeng G6 and G9 vehicles rolling off the production line. The plant will also produce more Xpeng models in the future. Xpeng Motors is deepening its presence in the European market with a richer product offering, continuing to accelerate its globalization journey with ‘Made in China’ technology.

There is no word yet on what other XPeng EVs may eventually be assembled in Europe, but I could see the new P7 making its way to Austria next. We will see!

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