Lucid unveils Gravity SUV with 440 mile range, starting under $80k… oh, and it has a frunk seat
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!
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Renewables and nuclear provided 40.9% of the world’s power generation in 2024, passing the 40% mark for the first time since the 1940s, according to a new global energy think tank Ember report.
Renewables added a record 858 TWh in 2024, 49% more than the previous high in 2022. Solar was the largest contributor for the third year running, adding 474 TWh to reach a share of 6.9%. Solar was the fastest-growing power source (+29%) for the 20th year in a row.
Solar has doubled in just three years, providing more than 2,000 TWh of electricity in 2024. Wind generation also grew to 8.1% of global electricity, while hydro – the single largest renewable source – remained steady at 14% of global electricity.
“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition,” said Phil MacDonald, Ember’s managing director. “Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force. As the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical in meeting the world’s ever-increasing demand for electricity.”
Ember’s sixth annual Global Electricity Review, published today, provides the first comprehensive overview of the global power system in 2024 based on country-level data. It’s published alongside the world’s first open dataset on electricity generation in 2024, covering 88 countries that account for 93% of global electricity demand, as well as historical data for 215 countries.
What drove the rising power demand
The analysis finds that fossil fuels also saw a small 1.4% increase in 2024 due to surging electricity demand, pushing global power sector emissions up 1.6% to an all-time high.
Heatwaves were the main driver of the rise in fossil generation, accounting for almost a fifth (+0.7%) of the increase in global electricity demand in 2024 (+4.0%), mainly through additional use of cooling. Without these temperature effects, fossil fuel generation would have risen by only 0.2%, as clean electricity generation met 96% of the demand growth not caused by hotter temperatures.
“Amid the noise, it’s essential to focus on the real signal,” continued MacDonald. “Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we’re very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025.”
Aside from weather effects, the increasing use of electricity for AI, data centers, EVs, and heat pumps is already contributing to global demand growth. Combined, the growing use of these technologies accounted for a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024, double what they contributed five years ago.
Clean power will grow faster than demand
Ember’s report shows that clean generation growth is set to outpace faster-rising demand in the coming years, marking the start of a permanent decline in fossil fuel generation. The current expected growth in clean generation would be sufficient to meet a demand increase of 4.1% per year to 2030, which is above expectations for demand growth.
“The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand,” said MacDonald. “It’s clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed.”
Beyond emerging technologies, the growth trajectories of the world’s largest emerging economies will play a crucial role in defining the global outlook. More than half of the increase in solar generation in 2024 was in China, with its clean generation growth meeting 81% of its demand increase in 2024. India’s solar capacity additions in 2024 doubled compared to 2023. These two countries are at the forefront of the drive to clean power and will help tip the balance toward a decline in fossil generation at a global level.
Professor Xunpeng Shi, president of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS), said: “The future of the global power system is being shaped in Asia, with China and India at the heart of the energy transition. Their increasing reliance on renewables to power demand growth marks a shift that will redefine the global power sector and accelerate the decline of fossil fuels.”
Read more: Made-in-America solar just got a big win in Louisiana
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The next-gen LEAF is almost here, and it’s looking better than ever. This isn’t the electric hatch you are used to seeing. Nissan’s new LEAF EV has more range, a fresh crossover design, and yes, it can finally charge up at Tesla Superchargers with an NACS port. With the official reveal just around the corner, someone already spotted the new LEAF at a Tesla charger in Canada.
Nissan is launching the new LEAF in the US and Canada
A little over a week ago, we finally got our first look at the third-generation LEAF. Nissan’s iconic electric hatch has grown into a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover.”
The US and Canada will be the first to see the reimagined LEAF later this year. It will join the Ariya in Nissan’s North American EV lineup as it looks to spark growth in one of its most important markets.
Based on the CMF-EV platform, the same one underpinning the Ariya, Nissan promises the new LEAF will have “significant range improvements.” Although no other details were revealed, Nissan’s vehicle programs chief, Francois Bailly, told TopGear.com that it’s expected to have WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles (600 km).
It will likely be lower on the EPA scale, but anything even close to 300 miles would be a major improvement over the current 212 EPA-estimated miles offered on the 2025 LEAF SV Plus.
The next-gen LEAF will also be Nissan’s first EV to feature an integrated NACS charging port. With its official debut later this year, the new model is out for testing and was just caught testing at a Tesla Supercharger in Canada.
If you didn’t know what vehicle it is, the LEAF is hardly recognizable. The new image from KindelAuto gives us a closer look at the new crossover design. It almost looks like a Tesla sitting in front of the charger.
The new LEAF is one of 10 new and refreshed Nissan vehicles set to launch in the US and Canada. It will arrive later this year, followed by the fourth-gen Rogue in 2026, which will be available as a PHEV for the first time.
Nissan also plans to build a new “adventure-focused SUV” at its Canton, Mississippi, plant in late 2027. The teaser shows what appears to be a rugged electric Xterra. We’ll have to wait for more details on that one.
Nissan will reveal additional info about the upcoming LEAF mid-year. Check back soon for more updates.
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The Port of Barcelona launched the Ecocat Tres, a highly efficient, all-electric commuter ferry powered by Molabo’s ARIES i50 electric motors.
Ecocat Tres is the latest zero-emission ferry in Bus Nàutic’s growing electric fleet, providing clean transportation between the Drassanes and Llevant wharves. In just its first three months, the Bus Nàutic service logged over 125,000 sustainable trips. Operated by ALSA and backed by the Port of Barcelona, the initiative offers locals and visitors an eco-friendly way to travel, cutting down on road congestion and air pollution in the bustling city.
Built by Spanish shipbuilder Metaltec Naval, Ecocat Tres is a 15-meter aluminum catamaran that carries up to 84 passengers. It even includes a rooftop deck, offering extra seating and a breezy ride across the port. The ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes for at least 12 hours each day, with the entire trip taking about 10 minutes.
Under the deck are two powerful 48V Molabo ARIES i50 motors, enabling the electric ferry to hit a top speed of 12 knots. Cruising at its regular operational speed of 5 knots, Ecocat Tres can run efficiently for up to 21 hours on a single charge, making it highly reliable for daily commuters.
Molabo’s motors have a low-voltage setup, which makes them safer to maintain compared to traditional high-voltage electric systems. Passengers also enjoy a smoother, quieter ride thanks to significantly reduced noise and vibrations onboard. Azimut Marine supplied the full propulsion and energy system, which includes two ARIES 50 kW electric drives, 36 batteries providing a total of 216 kWh, fast chargers, and integrated solar panels. Impressively, solar power alone can cover up to 40% of the ferry’s energy needs.
Ecocat Tres will cut around 90 tons of CO2 emissions each year, making a positive impact on Barcelona’s ambitious climate goals.
Port of Barcelona president José Antonio Carbonell said, “This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonization of our operations.”
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