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.
Credit: Lucid Motors
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 milesof 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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Tesla has filed a new patent that strongly suggests the automaker is preparing to integrate Starlink satellite receivers directly into its vehicles.
The reason why is still unclear.
Tesla vehicles are already some of the most connected machines on the planet, relying heavily on cellular networks for everything from Autopilot data collection to over-the-air software updates and streaming features.
But cellular coverage has limits.
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Now, a new patent filing reveals Tesla’s solution.
The patent, titled “Vehicle Roof Assembly with Radio Frequency Transparent Material,” describes a new roof structure designed specifically to allow satellite signals to pass through.
The filing notes that traditional automotive glass and metal roofs often block or attenuate satellite signals, making it difficult to hide an antenna inside the cabin. Tesla’s solution is to use specific polymer blends, such as polycarbonate or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, that are “radio frequency (RF) transparent.”
The patent explicitly mentions that this assembly allows for the integration of “antennae directly into the roof structure, facilitating clear communication with external devices and satellites.”
Here is a drawing from the patent showing the multi-layer roof structure designed to hide the antenna while maintaining structural integrity:
While the patent doesn’t name “Starlink” directly (patents rarely name specific commercial products), the implications are obvious. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, is a high-bandwidth, low-latency satellite network capable of supporting the kind of data Tesla vehicles consume.
We have already seen some Tesla owners retrofit Starlink Mini dishes onto their cars for off-grid camping, but this patent suggests a factory-integrated solution where the antenna is completely invisible, hidden inside the roof lining.
This would allow a Tesla to seamlessly switch between 5G cellular networks and the Starlink satellite network, depending on coverage, ensuring the car is always online.
Electrek’s Take
Cars don’t necessarily need satellite connections.
For a while, some thought it could be needed for autonomous driving by enabling constant connectivity, but it is generally accepted that you can’t rely on any kind of internet or in-car communication for self-driving. The risk is too high.
For the most part, a cellular connection is perfectly fine for a car.
However, I wouldn’t mind this if it’s offered as an option for people who are looking to stay connected in more remote areas. It could make sense for that.
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U.S. crude futures rose more than 1% Wednesday as Trump ordered “a total and complete” block of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
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Crude oil prices bounced back from near four-year lows Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said the U.S. will block sanctioned tankers from entering and leaving Venezuela.
U.S. crude oil rose $1.03, or 1.86%, to $56.30 per barrel by 7:52 a.m. ET. Global benchmark Brent was trading at $59.96, up $1.04 or 1.77%.
The U.S. benchmark had fallen to the lowest levels since early 2021 on Tuesday, as traders see a potential peace agreement in Ukraine bringing Russian crude back to a well supplied market.
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But Trump’s pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has lifted prices from those lows. The president said he ordered a “total and complete” blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving and entering Venezuela.
Trump’s blockade comes after the U.S. seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast last week in a major escalation.
Venezuela is a founding member of OPEC and has the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world. It is exporting about 749,000 barrels per day this year, with at least half that oil going to China, according to data from Kpler.
Through the Exelon Foundation, local utility Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has granted $250,000 to Civic Works’ Baltimore Shines solar initiative to support no-cost rooftop solar installations for low- and moderate-income homeowners.
Exelon-owned BGE is working with Civic Works to ensure that up to thirty (30) qualifying homeowners will be able to receive no-cost rooftop solar installations as part of a BGE-funded initiative to add more clean, renewable, and affordable energy to the Baltimore grid.
“BGE is committed to investing in solutions that make energy more affordable and help our customers manage their bills. Baltimore Shines is making a real difference by helping families lower their energy costs while expanding access to clean, renewable power,” explains Tamla Olivier, president and CEO of BGE. “Today’s completion of the 50th solar installation brings affordable energy where it is needed most. Thank you to Civic Works for helping us build a more equitable, sustainable Baltimore.”
Each selected home will get the roof and electrical upgrades needed to go solar, along with a 20 year maintenance plan to make sure the systems continue to cut fossil fuel dependence, support BGE’s clean energy goals, and deliver real progress on environmental justice and energy equity for years to come.
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“We are also deeply appreciative of this new grant from BGE and the Exelon Foundation, which will expand access to clean energy and allow us to provide no-cost solar installations to additional limited- and moderate-income households,” says Eli Allen, senior program director of Civic Works. “Together, we are reducing monthly expenses for families and strengthening resilience across Baltimore neighborhoods.”
Once completed, those thirty homes are expected to generate more than 180,000 kWh of electricity per year, and cut more than 275,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, annually. This solar initiative is also supported by the Maryland Energy Administration and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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