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Have you heard of the Lucid Earth? What about the Lucid Space or Palos? Some of these trademark filings submitted by Lucid Motors have already been submitted and abandoned, but some still appear very much in play. Could one end up being the official name of Lucid’s upcoming “Mid-Size” EVs?

Today’s latest push in the rumor mill is riddled with speculation, but it’s all we’ve got to cling onto at this point as details of Lucid Motors’ ($LCID) third EV model(s) have remained light, including its potential name. It was fall 2023 when Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson revealed Lucid was working on a new model priced around $50,000 that would directly target Tesla – more specifically, its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

While original reports said we’d see the new EV(s) by the end of the decade, Rawlinson set the record straight last December, stating the project was already well into development and is targeted to launch mid-decade.

During a visit to Lucid’s AMP-1 facility in Arizona this past December, Rawlinson teased the mass-market EV again, revealing its current name, “Project Mid-size,” while once again reiterating the American automaker has the Model 3 and Model Y in its sights. Rawlinson shared the following details at the time during an interview with Electrek:

Mid-size is a super exciting program. The whole point of all of this is to establish ourselves in this luxury segment and then take all the attributes, all the capability, and a version of the technology and go mainstream. That’s what that car represents, and it has all of that, surprisingly. So stay tuned. We’re going to say as much as we can as soon as we can, but I will say the design is fairly solidified at this point, but there are still things being reviewed,

In April, we toured Lucid’s design studio in the Bay Area and even got a peak at the clay versions of “Mid-Size.” However, from what we heard from the team, its name is still very much in the air (no pun intended). That being said, trademark filings from earlier this year detail some names Lucid might, at the very least, consider for Mid-Size when it debuts.

Lucid Air 2024

Lucid is mulling several different names for “Mid-Size”

When we stood on the design floor in Newark, California, Lucid’s Senior Vice President of Design and Brand Derek Jenkins and CEO Peter Rawlinson walked us around two sheeted examples of Mid-Size in the works. One was a more passenger-friendly SUV and the other a more rugged off-road style with bigger tires and a roof rack.

We learned a lot about Lucid’s third model that day, but there was an interesting exchange between the two executives, who very clearly have not been able to agree on a name for Mid-Size just yet. It’s okay; they’ve got some time, as we don’t expect to see this model until 2026 at the earliest.

Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t sleuth a little to see what names Lucid may or may not be pondering for Project Mid-Size, and January filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offered some tasty bits to wet our beaks while we await official word.

According to multiple trademark filings submitted by Lucid Motors, some model names it is pondering for future models include the following:

  • Lucid Earth/ Earth Dream Edition
  • Lucid Cross Air
  • Lucid Air Cross
  • Lucid Airspace

Additionally, two filings for “Lucid Space” have been submitted, one abandoned and the other still pending. Same with “Earth,” – one is pending, and another is dead. Other dead name filings include “Palos,” “Pure Spec,” and “Air 9.”

Take these names with a grain of salt, as there are absolutely zero guarantees any of these names will make it onto the rear of Lucid’s Mid-Size EVs, but the automaker is clearly brainstorming the nomenclature and has liked a few enough to at least trademark them in case they use it in the future.

With a 2026 targeted launch in the pipeline, it will likely take some time before we get an official confirmation on the name of Mid-Size (they have to finish designing the EVs first). Still, this is a nice little teaser that adds to the imagination of what Lucid Motors will come up with next.

We are very much looking forward to learning more.

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Tesla and Rivian are settling their battery tech theft lawsuit

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Tesla and Rivian are settling their battery tech theft lawsuit

Tesla and Rivian have been embroiled in a lawsuit in which the former accused the latter of having stolen battery technology by poaching Tesla employees.

It sounds like the two automakers are finally about to settle the lawsuit, which has been going on for 4 years.

In 2020, Tesla filed a lawsuit against Rivian over allegedly stealing trade secrets by hiring former Tesla employees and encouraging them to bring documents. Rivian has denied the allegations.

When Tesla filed the lawsuit, it wasn’t clear what trade secrets Tesla was claiming Rivian had stolen. However, we noted that the employees listed in the lawsuits were two recruiters, an EHS manager, and a manager of Tesla’s charging networks.

The automaker claimed that these employees brought “documents consisting of highly sensitive trade secret, confidential, and proprietary engineering information” when they went to work for Rivian.

A year later, Tesla expanded the lawsuitclaiming more specifically that Rivian was “stealing the core technology for its next-generation batteries.”

At first, the companies tried to settle out of court, but it didn’t work out, so the lawsuit was moved to court last year.

Over a year later, we now learn that Tesla had notified the court that it expects to file to get the lawsuit dismissed after reaching a conditional agreement with Rivian. The company didn’t disclose the details of the settlement (via Bloomberg):

Tesla didn’t disclose specifics about the agreement in a court filing, but told a California state judge that it expects to seek dismissal of the case by Dec. 24 upon satisfactory completion of the terms.

Neither Tesla nor Rivian have commented on the reported settlement.

While Tesla has claimed that it somewhat open-sourced its patents, we have previously noted that it’s not exactly the case. Tesla claims to let other companies use its patented technology as long as they themselves don’t sue them over patent rights.

And in this specific case, Tesla alleges that Rivian has specifically hired employees to steal technologies. Again, Rivian has denied the allegation.

Electrek’s Take

The terms are unknown, but in similar cases, it often involves things like some level of access to make sure that no proprietary technology is being used or has been used.

The lawsuit is not exactly clear, but based on the timeline and the allegations of “next-gen batteries”, Tesla could have been talking about its 4680 battery cells, although those are cells. It could also be the structural battery pack.

Rivian is expected to use a taller 4695 battery from LG Energy Solutions for its next-generation vehicles.

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Kempower, Proviridis partner on novel electric semi truck charging solution

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Kempower, Proviridis partner on novel electric semi truck charging solution

French infrastructure specialists Proviridis have partnered with EVSE manufacturer Kempower to deliver a novel, underground charging solution for electric semi trucks designed to easily integrate into existing truck depots.

By installing its high-powered charging cabinets underground and integrating the charging cables into a solid metal pipe, Kempower and Proviridis have been able to make room for high-powered charging points in an existing truck depot that didn’t have enough space to install either conventional EVSE or overhead “drop lines.”

For the pilot, the metal pipe is painted in a striking yellow color to make it easier to see while maneuvering the lot, and keeping the dispensers themselves more protected than conventional concrete bollards. The 600 kW power cabinet is positioned a few yards away – a typical space-saving Kempower solution – and connected to the charge points by underground cable.

Proviridis believes their solution provides enough of a competitive advantage that fleet buyers looking to electrify will be eager to give it a try.

“The product is durable across a wide spectrum of temperatures and conditions, requires minimal ventilation, and can cater for a wide range of customer needs,” explains Olivier Verdu, Technical Director at Proviridis. “These are features which perfectly place the Kempower solution for this type of charging configuration in a logistics environment.”

Electrek’s Take

While traditional charging equipment can cause up to 20% of an existing truck depot’s parking capacity to be lost, the Kempower products have already gained recognition for the efficient size footprint of its overground Satellites. If this underground version proves to be even better, you can expect to see a lot more Kempower installations near you.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Kempower.

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For a limited time, save $500 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

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For a limited time, save 0 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.

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Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal

Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.

The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.

The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.

By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.

But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.

Buzz Bicycles

The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all

The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.

When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.

You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.

Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.

Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.

The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.

With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:

  • 10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
  • 2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
  • 6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Buzz Bicycles

Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200. That’s a $500 discount in total!

Don’t wait, because this deal only runs through 11:59 PM on December 8, 2024.

We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you. 

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