Tesla vs. Lucid: Which EV is better, what you need to know about the newcomer

What is Lucid?

Lucid Motors was founded in 2007, when Tesla was only a few years old. The company began producing and selling its first (and only model to date) — the Air sedan — in late 2021.

The high-end brand now sells several versions of the Air.

Its cars are manufactured in a factory in Arizona. Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson was previously a top engineer at Tesla.

What is the price of a Lucid car compared to Tesla?

Over the years, Tesla has developed a lineup of cars with a price range that spans from the reasonably affordable (think the $39,000 Model 3 sedan) to the downright expensive (like the S Plaid by nearly six figures, or around $121,000 for the Cybertruck Beast).

Lucid is solidly a luxury player, with the entry-level Air Pure starting at $69,900. The model price goes up to $250,000 for the Air Sapphire, a super-powerful speed monster.

How do Lucid’s and Tesla’s vehicles compare?

As its price tag might indicate, the Lucid is all about delivering hefty portions of luxury, performance and technology – and it doesn’t disappoint. The $111,400 Air Grand Touring Performance tested by Business Insider was one of the most impressive vehicles I’ve ever driven.

From the outside, the long, low and wide Air looks futuristic and unlike anything else on the road. The Lucid Air’s interior is equally stylish and unique, completing the package. The car I drove was wrapped in stretchy leather and had a huge windshield that stretched back behind the driver’s head.

Some Airs come with more than 1,000 horsepower and insane performance. Lucid also offers the best range of electric vehicles on the market through the Air Grand Touring, which is rated to drive 516 miles on a full battery.

Tesla has led the market for years, but its best offering, the Model S, is no longer the longest-range electric car, with just 405 miles of range.

Tesla has led the market for years, but its best offering, the Model S, is no longer the longest-range electric car, with just 405 miles of range on a full charge.

Tesla’s closest competitor to the Lucid is its flagship Model S sedan, which also offers tons of range, blistering speed, and plenty of advanced technology at a hefty sticker price — though not as high as the top of the line Lucid . Both cars offer some of the fastest charging on the market, although the Tesla’s charging speed varies significantly depending on the type of charging station you use.

Both brands ditch most conventional buttons and switches in favor of touchscreen interfaces that control everything from air conditioning to door locks. The Tesla’s interiors are spartan and minimalist, while the Lucid offers a more interesting interior and more amenities such as massaging seats.

One negative aspect of Lucid Motors cars is that they cannot access the large network of Supercharger stations that Tesla owners enjoy.

How do you buy a Lucid or a Tesla?

Neither brand has franchised dealerships like traditional automakers do. Instead, they own and operate their own showrooms and service centers. Customers can order a vehicle online, directly from the company. It will then be delivered to a showroom or service center or, depending on your location, you can collect delivery to a home or business address.