close
close
migores1

The Struggles of Small Electric Vehicle Companies: A Dire Outlook

Key points:

  • Declining interest in electric vehicles: Fewer people are considering buying electric vehicles this year.
  • Lucid’s big losses: Lucid Motors lost $790 million in Q2, losing $330,000 per car sold.
  • Small EV companies at risk: Lucid’s future uncertain despite Saudi backing; Rivian has a slightly better outlook with the support of the car company.
  • Although electric vehicle companies have some struggles and challenges, investors have already identified “The Next Nvidia.” See what all the excitement is about by clicking here now.

A recent study found a drop in the number of people considering buying an electric vehicle this year compared to last year, which is bad news for the industry. The financial struggles of small EV companies like Lucid are staggering, with Lucid losing $790 million in the second quarter alone, which equates to a loss of $330,000 per car delivered. Despite backing from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Lucid’s future looks bleak, especially as they have only delivered 6,000 cars in 2023. Rivian may have a better chance thanks to financial backing from a traditional car company, but the outlook for many small electric vehicle companies remain terrible. The situation is so dire that Lucid’s stock has plummeted to a near penny, signaling serious trouble for the company.

Declining interest in electric vehicle purchases

The Struggles of Small Electric Vehicle Companies: A Dire Outlook

  • A recent study by a major accounting firm found a drop in the number of potential buyers of electric vehicles this year compared to last year.
  • This decline in consumer interest is troubling news for the EV market, especially for smaller EV companies.

The financial woes of Lucid Motors

Electric vehicle maker Lucid plans to lay off 18% of its workforce

  • Lucid Motors reported a staggering $790 million loss in the second quarter alone.
  • This translates into a loss of $333,000 for each car delivered, highlighting the company’s severe financial instability.
  • Despite the hype about longer-lasting, cheaper batteries, Lucid’s financials raise questions about its viability.

The role of Saudi investment in Lucid

Shiny electric vehicles

  • The Saudi sovereign wealth fund is one of Lucid’s biggest backers, but there are doubts about how long that support will last.
  • Even with development of a smaller SUV planned for 2026, the question remains whether Lucid can survive until then given its current financial trajectory.

The irony of Saudi investment in an electric vehicle company

Aerial view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Arabia, known for its vast oil wealth, backing an electric vehicle company like Lucid seems paradoxical.
  • There is speculation that this is a hedge against the potential growth of the electric vehicle market, which could disrupt the oil industry.

Bleak future for bright EV startups and the like

Electric vehicle maker Lucid plans to lay off 18% of its workforce

  • With only 6,000 cars delivered in 2023 and massive ongoing losses, Lucid’s future looks bleak.
  • Investors are being urged to question the wisdom of investing in such companies as their chances of survival appear slim.

Rivian: A slightly brighter outlook?

Rivian R1S

  • Unlike Lucid, Rivian has some financial backing from a major car company, which may give it a lifeline.
  • However, even Rivian’s future is uncertain and much depends on whether they can integrate their technology into wider automotive platforms.

The Reality of Penny Stock Status

  • Lucid’s stock fell to around three dollars, effectively making it a penny stock.
  • The rapid financial decline and limited car sales suggest that Lucid is not a viable long-term investment.

Bottom line: the uncertain future of small EV companies

Exterior of Rivian Showroom, Nashville, TN

  • The ongoing financial struggles of companies like Lucid highlight the risks involved in the EV market.
  • Investors should be cautious as the likelihood of these companies turning their fortunes around looks increasingly doubtful.
  • This topic is likely to come up again soon as more small electric vehicle companies face similar challenges.

Take this retirement quiz to be paired with an advisor now (Sponsored)

Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, so it might be a good idea to talk to a trusted financial advisor about your goals today.

Get started by taking this retirement quiz right here at SmartAsset, which will match you with up to 3 financial advisors serving your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset now matches over 50,000 people per month.

Click here now to get started.

The post The Struggles of Small EV Companies: A Dire Outlook appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Related Articles

Back to top button