Official Start of Prototyping
Lucid Motors has officially completed the creation of the first prototypes of its new platform for midsize electric vehicles, the production version of which may be named Earth. Although detailed platform specifications and the final vehicle design remain a secret for now, one thing is absolutely clear: this project is the most important step in the brand’s future development.
Details from a Company Representative
This information was provided by Nick Twork, Head of Communications at Lucid. He shared that he recently personally observed the assembly of the first midsize vehicles in the prototype workshop. According to him, the new electric vehicles will retain the core brand DNA inherent in the larger models—the Air sedan and the Gravity SUV. This means one can expect the same space efficiency, driving dynamics, and significant range.
Spent time today in our prototype build area watching the first full-size midsize Lucid vehicles being assembled. The same Lucid DNA as in Air and Gravity—space, efficiency, dynamics, and range—combined with dramatically improved manufacturability and cost structure. They will surprise…
Key Priorities of the New Platform
Twork particularly emphasized that the new platform significantly improves manufacturability and cost structure, and that the finished vehicles “will surprise people.” The focus on ease of manufacturing is the real key not only to the success of the vehicle itself but also to the future of the entire brand. Lucid has already proven it can create some of the most advanced electric vehicles on the market, but it has yet to demonstrate that it can produce them at scale and profitably. The Air and Gravity models impress on paper and on the road, but they also come with premium prices and significant costs to create them.
Plans for Mass Production
The company confirmed that the new platform will underpin three different body types, none of which will be a sedan. Thus, it is designed for scaling in a way that the current Air and Gravity cannot. This is precisely why the company’s focus on simplified manufacturing is so significant. If Lucid can retain even a portion of its signature advantages while significantly reducing production costs, it could provide the long-term market resilience it so desperately needs.
Competition and Launch Timeline
Production is scheduled for late 2026, placing the Lucid midsize electric vehicle in competition with the Rivian R2, whose launch is planned “by June” of this year. The fact that Lucid has not yet fully revealed all the details of its vehicle indicates the substantial amount of work the company still has to complete. The starting price of the new model is expected to be around $50,000.
The success of this initiative is crucial for Lucid’s financial health. Transitioning from niche luxury models to the mass market is a complex challenge for any premium automaker. Lucid’s ability to integrate its advanced technology, especially in efficiency and range, into a more affordable platform will be closely scrutinized by both investors and potential buyers. Delays or quality issues at the start of production could be costly in this competitive market, where giants like Tesla are constantly lowering prices.