Which Years Of Used Lucid Airs Are Most Reliable?
Lucid Air by Ganbaruby - CC-BY-SA-4.0
When Tesla introduced the Roadster in 2008 and the Model S in 2012, it held a unique, virtually alone position in the premium electric vehicle (EV) market. With the combination of innovation, performance, luxury, and superior range, Tesla revolutionized the EV landscape. The company not only made electric cars attractive and practical but also served as a catalyst for EVs to be recognized as credible substitutes for traditional gasoline vehicles.
However, the automotive landscape began to evolve as more automakers jumped into the EV craze. Today, several automakers are challenging Tesla’s dominance in the EV space, including legacy automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen, as well as newcomers like Rivian and Lucid Motors.
THE LUCID AIR YEARS TO AVOID
Like any vehicle, it’s not without its potential issues. In this article, we will delve into the Lucid Air luxury EV, talk about its reliability, scrutinize its performance over time, and identify any specific Lucid Air years that prospective buyers might want to avoid (in this case, you only have one option).
Founded by Tesla Model S guru Peter Rawlinson, Lucid Motors has emerged as a strong competitor to Tesla. With the release of its first vehicle, the Lucid Air, the company has showcased its commitment to luxury, range, and performance. In fact, the Lucid Air was judged the better EV than its main competitor, the Model S.
If you’re interested in the Lucid Air, you currently have one model year to choose from. But is this a reliable luxury EV model? We look at the current lineup and determine the most reliable Lucid Air year so far, along with the common reliability issues and complaints.
Meet the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air is a luxury all-electric sedan that marks the debut of the Lucid Motors brand into the automotive market. One of the main draws of the Lucid Air is its remarkable range. Depending on the model and configuration, it is designed to deliver an estimated range of up to 520 miles on a single charge, among the highest in the EV segment.
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Under the hood or, rather, under the floor, the Lucid Air is powered by a sophisticated electric powertrain that offers remarkable performance. Some versions provide up to 1,000 hp and can reach 0-60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds, providing exhilarating acceleration typically associated with high-end sports cars. Edmunds tested the Lucid Air, and it had a mind-blowing quarter-mile time of 10.3 seconds at 132.2 mph.
The Lucid Air’s interior is designed to be luxurious, comfortable, and rich in tech, positioning it as a true luxury electric sedan. For instance, the Lucid Air features a spacious and airy interior, thanks to its “Space Concept” design philosophy. As for the luxury trimmings, it may feature full-grain Nappa leather seating, Alcantara accents, and real wood or metal trim.
What is the Most Reliable Lucid Air Year?
As mentioned, the Lucid Air is only available in one model, the 2022 version – so technically, it’s the most reliable Lucid Air year so far.
As a relatively new model with a steep price tag, the luxury EV doesn’t have too many documented real-world owner reports or common complaints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed this and has registered only 12 complaints and four recalls. Below we break down some of the most common issues reported by owners.
Electrical and Fuel Propulsion Issues
Looking at the complaints submitted to the NHTSA, there is an overlap of issues related to electrical malfunctions and the fuel propulsion system. Several drivers have reported problems ranging from drivetrain failures and power losses to complete engine shutdowns, voicing their concerns about a vehicle that is essentially brand new.
One user claimed they experienced a drivetrain failure while parked in the garage, but the manufacturer did not provide additional details regarding this issue. As it turned out, there are at least four other instances where vehicles suffered a similar failure while driving, forcing them to shut down abruptly with little to no time to move off the road safely. The problem appears to be associated with either the primary EV battery or the 12V auxiliary battery.
A Californian owner reported that while cruising at 60 mph in their Lucid Air, a warning surfaced announcing a shutdown in 2 minutes. With the brakes barely functional, the driver reached a safe location before the car powered down. Notably, this incident occurred with the vehicle being merely six weeks old and had only logged 1,089 miles.
THE 10 MOST RELIABLE AMERICAN CARS
Because the car buying experience is so stressful, it’s helpful to go into the dealership with information ahead of time. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most reliable American cars so you can approach the process from a place of empowerment.
“Turtle Mode” Issues
NHTSA and Lucid Forum users have discussed potential issues with the Lucid Air’s Turtle Mode. “Turtle mode” is a term used in some EVs to indicate that the battery charge is extremely low and the vehicle limits its performance to extend the remaining range as much as possible.
The NHTSA complaint about “turtle mode” has been filed under the electrical system and powertrain issues. It outlines a situation where a Lucid Air lost nearly all motive power, reducing to crawling speeds of 1 or 2 miles per hour without any prior warning, and in the middle of moving traffic. As a result, the owner had to cautiously navigate across traffic lanes at this minimal speed to reach a shoulder. The dealership replicated this failure, categorizing it as a “hard failure” - an issue that could not be resolved merely by rebooting the vehicle.
Other Software Glitches and Electrical Issues
Several reports have shown that software glitches can brick your Lucid Air EV or cause it to drive in the wrong direction. According to various media reports, owners of the new Lucid Air have experienced alarming software glitches causing their vehicles to shut down while driving or even drive in the wrong direction. Instances of the cars moving forward while in reverse have been reported to the NHTSA. Not a great look for Lucid Motors and an unfortunate timing as the company gets production in control.
Is the Lucid Air Reliable?
EVs like the Lucid Air have fewer moving parts than their ICE (internal combustion engine) counterparts. An electric motor is considerably simpler than an internal combustion engine, meaning fewer components can go wrong.
However, it’s worth noting that EVs have unique components that can potentially fail and are expensive to replace, such as battery packs and electronic control systems. As you can see, the Lucid Air has its fair share of issues, and more complaints are likely to arise once more people get their luxury EV sedan.
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