LUCID TAKES ON TESLA WITH UK-BOUND MODEL Y RIVAL

Earth SUV to join Air and Gravity as US firm targets global sales push

- GREG KABLE

Lucid is working on a third model, named the Earth, that will spearhead a wider global push for the US-based car maker, including a UK launch by the end of 2027. The SUV will be the first model underpinned by a new modular platform that will be used to expand Lucid's range beyond today’s Air saloon and Gravity SUV, launched in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Sales of both are limited to the US, Canada, the Middle East and a small number of European markets.

The Earth, a Tesla Model Y rival, is slated to arrive in 2027, initially in the US, followed by a wider range of left-hand-drive markets than Lucid currently occupies. Before the start of 2028, the firm will begin shipping right-hand-drive examples - including to the UK – for the first time. The startup is regarded as one of the next big hitters in the EV market, especially for its vehicles’ efficiency. The Air, for example, was the first EV to break 5.0mpkWh, thanks to technically advanced powertrains that Lucid builds in-house.