Summary
- Lucid Gravity SUVs to get access to Tesla Superchargers on January 31
- Gravity can charge at 400 kW, fastest EV on U.S. market, maxing out at 225 kW on Tesla Superchargers
- Lucid Air owners need to wait until second quarter for Supercharger access
- Gravity has highest voltage rating on U.S. market, can add 200 miles of range in under 12 minutes
- Transition to North American Charging Standard from CCS, Gravity among first vehicles with NACS port, comes with necessary adapters
Article
Lucid Gravity SUVs Gain Access to 20,000 Tesla Superchargers
Lucid announced that starting January 31, owners of the Lucid Gravity SUV will have access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network. The Gravity is the first non-Tesla EV to come equipped with Tesla’s exclusive charging port design, allowing owners to fully utilize the new charging port. The Air, another vehicle by Lucid, will gain access to Superchargers in the second quarter of the year. Gravity owners will be able to charge at 20,000 Supercharger stalls.
Innovative Charging Speeds
The Lucid Gravity SUV features impressive charging speeds, with the ability to charge at 400 kW at certain stations due to its 926-volt architecture. This makes it the highest rating EV on the U.S. market in terms of charging capabilities. The Gravity can add 200 miles of range in less than 12 minutes, thanks to an advanced cooling system and a new Panasonic battery cell. The vehicle’s ability to absorb more kilowatts allows for faster charging times, setting a new standard in EV charging technologies.
High-Speed Charging Limitations
Although the Gravity boasts impressive charging capabilities, the fastest charging sessions are limited to 1000V stations. EVs with higher voltages, such as new Hyundai and Kia models and the Porsche Taycan, struggle with lower-voltage chargers, impacting their charging efficiency. At lower-voltage stalls, the Gravity can hit sustained speeds of up to 225 kW, ensuring faster charging times and optimal performance across various charging stations. Tesla’s rollout of higher-voltage V4 charging stalls is set to further enhance charging capabilities.
Significance of Lucid Gravity SUV
The Lucid Gravity SUV represents a milestone for the California-based EV startup as it expands its lineup beyond the luxurious Air sedan. With the Gravity’s arrival, Lucid aims to attract a wider range of buyers with a practical seven-seat SUV. Early test drives have demonstrated the Gravity’s superior performance, with deliveries already underway for Lucid employees, friends, and families. This SUV is expected to capture the interest of a broader customer base and contribute to the brand’s growth.
Implications for the American EV Market
Tuesday’s announcement holds broader implications for the American EV landscape, indicating a shift in the industry’s charging infrastructure. The move from the Combined Charging System plug to the North American Charging Standard, previously exclusive to Tesla, reflects a transition embraced by various carmakers. With more brands adopting the NACS port design and offering adapters for compatibility with Superchargers, the EV market is set to witness significant changes in charging accessibility and convenience.
Enhanced Charging Options for Customers
Lucid ensures that all new Gravity SUVs come equipped with CCS-to-NACS adapters, providing seamless compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and Destination Chargers. The integration of native charging options and adapters allows customers to access a broad network of charging stations, ensuring convenient and efficient charging experiences. As more EV manufacturers adopt the NACS port design and collaborate with Tesla to expand Supercharger accessibility, the EV landscape is poised for further evolution.
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