Lucid Motors launches its first Gravity SUV amid growing competition

In recent weeks, the electric vehicle market has seen significant shifts, particularly with Lucid Motors making strides by starting production of its new Gravity SUV at their Arizona facility. This move is a crucial milestone for the company as it attempts to expand into a much larger market, with the Gravity designed to directly compete with Tesla's well-established Model X. The Gravity SUV is being produced following an announcement made on social media, showcasing CEO Peter Rawlinson driving the new vehicle through the factory, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Lucid after their Air sedan had a slower-than-expected launch. The Gravity is expected to offer different trim levels, with the higher Grand Touring variant starting at $94,900 and promising a range of over 440 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, a more affordable Touring trim is anticipated to begin production in late 2025, allowing Lucid to target a broader customer base. Rawlinson emphasized the Gravity's potential, claiming it targets a market six times larger than what they captured with the Air sedan, suggesting a confident expansion strategy aimed at increasing their market share in a competitive industry. Rivian Automotive has also been in the spotlight, with a recent survey showing that 86% of its customers would choose the brand again, indicating strong brand loyalty. This survey highlighted Rivian's customer satisfaction, particularly for their R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV, and it adds pressure on Lucid Motors to ensure the Gravity meets consumer expectations upon release. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to perform strongly, with their Cybertruck becoming the third best-selling EV in the U.S., demonstrating their established presence in the market. While Lucid Motors has begun this new production phase, the company is still seeking additional funding from its majority owner, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, to navigate its operational costs effectively. The recent production milestone for the Gravity SUV is perceived as essential for Lucid to generate more revenue and move beyond the hurdles faced with its first model, the Air, which had a challenging entry into the market. This push into higher-volume segments through the Gravity is seen as a pivotal moment for the EV startup, as it attempts to secure a foothold within the growing electric vehicle landscape.