Out of Spec 3 Row EV race - Lucid Gravity driven by Kyle

[msaunders9430]

Don’t think that the object was a race but rather to stress test all of the available 3 row SUVs out to see how they perform. The info on the Buzz was helpful for those that might be considering it as a primary around town people hauler and let potential owner know what “moderate” and “limited” road tripping would be like.

Don't tell Kyle the objective wasn't a race.
He didn't show road rage, he showed charging rage in those parking lots. "Get outta the way folks. We're in a race here".

Listening to Tom Moloughney, it was a race. Including the Buzz was an attempt to make it look like a "test". Ha! They were ready to stop the Buzz in Miami!

 

[hwy17er]

I bet the Buzz was the most comfortable transport!

I had a VW Eurovan with a built-in table for 26 years. My kids and our dogs love that van!

I drove a 1971 VW Type II w/ dual Kadron's and a header that would go 85mph!... Road tripped from LA to Cabo San Lucas many times. Put an external oil cooler and four engines in that thing. ( and no, was never a SOTO member)
It was a blast to be able to toss bikes, surfboards, camping gear, scuba stuff, hitchhikers, construction materials, & whatever in the back of that bus!

Looking forward to a vehicle w/ a lot more balls that has similar cargo space and handles more like a sportscar!

 

[BrianBigNFun]

well... the 5 seater is supposed to be more efficient since it has less weight, weird result

 

[illopp00]

Honestly a Gravity Touring is more efficient and charges pretty much the same as a GT on Tesla SC, its more akin to the rest of the EVs in price and range other than the Escalade.

 

[johnse]

well... the 5 seater is supposed to be more efficient since it has less weight, weird result

During @outofspeckyle's Eastern Edge videos, he said that the Lucid engineers told him the is no range difference between 5 & 7 seat variants. It's an artifact that the extra weight puts the cars in different weight categories for the EPA calculations.

On the forums here we have speculated that was the case. Now we have confirmation.

 

[BrianBigNFun]

well I stand corrected- thats what I get for skipping parts lol

 

[BrianBigNFun]

I see you laughing @Cyp
Don't worry I will give you the full watch on your recap video since you likely need the $ from watch hours to help pay for all of the miles overages on your lease

 

[Sid432]

So then the other factor would be wheels ?

 

[Cyp]

I see you laughing @Cyp
Don't worry I will give you the full watch on your recap video since you likely need the $ from watch hours to help pay for all of the miles overages on your lease

hahahahah you rock!

 

[Sid432]

During @outofspeckyle's Eastern Edge videos, he said that the Lucid engineers told him the is no range difference between 5 & 7 seat variants. It's an artifact that the extra weight puts the cars in different weight categories for the EPA calculations.

On the forums here we have speculated that was the case. Now we have confirmation.

So, the other factor would be wheels then? So, 407 EPA for a 7 seater on 21/22 wheels?

 

[eelpout]

I don’t quite understand why the Buzz was included. Given its range, there was a 0% chance it was going to win.

I do have a friend who loves their Buzz, but it’s because they like the space for kids and stuff and tbh y never, ever road trip.

I'm assuming they had one available.

I would have been happier to see something like a basic Chevy Equinox (FWD) included, which gets good efficiency (but is charging limited). Or even a BMW or Audi, which tend to understate EPA.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

I'm assuming they had one available.

I would have been happier to see something like a basic Chevy Equinox (FWD) included, which gets good efficiency (but is charging limited). Or even a BMW or Audi, which tend to understate EPA.

or even one of the Mercedes SUVs. But I get they don’t have access to everything, though it looks like they had a deal for Mercedes charging, so I bet Mercedes would’ve given them a test unit. A better sample than a Buzz.

 

[eelpout]

or even one of the Mercedes SUVs. But I get they don’t have access to everything, though it looks like they had a deal for Mercedes charging, so I bet Mercedes would’ve given them a test unit. A better sample than a Buzz.

I wonder if they didn't include M-B because they hit the big pause button on selling new EQ EV's in the U.S.? Certainly they must know someone who has one as they seem to be quite popular in the used market given their depreciation. I looked into getting a CPO'd before settling on a Gravity but couldn't find a spec I wanted.

 

[RajD]

This right here is one of the hugest takeaways. Google estimates that the entire drive of 2000+ miles should take about 32 hours in a gas car. The winning Gravity did it in 33 hrs and 20 mins! If it hadn't had the charging issues later on, possibly could have shaved 30-60 minutes off that arrival time. People always complain how EV road trip is going to take HOURS longer. That's just Not true anymore with a vehicle like Gravity!

Fully agree here! Our family roadtrips with our Model S’s and Model X were HOURS longer we estimated than an ICE vehicle would have been , on simple SF to LA trips. It was very tiring and not something we enjoyed as much as a result.

These results show how the Gravity may completely flip this on its ear. Super fast charging and longer range will make it basically equivalent to an ICE car if planned properly. Can’t wait to confirm this on our next trip.

 

[9point81]

I'm assuming they had one available.

I would have been happier to see something like a basic Chevy Equinox (FWD) included, which gets good efficiency (but is charging limited). Or even a BMW or Audi, which tend to understate EPA.

or even one of the Mercedes SUVs. But I get they don’t have access to everything, though it looks like they had a deal for Mercedes charging, so I bet Mercedes would’ve given them a test unit. A better sample than a Buzz.

This was a race of 3 row SUVs. They didn't use any of those others bc they didn't qualify for the parameters of this race.

 

[eelpout]

This was a race of 3 row SUVs. They didn't use any of those others bc they didn't qualify for the parameters of this race.

oops. that makes sense, forgot about that. a big fat EQS would have qualified though.

 

[johnse]

I think in the intro video they mentioned the hadn't thought about the Buzz and reached out to VW at the last minute, described the competition, and asked if VW wanted to be in the race. And VW supplied the car enthusiastically.

 

[9point81]

I think in the intro video they mentioned the hadn't thought about the Buzz and reached out to VW at the last minute, described the competition, and asked if VW wanted to be in the race. And VW supplied the car enthusiastically.

Speaking of the Buzz, going to be renting one this week while my Gravity is still in for service. Definitely not road tripping it!

 

[eelpout]

I don't think that's correct. The route was 2,065 miles, plus charging time. I think it is over 30-35 hours. I

you are right of course, it was 33 hours for Kyle's team. Tom M. talked about the race in length on the Batteries Included Podcast this week. Worth a listen/watch.

 

[doubletwist]

At the time what I thought he meant by route planning was primarily the charging planning, which in itself was primarily based on the accuracy of the battery usage prediction. He mentioned multiple times that the estimator got it right for them... when it predicts 4% they drive and arrive at 3% consistently.

I also found that to be extremely accurate on my recent road trip in the Air.


Which makes it even more annoying/confusing that the miles remaining estimate is so bad.