Goodbye and farewell after 40 months

[Ampere]

I tried posting this a week ago, but I never saw it appear. I traded my Lucid Air Touring a week ago. I'll live without an EV until September when my Mercedes CLA250+ arrives.

I joined this forum in June 2022. This forum has been invaluable to my understanding, operation and enjoyment of my Lucid Air. I don't know how I would have survived without all of your contributions. I want to especially thank Borski, Bobby and JoeC for their wisdom and keeping this forum civil and on-track.

I originally ordered a Pure with a metal roof in August 2022.. But by February 2023 my salesperson convinced me it would be a long time until Lucid manufactured the Pure, but I could drive home a Touring the next day. Two days later I drove home a Touring after spending $20K more than I budgeted. (I never counted on the federal tax credit.) Of course, Lucid started delivering the Pure two months later.

As I've expressed before, the Lucid Air was more car than I needed. Had I test driven it for a few weeks I never would have purchased it. Don't get me wrong, it's really a superb vehicle, but it was too much of a vehicle for me. It barely fit in our two-car garage parked next to a Honda Accord hybrid. I'm the last person who needed a 620 horsepower, 5,500 pound car. I only drove it in the "smooth" setting. (Please, stop laughing.)
My partner didn't drive it, because this car required being driven nearly daily to fully adjust to its unique features and handling. One dent on its glorious exterior would be extremely expensive to repair, not to mention finding a local body shop authorized to do that repair.

My biggest disappointment with my Air Touring is that it came nowhere near its advertised EPA range, which, I think was 419 miles when I bought it. On 70 degree days at 72 mph on flat roads I barely reached 290 miles, while not going below a 20 percent charge.

I resented that 90 days in Lucid removed my 360-degree camera view and wanted almost $5K to reinstate it. I could live without the semi-autonomous DreamDrive Pro and I understood paying a lot extra for that promise (which has yet to be fully delivered, although I've noticed Lucid reduced the price). I guess I could have bought the 360-view now for about $3K, which still seems rather outrageous on a car I paid over $100K to buy.

I was one of the lucky ones-- this car never needed any extraordinary service. Once Lucid improved the software (after 2.0) everything worked. I remember all of us anticipating CarPlay and Android Auto. It sure took Lucid long enough!

I kept my Lucid Air Touring for 40 months, although I listed it for sale here a few times. Why, beyond size and complexity, did I part with my Lucid? I live 140 miles from the nearest service center. In the event of a major problem I could not conceive of paying $1,000 or more to have it towed to Goose Island once the warranty expired. When I first bought the car in February 2023 service at Goose Island was great. Tony, the first service manager, even gave me his personal cell phone number. Now it's been through numerous service managers and not nearly enough technicians.

Finally, and I know many of you will be upset when I say this, I'm not sure Lucid will be around in a year or two. I realize that nearly all of you have great faith in the company. I don't. (It took me a week of trying to contact telephone and email support to deregister my car when I sold it.) The whole future of Lucid rests on the whims of the Saudis. A few well-placed missiles from Iran could change a lot. I really hope Lucid succeeds, I do, but I didn't want to lay awake at night worrying about it.

So there you have it. This will be my last post to the forum, but thanks again. You've been a great gang to hang out with.
Rich

 

[Miami_Lucid_Man]

All reasonable points. It’s a lot of car for the money but still a lot of car to handle. If you’re not into that it makes sense to move on.

 

[DeaneG]

Good luck! I've enjoyed your posts.

 

[RajD]

Sorry to see you leave the Lucid family. You’re correct that the majority of us have faith in the company’s future. An OTA like yesterday’s 3.6.0 for Gravity adds to our optimism if the new leadership continues to right the ship this way. But only a jump in sales and service will prove this out, and being dependent on the PIF is a risk for sure.

Best of luck with your new ride!

 

[prgarg]

I tried posting this a week ago, but I never saw it appear. I traded my Lucid Air Touring a week ago. I'll live without an EV until September when my Mercedes CLA250+ arrives.

I joined this forum in June 2022. This forum has been invaluable to my understanding, operation and enjoyment of my Lucid Air. I don't know how I would have survived without all of your contributions. I want to especially thank Borski, Bobby and JoeC for their wisdom and keeping this forum civil and on-track.

I originally ordered a Pure with a metal roof in August 2022.. But by February 2023 my salesperson convinced me it would be a long time until Lucid manufactured the Pure, but I could drive home a Touring the next day. Two days later I drove home a Touring after spending $20K more than I budgeted. (I never counted on the federal tax credit.) Of course, Lucid started delivering the Pure two months later.

As I've expressed before, the Lucid Air was more car than I needed. Had I test driven it for a few weeks I never would have purchased it. Don't get me wrong, it's really a superb vehicle, but it was too much of a vehicle for me. It barely fit in our two-car garage parked next to a Honda Accord hybrid. I'm the last person who needed a 620 horsepower, 5,500 pound car. I only drove it in the "smooth" setting. (Please, stop laughing.)
My partner didn't drive it, because this car required being driven nearly daily to fully adjust to its unique features and handling. One dent on its glorious exterior would be extremely expensive to repair, not to mention finding a local body shop authorized to do that repair.

My biggest disappointment with my Air Touring is that it came nowhere near its advertised EPA range, which, I think was 419 miles when I bought it. On 70 degree days at 72 mph on flat roads I barely reached 290 miles, while not going below a 20 percent charge.

I resented that 90 days in Lucid removed my 360-degree camera view and wanted almost $5K to reinstate it. I could live without the semi-autonomous DreamDrive Pro and I understood paying a lot extra for that promise (which has yet to be fully delivered, although I've noticed Lucid reduced the price). I guess I could have bought the 360-view now for about $3K, which still seems rather outrageous on a car I paid over $100K to buy.

I was one of the lucky ones-- this car never needed any extraordinary service. Once Lucid improved the software (after 2.0) everything worked. I remember all of us anticipating CarPlay and Android Auto. It sure took Lucid long enough!

I kept my Lucid Air Touring for 40 months, although I listed it for sale here a few times. Why, beyond size and complexity, did I part with my Lucid? I live 140 miles from the nearest service center. In the event of a major problem I could not conceive of paying $1,000 or more to have it towed to Goose Island once the warranty expired. When I first bought the car in February 2023 service at Goose Island was great. Tony, the first service manager, even gave me his personal cell phone number. Now it's been through numerous service managers and not nearly enough technicians.

Finally, and I know many of you will be upset when I say this, I'm not sure Lucid will be around in a year or two. I realize that nearly all of you have great faith in the company. I don't. (It took me a week of trying to contact telephone and email support to deregister my car when I sold it.) The whole future of Lucid rests on the whims of the Saudis. A few well-placed missiles from Iran could change a lot. I really hope Lucid succeeds, I do, but I didn't want to lay awake at night worrying about it.

So there you have it. This will be my last post to the forum, but thanks again. You've been a great gang to hang out with.
Rich

Thank you for sharing your very reasonable and honest perspective and experience

 

[Saksak]

[…]My biggest disappointment with my Air Touring is that it came nowhere near its advertised EPA range, which, I think was 419 miles when I bought it. On 70 degree days at 72 mph on flat roads I barely reached 290 miles, while not going below a 20 percent charge.

Good luck with your new EV. Keep in mind that the EPA range is 100% to 0% charge, which none of us do on a daily basis.

Realistically, going from 90% to 20% charge gives: 419 * 0.7 = 293 miles. This is close to your experience of 290 practical miles without going under 20% charge.

Be sure to apply this to your new EV or you’ll again be disappointed in the advertised range. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with an EPA range of 374 miles, you’ll get: 374 * 0.7 = 262 practical miles.

 

[BS8899]

Good luck with your new EV. Keep in mind that the EPA range is 100% to 0% charge, which none of us do on a daily basis.

Realistically, going from 90% to 20% charge gives: 419 * 0.7 = 293 miles. This is close to your experience of 290 practical miles without going under 20% charge.

Be sure to apply this to your new EV or you’ll again be disappointed in the advertised range. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with an EPA range of 374 miles, you’ll get: 374 * 0.7 = 262 practical miles.

I tried posting this a week ago, but I never saw it appear. I traded my Lucid Air Touring a week ago. I'll live without an EV until September when my Mercedes CLA250+ arrives.

I joined this forum in June 2022. This forum has been invaluable to my understanding, operation and enjoyment of my Lucid Air. I don't know how I would have survived without all of your contributions. I want to especially thank Borski, Bobby and JoeC for their wisdom and keeping this forum civil and on-track.

I originally ordered a Pure with a metal roof in August 2022.. But by February 2023 my salesperson convinced me it would be a long time until Lucid manufactured the Pure, but I could drive home a Touring the next day. Two days later I drove home a Touring after spending $20K more than I budgeted. (I never counted on the federal tax credit.) Of course, Lucid started delivering the Pure two months later.

As I've expressed before, the Lucid Air was more car than I needed. Had I test driven it for a few weeks I never would have purchased it. Don't get me wrong, it's really a superb vehicle, but it was too much of a vehicle for me. It barely fit in our two-car garage parked next to a Honda Accord hybrid. I'm the last person who needed a 620 horsepower, 5,500 pound car. I only drove it in the "smooth" setting. (Please, stop laughing.)
My partner didn't drive it, because this car required being driven nearly daily to fully adjust to its unique features and handling. One dent on its glorious exterior would be extremely expensive to repair, not to mention finding a local body shop authorized to do that repair.

My biggest disappointment with my Air Touring is that it came nowhere near its advertised EPA range, which, I think was 419 miles when I bought it. On 70 degree days at 72 mph on flat roads I barely reached 290 miles, while not going below a 20 percent charge.

I resented that 90 days in Lucid removed my 360-degree camera view and wanted almost $5K to reinstate it. I could live without the semi-autonomous DreamDrive Pro and I understood paying a lot extra for that promise (which has yet to be fully delivered, although I've noticed Lucid reduced the price). I guess I could have bought the 360-view now for about $3K, which still seems rather outrageous on a car I paid over $100K to buy.

I was one of the lucky ones-- this car never needed any extraordinary service. Once Lucid improved the software (after 2.0) everything worked. I remember all of us anticipating CarPlay and Android Auto. It sure took Lucid long enough!

I kept my Lucid Air Touring for 40 months, although I listed it for sale here a few times. Why, beyond size and complexity, did I part with my Lucid? I live 140 miles from the nearest service center. In the event of a major problem I could not conceive of paying $1,000 or more to have it towed to Goose Island once the warranty expired. When I first bought the car in February 2023 service at Goose Island was great. Tony, the first service manager, even gave me his personal cell phone number. Now it's been through numerous service managers and not nearly enough technicians.

Finally, and I know many of you will be upset when I say this, I'm not sure Lucid will be around in a year or two. I realize that nearly all of you have great faith in the company. I don't. (It took me a week of trying to contact telephone and email support to deregister my car when I sold it.) The whole future of Lucid rests on the whims of the Saudis. A few well-placed missiles from Iran could change a lot. I really hope Lucid succeeds, I do, but I didn't want to lay awake at night worrying about it.

So there you have it. This will be my last post to the forum, but thanks again. You've been a great gang to hang out with.
Rich

Sad to see you go.

Similarly, I share many of the likes and dislikes you stated.

Lucid's efficiency/range claims are "technically correct, consistent with Lucid's methodology" but misleading when compared with most US usage, hence the disappointment. Honestly, I think Lucid should revisit their methodology and make it more realistically with the usage conditions as many other EV manufacturers do. I hope your new ride delivers your expectations! Good luck!

 

[TahoeMichael]

Good luck with your new EV. Keep in mind that the EPA range is 100% to 0% charge, which none of us do on a daily basis.

Realistically, going from 90% to 20% charge gives: 419 * 0.7 = 293 miles. This is close to your experience of 290 practical miles without going under 20% charge.

Be sure to apply this to your new EV or you’ll again be disappointed in the advertised range. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with an EPA range of 374 miles, you’ll get: 374 * 0.7 = 262 practical miles.

Yup, that's exactly why I'm attracted to the EVs with very large range. Between winter temperatures, driving in the mountains, adverse wind, not using 100% of capacity, and steady battery degradation as the years go by, a long range has a lot of appeal. If I actually got the EPA range, than Lucid's range would be more than I ever need. But once it's derated for all the various factors, I still figure I'll get 250 miles or more of range, which meets my needs.

 

[gaskiller]

I tried posting this a week ago, but I never saw it appear. I traded my Lucid Air Touring a week ago. I'll live without an EV until September when my Mercedes CLA250+ arrives.

I joined this forum in June 2022. This forum has been invaluable to my understanding, operation and enjoyment of my Lucid Air. I don't know how I would have survived without all of your contributions. I want to especially thank Borski, Bobby and JoeC for their wisdom and keeping this forum civil and on-track.

I originally ordered a Pure with a metal roof in August 2022.. But by February 2023 my salesperson convinced me it would be a long time until Lucid manufactured the Pure, but I could drive home a Touring the next day. Two days later I drove home a Touring after spending $20K more than I budgeted. (I never counted on the federal tax credit.) Of course, Lucid started delivering the Pure two months later.

As I've expressed before, the Lucid Air was more car than I needed. Had I test driven it for a few weeks I never would have purchased it. Don't get me wrong, it's really a superb vehicle, but it was too much of a vehicle for me. It barely fit in our two-car garage parked next to a Honda Accord hybrid. I'm the last person who needed a 620 horsepower, 5,500 pound car. I only drove it in the "smooth" setting. (Please, stop laughing.)
My partner didn't drive it, because this car required being driven nearly daily to fully adjust to its unique features and handling. One dent on its glorious exterior would be extremely expensive to repair, not to mention finding a local body shop authorized to do that repair.

My biggest disappointment with my Air Touring is that it came nowhere near its advertised EPA range, which, I think was 419 miles when I bought it. On 70 degree days at 72 mph on flat roads I barely reached 290 miles, while not going below a 20 percent charge.

I resented that 90 days in Lucid removed my 360-degree camera view and wanted almost $5K to reinstate it. I could live without the semi-autonomous DreamDrive Pro and I understood paying a lot extra for that promise (which has yet to be fully delivered, although I've noticed Lucid reduced the price). I guess I could have bought the 360-view now for about $3K, which still seems rather outrageous on a car I paid over $100K to buy.

I was one of the lucky ones-- this car never needed any extraordinary service. Once Lucid improved the software (after 2.0) everything worked. I remember all of us anticipating CarPlay and Android Auto. It sure took Lucid long enough!

I kept my Lucid Air Touring for 40 months, although I listed it for sale here a few times. Why, beyond size and complexity, did I part with my Lucid? I live 140 miles from the nearest service center. In the event of a major problem I could not conceive of paying $1,000 or more to have it towed to Goose Island once the warranty expired. When I first bought the car in February 2023 service at Goose Island was great. Tony, the first service manager, even gave me his personal cell phone number. Now it's been through numerous service managers and not nearly enough technicians.

Finally, and I know many of you will be upset when I say this, I'm not sure Lucid will be around in a year or two. I realize that nearly all of you have great faith in the company. I don't. (It took me a week of trying to contact telephone and email support to deregister my car when I sold it.) The whole future of Lucid rests on the whims of the Saudis. A few well-placed missiles from Iran could change a lot. I really hope Lucid succeeds, I do, but I didn't want to lay awake at night worrying about it.

So there you have it. This will be my last post to the forum, but thanks again. You've been a great gang to hang out with.
Rich

Yeah, Saudis will suddenly stop support while they are building a big Saudi factory employing Saudi citizens, yeah, they won’t spend just a couple billion after spending 10 billion, yeah, the trillion dollar PIF cannot afford that, yeah……..I feel you brother……

 

[gaskiller]

T

Sad to see you go.

Similarly, I share many of the likes and dislikes you stated.

Lucid's efficiency/range claims are "technically correct, consistent with Lucid's methodology" but misleading when compared with most US usage, hence the disappointment. Honestly, I think Lucid should revisit their methodology and make it more realistically with the usage conditions as many other EV manufacturers do. I hope your new ride delivers your expectations! Good luck!

They just follow EPA, if anything, EPA needs to change the way they set the testing rules.

 

[BS8899]

T

They just follow EPA, if anything, EPA needs to change the way they set the testing rules.

Other EV manufacturers, complying with EPA, using the 2-cycle test AND a conservative derating, often meets/exceeds their claimed mileage/efficiency numbers, closely matching the performance in real life. In contrast, Lucid (Tesla) don't. Their deviation is off by as much as 20-25%.

I think that's a poor business practice.

 

[Saksak]

Other EV manufacturers, complying with EPA, using the 2-cycle test AND a conservative derating, often meets/exceeds their claimed mileage/efficiency numbers, closely matching the performance in real life. In contrast, Lucid (Tesla) don't. Their deviation is off by as much as 20-25%.

I think that's a poor business practice.

Blame the EPA. The 2-cycle test is the legacy test used by existing manufacturers. The EPA developed the 5-cycle test to be more accurate, is more costly to perform, and is adopted by all the newer manufacturers - Tesla, Rivian, Lucid.

We don’t need to rehash this here - there are plenty of threads discussing this.

 

[gaskiller]

Other EV manufacturers, complying with EPA, using the 2-cycle test AND a conservative derating, often meets/exceeds their claimed mileage/efficiency numbers, closely matching the performance in real life. In contrast, Lucid (Tesla) don't. Their deviation is off by as much as 20-25%.

I think that's a poor business practice.

Meaning EPA cycle has a problem if some manufacturers get less real world range. But if you drive like the EPA cycle, I bet you, you will get the stated range.

 

[LVAGT]

I kept my Lucid Air Touring for 40 months, although I listed it for sale here a few times. Why, beyond size and complexity, did I part with my Lucid? I live 140 miles from the nearest service center. In the event of a major problem I could not conceive of paying $1,000 or more to have it towed to Goose Island once the warranty expired. When I first bought the car in February 2023 service at Goose Island was great. Tony, the first service manager, even gave me his personal cell phone number. Now it's been through numerous service managers and not nearly enough technicians.

Ah, I remember you. Should have sold to my buddy in central IL 2.5 years ago for a much better price. I still believe that when someone wants to sell their car, knowing it's not the right fit, always better to part ways right away; it'll only depreciate further.

Best of luck to the new Mercedes, and enjoy the ride!

 

[BS8899]

Meaning EPA cycle has a problem if some manufacturers get less real world range. But if you drive like the EPA cycle, I bet you, you will get the stated range.

Yes, 48 mph on long road trips. Try it sometime!

I am NOT saying the EPA cycles are wrong. And I disagree with the folks that say we should blame the EPA. The issue is how the manufacturer embellishes the EPA rating in their ads. As @Ampere noted, he "thought" he was going to get better mileage/range.

For whatever it is worth, I am glad other manufacturers did not follow this practice.

 

[LVAGT]

I am NOT saying the EPA cycles are wrong. And I disagree with the folks that say we should blame the EPA. The issue is how the manufacturer embellishes the EPA rating in their ads. As @Ampere noted, he "thought" he was going to get better mileage/range.

For whatever it is worth, I am glad other manufacturers did not follow this practice.

Last post, didn't want to derail his farewell.

I agree with this wholeheartedly! Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to follow it when other approaches are available. When buying the first EV, not everyone does all the necessary research; however, they do rely on the EPA rating. This is false advertising, and the sales rep should have said something.

 

[L-Dude]

Yeah, Saudis will suddenly stop support while they are building a big Saudi factory employing Saudi citizens, yeah, they won’t spend just a couple billion after spending 10 billion, yeah, the trillion dollar PIF cannot afford that, yeah……..I feel you brother……

FYI, the PIF is cutting back investments everywhere, including places where they have already invested billions. Their money isn't limitless, and their approach isn't careless.

 

[BS8899]

FYI, the PIF is cutting back investments everywhere, including places where they have already invested billions. Their money isn't limitless, and their approach isn't careless.

Not surprising! I think the unquestioned believe and reliance on PIF is a huge Lucid blind-spot. At some point, PIF will cut its losses on a floundering investment.

I think Lucid has marketable equities. But it is hard to see Lucid staying independent if it loses PIF backing.

 

[borski]

Yes, 48 mph on long road trips. Try it sometime!

I am NOT saying the EPA cycles are wrong. And I disagree with the folks that say we should blame the EPA. The issue is how the manufacturer embellishes the EPA rating in their ads. As @Ampere noted, he "thought" he was going to get better mileage/range.

For whatever it is worth, I am glad other manufacturers did not follow this practice.

Manufacturers do not embellish the EPA rating. They literally give you the EPA rating.

The adjustment factor is always 0.7, as that is the maximum allowed by the EPA, so of course every manufacturer will take it.

There is no embellishment. It precisely follows the EPA’s rules. Manufacturers, by law, cannot embellish. That is the literal point of the testing.

Please don’t spread misinformation.

 

[borski]

Not surprising! I think the unquestioned believe and reliance on PIF is a huge Lucid blind-spot. At some point, PIF will cut its losses on a floundering investment.

I think Lucid has marketable equities. But it is hard to see Lucid staying independent if it loses PIF backing.

There is nobody alive that thinks without the PIF Lucid wouldn’t struggle.

The debate people have is whether they will lose PIF backing or not. I don’t think so. Others think so. Neither of us knows because we aren’t in those conversations.