Gravity 75 mph Range

[hmp10]

For reference, OOS tested the R1T with aero 21" wheels and got between 2.38 and 2.41 mi/kWh at 70 mph. The cD of the R1 is much higher than the Gravity, so I think it is a good benchmark for the low side. I really don't think Gravity will have efficiency that low at 75 mph . . . .

Maybe a reasonable efficiency is 2.8 mi/kWh, which makes 75 mph range about 336 miles.

Yes, but remember I was talking about range at 80mph and that drag -- the biggest range factor at higher speeds -- increases exponentially with speed.

75mph is slower than the average speeds on U.S. interstates according to DOT studies, and I am so not interested in driving at below-average speeds on a road trip. As much as I prefer driving an EV to an ICE vehicle, I would not road trip in an EV that I could not drive at the speeds that feel most comfortable to me.

I don't mind having to stop every 200-250 miles to charge (as long as the charging stations are working), but I detest being tailgated and having cars whip in and out of lanes around me, as happens when driving slower than other traffic.

 

[momo3605]

Yes, but remember I was talking about range at 80mph and that drag -- the biggest range factor at higher speeds -- increases exponentially with speed.

75mph is slower than the average speeds on U.S. interstates according to DOT studies, and I am so not interested in driving at below-average speeds on a road trip. As much as I prefer driving an EV to an ICE vehicle, I would not road trip in an EV that I could not drive at the speeds that feel most comfortable to me.

I don't mind having to stop every 200-250 miles to charge (as long as the charging stations are working), but I detest being tailgated and having cars whip in and out of lanes around me, as happens when driving slower than other traffic.

Did you watch OOS 10% challenge with their 2025 GT? They set cruise control at 80mph. They averaged 2.9 miles/kwh in that test. You can estimate proportionally how the Gravity will do given they run the same EPA test

 

[hmp10]

Did you watch OOS 10% challenge with their 2025 GT? They set cruise control at 80mph. They averaged 2.9 miles/kwh in that test.

Yep. That's why I'm thinking I should easily get 2.4-2.5 mi/kWh in a Gravity. Frankly, that's just the worst-case figure I could live live with. I'm hoping for better and fairly optimistic that we'll see it.

 

[Knucklehead]

Yes, but remember I was talking about range at 80mph and that drag -- the biggest range factor at higher speeds -- increases exponentially with speed.

75mph is slower than the average speeds on U.S. interstates according to DOT studies, and I am so not interested in driving at below-average speeds on a road trip. As much as I prefer driving an EV to an ICE vehicle, I would not road trip in an EV that I could not drive at the speeds that feel most comfortable to me.

I don't mind having to stop every 200-250 miles to charge (as long as the charging stations are working), but I detest being tailgated and having cars whip in and out of lanes around me, as happens when driving slower than other traffic.

I set my cruise for 80 mph when traveling, so I am on the same page. (I would drive faster but promised my wife I would not. Happy wife!)

The only reason I am focused on 75 mph and 70 mph results is because that is the speed independent testers are using. Using their test data is helpful when guessing what the Gravity will do. I wish they would test at 80 mph, but for whatever reason, they don't.

I want to go as far as possible on the highway. If it turns out the Gravity can't go 300 miles on the highway at a reasonable speed, it will significantly reduce the probability I will get one. I won't say for sure it is off the list, but I want range. As much as possible. (And something that will fit in my garage, because the long-range GM BEV offerings do not.)

 

[SiberianStar]

Actual question: why get low-profile summer tires on an SUV? Doesn’t it pretty much defeat the purpose of an SUV?

Cause this set looks so much better than the smaller sized ones. Unfortunately, Gravity 21 and 22 wheels look like an afterthought to me compared to 23s... But I fully appreciate people have different tastes.

 

[SiberianStar]

Cause this set looks so much better than the smaller sized ones. Unfortunately, Gravity 21 and 22 wheels look like an afterthought to me compared to 23s... But I fully appreciate people have different tastes.

Also, there's a chance going up 2 inches in wheel size doesn't have a material impact on range, different models / wheels behave differently. Looking at BMW iX configurator, 20" Aeros are rated for 309 miles, 21" is 303 miles, and 22" is 302 miles. Sounds like a no brainer in that case to have a better looking option.

UPD: Actually, just checked the Gravity configurator again - they added range estimates for different wheel sizes. The smallest set is EPA rated at 450, while 22s and 23s have the same estimate of 407 miles. So a sizeable loss moving up beyond the base set, but no difference between mid and top sizes, which makes a mid one kinda unappealing, I think?

 

[hmp10]

Also, there's a chance going up 2 inches in wheel size doesn't have a material impact on range, different models / wheels behave differently. Looking at BMW iX configurator, 20" Aeros are rated for 309 miles, 21" is 303 miles, and 22" is 302 miles. Sounds like a no brainer in that case to have a better looking option.

UPD: Actually, just checked the Gravity configurator again - they added range estimates for different wheel sizes. The smallest set is EPA rated at 450, while 22s and 23s have the same estimate of 407 miles. So a sizeable loss moving up beyond the base set, but no difference between mid and top sizes, which makes a mid one kinda unappealing, I think?

I'm surprised that the mid- and large-size wheels have the same EPA range, given that the mid-size wheels look to be more aero.

It also appears that the 5-seat configuration will have better EPA range than the 7-seat if you check the order configurator under "Seating". Opting for 7 seats drops the 407-mile rating to 386 miles.

So, seat and wheel choices can create a 64-mile spread in EPA ratings. Wow.

 

[hydbob]

Also, there's a chance going up 2 inches in wheel size doesn't have a material impact on range, different models / wheels behave differently. Looking at BMW iX configurator, 20" Aeros are rated for 309 miles, 21" is 303 miles, and 22" is 302 miles. Sounds like a no brainer in that case to have a better looking option.

UPD: Actually, just checked the Gravity configurator again - they added range estimates for different wheel sizes. The smallest set is EPA rated at 450, while 22s and 23s have the same estimate of 407 miles. So a sizeable loss moving up beyond the base set, but no difference between mid and top sizes, which makes a mid one kinda unappealing, I think?

Looks, but also All-Season vs Summer tires

 

[hmp10]

Since all three wheel sizes have the same width tires, the only effect on range from wheel choices seems to derive from airflow over the wheel face due to different designs.

 

[SiberianStar]

Looks, but also All-Season vs Summer tires

Damn, I didn't notice this before. Wish there was a choice. Hope the same P Zeros exist in an all-season option, but that's an unnecessary aftermarket expense to me...

 

[hmp10]

Damn, I didn't notice this before. Wish there was a choice. Hope the same P Zeros exist in an all-season option, but that's an unnecessary aftermarket expense to me...

The P Zeroes are available to fit the 21/22" wheels but not the 20/21" wheels. In fact, Tire Rack doesn't show any max performance summer tires that will fit the 20/21" wheel set.

It's interesting that seating configuration impacts EPA range, but there is no difference between the single-chamber and three-chamber air suspension. I guess both must lower the vehicle to the same height at speed?

 

[momo3605]

I'm surprised that the mid- and large-size wheels have the same EPA range, given that the mid-size wheels look to be more aero.

i'm not surprised. Look at the 20" vs 21" Air wheels/tires. The 20" looks way more aero, and the tires are Michelin's latest and greatest EV tire, yet the real world range on 20s is about the same as the 21s. The people with 19s get significantly better efficiency

 

[Pragmatic]

Air suspension is a mixed bag. Gains from lower height are lost to power for the air compressor. I doubt there will be much difference.

 

[SiberianStar]

The P Zeroes are available to fit the 21/22" wheels but not the 20/21" wheels. In fact, Tire Rack doesn't show any max performance summer tires that will fit the 20/21" wheel set.

It's interesting that seating configuration impacts EPA range, but there is no difference between the single-chamber and three-chamber air suspension. I guess both must lower the vehicle to the same height at speed?

I was concerned about the opposite - I spec'ed mine with 23s, but wanted to forego Max Performance, all-seasons would be perfect. Tire Rack only shows summer and winter in that size, no all-seasons

 

[Sid432]

Are we 100% certain that other variants range has been tested when arriving at EPA numbers ? Or is it just base config that gave them 450 miles of range and the other variants are just derived with some assuming factors?

 

[hmp10]

Are we 100% certain that other variants range has been tested when arriving at EPA numbers ? Or is it just base config that gave them 450 miles of range and the other variants are just derived with some assuming factors?

I don't know for sure, but since there was a delay between announcing the 450-mile figure and the other ratings, I suspect there might have been actual testing underway.

Or the delay was due to Lucid's wanting the 450-mile figure to garner some headlines before the less-impressive figures came out. Wouldn't be the first time I've suspected them of such timing decisions.

 

[hmp10]

Air suspension is a mixed bag. Gains from lower height are lost to power for the air compressor. I doubt there will be much difference.

All Gravities have air suspension and thus an air compressor. The difference in the single-chamber and three-chamber suspensions is in the greater adjustment points between maximum and minimum height. The three-chamber suspension does interim adjustments under different dynamic conditions while driving, so I would guess it is actuated much more frequently than the one-chamber system. That is why I was wondering if that would show up in the range figures.

 

[hmp10]

Now that I see the configuration I would order has a 386-mile EPA rating, using the Gravity to drive the way I like to drive on a road trip is becoming ever more dependent on the charging infrastructure getting its act together. I really don't mind stopping every 200-250 miles to charge, and not ever road tripping in really cold weather helps considerably. But it's arriving at a station to find half the stalls not working (or the station down entirely) or a long queue that remains a problem in our neck of the woods.

Also, I've watched far too many people be unable to initiate a charging session with EA using an app or a credit card. One of the few things that usually worked without a hitch at an EA station was automatic authentication of charge access with the 3-year complimentary Lucid charging program that came with our Air. Without that, we'll be planning trips more around ChargePoint and EVgo than EA.

Access to Tesla Superchargers would help, but I remain skeptical about that. Even though they work far more reliably than many CCS services, the queues in Florida and in urban areas can be really long. And I still am waiting to see if Musk really does play fair with Lucid on this.

 

[SiberianStar]

Now that I see the configuration I would order has a 386-mile EPA rating, using the Gravity to drive the way I like to drive on a road trip is becoming ever more dependent on the charging infrastructure getting its act together. I really don't mind stopping every 200-250 miles to charge, and not ever road tripping in really cold weather helps considerably. But it's arriving at a station to find half the stalls not working (or the station down entirely) or a long queue that remains a problem in our neck of the woods.

Also, I've watched far too many people be unable to initiate a charging session with EA using an app or a credit card. One of the few things that usually worked without a hitch at an EA station was automatic authentication of charge access with the 3-year complimentary Lucid charging program that came with our Air. Without that, we'll be planning trips more around ChargePoint and EVgo than EA.

Access to Tesla Superchargers would help, but I remain skeptical about that. Even though they work far more reliably than many CCS services, the queues in Florida and in urban areas can be really long. And I still am waiting to see if Musk really does play fair with Lucid on this.

What are your road-tripping patterns? To me, even 386 EPA is a very comfortable number. If it converts to 300+ real-life under any conditions - heat / cold / speeding (and I think it will), that's sufficient with existing infrastructure. My current car - EQS - goes 300 miles even if I go 85-90 in extreme heat, and I always need a stop faster than the car itself. Coffee / restroom break / stretch my legs. I just try to align my stop with a charging location, and by the time I'm back in my car, it has plenty of juice to go further.

 

[Knucklehead]

UPD: Actually, just checked the Gravity configurator again - they added range estimates for different wheel sizes. The smallest set is EPA rated at 450, while 22s and 23s have the same estimate of 407 miles. So a sizeable loss moving up beyond the base set, but no difference between mid and top sizes, which makes a mid one kinda unappealing, I think?

I just noticed the same thing and grabbed a few images:

So Lucid is saying the other wheels cause a 10% hit to EPA range. I agree with the sentiment that the 23" wheels must have a worse highway range compared to the 22". I bet 15% less than the base wheels.

By the way, OOS reported that Lucid loves the Hankook Ion tires, and that may also be why the 21" configuration is so much better than the others.