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Today — 13 October 2025Main stream

Lucid Owner Hit With Surprise Bill Months After Turning In Their Lease

  • Lucid lessee reports charges months after turn-in despite promised fixes.
  • One driver was billed $2,400 for underbody scratches after vehicle return.
  • Some have filed DFPI complaints against Lucid and the Bank of America.

Lucid sometimes offers some pretty sweet lease deals, and on paper, they can look like a solid way to get behind the wheel of an Air without the long-term commitment. But as we’ve seen more than once, there’s usually a sting in the tail. If it’s not a hefty down payment, it’s what happens when the car goes back at the end of the term.

Back in August, we reported that Lucid itself acknowledged problems with its lease return program. The process, it admitted, wasn’t consistent. Damage assessments were all over the place, and some customers ended up with surprisingly high bills for barely noticeable issues.

Ongoing Frustrations

Two months on, the situation doesn’t appear to have improved. At least two owners have come forward with worrying stories, and one has even taken the matter to regulators.

Over a week ago, one owner posted a thread on Reddit titled “Just got my excess wear report and it’s ridiculous.” Plenty of folks are upset to pay extra cash after a lease ends, but this person seems to have a really good case.

Read: Lucid Lease Customers Hit With Four-Figure Bills Over Scuffs You Can’t Even See

Photos showing the underside of the Lucid Air, along with the digital invoice from the company, reveal that the $2,400 charge was issued for scratches found on the car’s underbody panel.

We’re not talking about a panel that is torn into several pieces, features a giant hole or two, or one that is somewhat missing. No, we’re referring to the kind of scratches that almost anyone with a low-to-the-ground car would have.

The owner claims that he never had an accident or drove over anything significant, but instead that these marks are from things as innocuous as speed bumps.

“Guess we’re supposed to only drive on perfectly flat roads with no speed bumps, and make sure to ‘research’ every driveway before entering,” the frustrated owner said. Interestingly, Lucid seems to have decided not to charge for the fact that the owner’s manual was missing from the car.

Different Case, Same Pattern

This isn’t the only recent example of Lucid’s lease troubles. Another customer, who was billed $585, may have an even more compelling case. According to the owner, the Lucid representative at the lease return appointment found no damage whatsoever.

Less than two weeks later, though, a third-party company carried out a “final inspection” and identified $785 worth of wear-and-tear damage. The owner says Lucid waived $200 for a wheel, but still demanded the remaining $585.

“I just filed a complaint with the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) against Lucid Financial Services and their collection agency over a bogus “excess wear & tear” charge,” they wrote in a Reddit thread.

It’s pretty clear that owners are losing faith in the brand’s lease policy. “If that’s what it’s going to be like, we’re all screwed. There’s no possible way that part doesn’t get scratched or gouged – that’s what it’s there for, to protect the rest of the undercarriage,” said one. “Up next, being charged for scratches on the inside of wheels,” said another.

For now, the ball is squarely in Lucid’s court to explain how it’s handling these lease-end assessments and what steps it plans to take to rebuild customer trust. If you’ve leased a Lucid yourself, drop your experience in the comments below, we’d like to hear how it went down.

Photo: TackleTurbulent9134 / Lucid

Before yesterdayMain stream

A Few Scratches Were Enough To Tank This $121K Lucid’s Value

  • The $121,000 Lucid Gravity failed to meet its reserve during a recent auction.
  • Visible scratches and possible keying raised questions about its condition.
  • The seller also claimed to be listing it for a friend without a title in hand.

The Lucid Gravity is one of the most luxurious and fastest electric SUVs to hit the market, but despite all it has going for it, one low-mileage example recently failed to sell at auction, as bidders were unwilling to meet the seller’s reserve. It seems that both the vehicle’s condition and the seller’s handling of inquiries turned off potential buyers.

This particular Gravity is a Touring model finished in Abyss Black, equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, the Surreal Sound Pro audio system, and Lucid’s DreamDrive 2 driver assistance suite.

A look at the window sticker shows it had an MSRP of $121,050, and as it had only been driven 1,700 miles (2,735 km) at the time of the auction, it could have been expected to fetch bids of over $100,000, but that wasn’t the case.

Read: Uber And Lucid Partner For Thousands Of Robotaxis

After a week on the platform, bidding for the SUV topped out at $87,287. For the most part, the exterior looks to be in good condition, but there is a deep, three-inch gash on the tailgate, an eight-inch scratch on the passenger side rear door, and a three-inch scratch on one of the quarter panels.

There’s no word on what caused this kind of damage, but it appears as though it’s been intentionally keyed, and the panels will need to be resprayed, which could be a costly endeavor for any new buyer.

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Cars & Bids

According to the seller, he listed the Gravity on behalf of his friend who owned it for two weeks but decided he preferred his old Tesla Model X.

However, some people in the comments section questioned whether this was true or not and suggested the seller was simply trying to flip the SUV.

Paperwork Problems

The seller also mentioned that the title for the vehicle had not yet arrived and could take up to two weeks to process. For any buyer, that delay would complicate the handover and slow the completion of the sale.

Inevitably further impacting the sale of this Gravity is that it’s possible to order a Grand Touring model directly from Lucid with immediate delivery for just over $100,000.

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Cars & Bids

Lucid Builds More Cars Than Ever But Still Disappoints

  • Lucid is on track for a record year, but it remains a niche player in the market.
  • The electric carmaker built 9,966 vehicles in the first nine months of the year.
  • Lucid also has 1,000 models on the way to Saudi Arabia for final assembly.

After a promising start in the EV spotlight, the road ahead looks steeper for Lucid. Much like fellow American startup Rivian, Lucid is facing a difficult 2025, with financial pressures mounting after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which also helped lower lease payments, was scrapped.

The company behind the Air sedan and new Gravity SUV built 3,891 vehicles in the third quarter, falling short of projections and trailing the 5,621 average estimate from Bloomberg analysts. During the same period, it delivered a total of 4,078 vehicles, representing a significant jump from the 2,781 vehicles delivered in Q3 last year.

Read: Lucid CEO Reminds Everyone Tesla’s Model S Hasn’t Changed Since The Obama Era

Year-to-date, both production and delivery numbers are higher than in 2024. During the first nine months, Lucid produced 9,966 vehicles in the US and delivered 10,496. For context, the company delivered 10,241 vehicles across all of 2024, a 71 percent jump from 6,001 in 2023. While the momentum shows progress, it still trails what analysts had hoped to see.

Adding to that, Lucid confirmed it has built over 1,000 more vehicles awaiting final assembly at its facility in Saudi Arabia, an important piece of its long-term manufacturing strategy.

Leaving aside analyst forecasts, we’re talking under 10,000 cars in a span of nine months, a number that in no way is sustainable in the long term. For context, Tesla now sells that many vehicles roughly every four days in America, and even younger rivals like Rivian are comfortably outpacing Lucid’s output.

 Lucid Builds More Cars Than Ever But Still Disappoints

Shifting Gears With Gravity

While the latest numbers suggest growth, it’s also worth noting that Lucid is no longer a single-model company. The Gravity SUV has officially begun reaching customers, marking a key step in broadening its lineup. However, the company hasn’t disclosed how many units of the Air and Gravity were included in its third-quarter deliveries.

Even so, Lucid expects the Gravity to take the sales lead through the remainder of the year, potentially becoming the brand’s volume driver.

The next chapter for Lucid could prove even more critical. A mid-size electric SUV is set for unveiling next year, positioned to enter the market at under $50,000. The model could finally give Lucid a foothold in the more accessible end of the EV market, where volume growth matters most.

Provided the company secures the necessary funding, production of this new SUV will take place at Lucid’s Saudi Arabian facility.

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No American Road Car Has Ever Reached 60 Faster Than This Lucid

  • Lucid Air Sapphire hits 0–60 in 1.881 seconds with new Pirelli tires
  • Track Tire package costs $8,250 and transforms launches and braking.
  • It beat the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach by just 0.006 seconds.

The electric super-sedan rivalry just tilted in a new direction. Lucid’s Air Sapphire has claimed the title of the quickest-accelerating production car Motor Trend has ever tested, beating not only Tesla’s Model S Plaid, but also Porsche’s Taycan Turbo GT.

What makes the feat even more impressive is that the Air Sapphire managed it while being larger, heavier, and more luxuriously appointed than its rivals. The secret weapon, as it turns out, is rubber. Well, that and boatloads of uninterrupted power.

Breaking the Two-Second Mark

After jumping behind the wheel of a 1,234hp Air Sapphire fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS Elect LM1 tires, now offered as an $8,250 option plus installation straight from Lucid, Motor Trend recorded a 1.881-second sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h).

That’s noticeably faster than the Air Sapphire previously tested with the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S LM1 tires, which needed 2.2 seconds to hit 60 mph.

Watch: How Fast Can The Lucid Air Sapphire Lap The Nürburgring?

For comparison, the publication recorded a 2.07-second 0-60 mph time in the Tesla Model S Plaid. Until the Air Sapphire came along, the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach was the king of MT’s acceleration tests, recently hitting 60 mph just 0.006 seconds slower than the Lucid. Importantly, all of the times were recorded on an unprepped surface and include a one-foot rollout.

Motor Trend hasn’t said how quickly the Air Sapphire is without factoring in rollout, but tests of the Model S Plaid and Taycan Turbo GT show rollout adds about 0.2 seconds to the 0-60 mph time.

0-60 MPH (97 km/h)1.9 sec
QUARTER MILE9.0 sec @ 154.8 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH (97-0 km/h)93 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION1.11 g
SWIPE
 No American Road Car Has Ever Reached 60 Faster Than This Lucid

Stretching Its Lead

Down the quarter-mile, the Air Sapphire, priced at $250,500 and rising to $258,750 as tested, opens up a bigger gap on the competition. It had previously run a 9.21-second time at 157.1 mph with the standard Michelin tires, but fit a set of the stickier Pirellis and it takes just 9.03 seconds to launch down a 1,320-foot drag strip.

The new rubber also help in braking and handling. The EV needs just 93 feet to brake from 60 mph, which is the same as the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach and 10 feet less than the Air Sapphire with standard tires. It also ran around MT’s figure-eight course in 22.3 seconds, a 0.3-second improvement over a previous test, but slightly slower than the Porsche’s record-breaking 21.9 seconds.

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Lucid CEO Reminds Everyone Tesla’s Model S Hasn’t Changed Since The Obama Era

  • Uber invested $300M in Lucid during July to support future growth.
  • The deal includes 20,000 Gravity SUVs for a new US robotaxi fleet.
  • Lucid’s CEO claims Tesla’s aging lineup is helping attract new customers.

The Lucid Air may already be known as one of the most advanced electric cars on the road, boasting the longest range of any EV sold in the United States, but the brand itself is still fighting an uphill financial battle. Each vehicle sold continues to come at a steep loss, so its recent tie-up with Uber, along with efforts to lure drivers away from rival brands, could prove critical to securing a stable future.

Read: Lucid’s Next EV Isn’t A Sedan, It’s An Affordable Off-Roader Made In Saudi Arabia

Through its tie-up with Uber, Lucid will receive $300 million in investments, making Uber its second-largest shareholder after the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Uber will purchase 20,000 Gravity SUVs from Lucid and use them as part of an expansive robotaxi fleet that’ll be introduced across the States starting next year.

Big Backer, Big Bet

This deal could not have come at a more crucial time for Lucid. Following the Trump administration’s decision to axe the EV tax credit and eliminate fines for carmakers who don’t comply with emissions regulations, electric vehicle manufacturers face the prospect of falling sales. Even so, Lucid chief executive Marc Winteroff is confident the Uber deal will serve as the start of an important new era for the brand.

“The largest ride-hailing business in the world does a strategic deal and invests,” Winteroff said. “It tells you something… 20,000 is a starting point. The sky’s the limit.”

Lucid is also thinking of innovative ways to make the most of its Uber deal. According to the firm’s leader, it will sell vehicles to fleet managers on the Uber platform, and wants to source revenue from charging on a per-mile basis. Winteroff added that the removal of the tax credit is “a big number of pure profit that we know have to live without,” so it’s understandable why the firm wants to make the most out of the Uber deal.

 Lucid CEO Reminds Everyone Tesla’s Model S Hasn’t Changed Since The Obama Era
Lucid Gravity X Concept

Taking Aim at Tesla

During the same interview, Winteroff moved beyond the Uber deal and took a thinly veiled swipe at Elon Musk’s company. He said Lucid has noticed a rising number of Tesla owners making the switch, pointing to the brand’s aging lineup and Musk’s political involvement, which has turned off many buyers.

“We have seen an uptick, that’s definitely the case, in Europe and also here in the US,” Lucid’s CEO revealed. “The Model S, nothing has changed in 12 years now… [customers] are actively looking for other options.” However, Lucid has a long way to go before it can truly threaten Tesla when it comes to sales numbers.

Key to Lucid’s future plans is a mid-size SUV. This new model will start at under $50,000 and may be named the Earth. It will take styling cues from the brand’s existing models, and its production is scheduled to start by the end of 2026. It will also spawn a rugged version inspired by the recent Gravity X Concept and be followed up by an additional model, set to launch in 2028.

 Lucid CEO Reminds Everyone Tesla’s Model S Hasn’t Changed Since The Obama Era

Lucid’s Next EV Isn’t A Sedan, It’s An Affordable Off-Roader Made In Saudi Arabia

  • Lucid’s midsize SUV and rugged version are expected to debut in 2026 and 2027.
  • The brand will bring advanced tech from its flagship models to these affordable EVs.
  • All three midsize models will be built at Lucid’s AMP-2 plant in Saudi Arabia.

Now that the luxurious Gravity SUV is on the market alongside the Air sedan, Lucid can start focusing its efforts on making more affordable models that’ll appeal to the masses. It has already confirmed a sub-$50,000 SUV is in the works, and has now said that the new mid-sized platform will also spawn two more models including a more rugged SUV that takes inspiration from the Gravity X concept.

Lucid released a single teaser image of its third model roughly 12 months ago. The SUV, potentially called the Earth, will have familiar Lucid design cues but be noticeably smaller than the Gravity. While recently speaking at the Munich motor show, Lucid interim chief executive Marc Winteroff revealed the Gravity X will shape the look and feel of one of its upcoming mid-size vehicles.

Read: Lucid Teases New Midsize EV That’s Big On Curves, Starting Under $50K

That influence could translate into standard off-road details such as a raised ride height, all-terrain tires, distinctive bumpers, protective skid plates, and tow hooks. The design points toward a crossover that blends Lucid’s sleek aesthetic with a more adventurous personality.Timing and challenges

Timing and challenges

Sadly, we’ll have to wait quite some time before this vehicle hits the market. Lucid plans to start production of its sub-$50,000 electric SUV by the end of next year, but speaking with Car and Driver, Winteroff confirmed that Lucid needs additional funding to make this happen. When it secures that backing, it’ll be able to ramp up production and likely be in a position to launch the off-road version in early 2027.

 Lucid’s Next EV Isn’t A Sedan, It’s An Affordable Off-Roader Made In Saudi Arabia
Lucid Gravity X Concept

Once the midsize SUV and its rugged sibling are on sale, Lucid will move ahead with a third model that remains a mystery for now. The company confirmed it won’t be a sedan but it said it’s targeting a launch by late 2028. All three vehicles are expected to be produced at Lucid’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia.

While speaking about the mid-size models with CarBuzz, Lucid’s senior vice president of design and brand, Derek Jenkins, said the firm is eager to take the technology from its more expensive models and put them within reach of a larger customer base.

“We’re working on our mid-size program right now, and of course, these are going to be compact, lighter vehicles with every bit of focus on aero, efficiency, and space,” he said. “It’s not going to be as quick as Air, but it’s going to be impressive, and it’s going to be at a value that many more people can access. The whole idea is to take our technology and hit a wider swathe of consumers and accelerate that transition.”

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Aston Martin Could Add Hyundai N-Style Drama To Future EVs

  • Aston Martin’s first EV will launch sometime this decade with Lucid-based tech.
  • Fake ICE sounds and simulated gear changes are under consideration for its EVs.
  • The EV could be a sports car or crossover, but the design remains unconfirmed.

Aston Martin has been steadily laying the groundwork for its electric future. In mid-2023, the company entered a long-term strategic partnership with Lucid, securing access to the American brand’s advanced electric motors and battery packs.

While its first EV is still a few years away, Aston Martin is already considering how to make it feel distinctly its own, even exploring systems similar to those in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to capture that signature driving character.

Read: Aston Martin Slashes US Exports, Hikes Prices Over Tariffs

Currently, Aston Martin is focused on the launch of its first-ever plug-in hybrid, the limited-run, mid-engined Valhalla. It promises to rival new hypercars like the McLaren W1 and Ferrari F80, but at a fraction of the cost. It’ll likely also serve as Aston Martin’s final all-new model before it adds an EV to its range, promising to do so at some stage this decade.

Exploring EV Character

During Monterey Car Week, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman discussed the company’s electric vision in a conversation with CarBuzz. When asked about features such as simulated gear changes and sound profiles reminiscent of internal combustion engines, Reichman did not dismiss the idea.

“If it is a benefit to the driving performance capability of our cars, and therefore it is authentic and real, and we can use a system that allows the driver to have more emotion about driving, then yes,” he said. Importantly, Reichman said such systems need to feel authentic and must add to the driving experience.

 Aston Martin Could Add Hyundai N-Style Drama To Future EVs

“If it is something that is purely artificial, then no,” he said. “Because an Aston Martin is true; it’s authentic. There are only a few companies in the world of Formula One that sell road cars. We have a massive advantage. Imagine the knowledge, the data we’re gathering and how we can use it to make a road car more exciting. Whether it’s gears or some way of using torque vectoring to generate engagement, we are fully embedded to an exciting driving experience.”

As Aston Martin’s first EV is still quite far out, it’s impossible to know what form it could take. The British brand may decide to position it as a direct rival against the Ferrari Elettrica, which is shaping up to be a crossover. Alternatively, Aston Martin may decide to build an all-electric sports car or supercar.

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No Tax Credit? No Worries, Lucid Has A $7,500 Gravity Discount

  • The special $7,500 credit is available for leases finalized between October 1 and December 31.
  • Lucid currently offers just a single version of the Gravity, priced from $94,900.
  • Next year, a Touring version of the Gravity will launch and start at $79,900.

If you’re in the market for a luxury all-electric SUV like the Lucid Gravity, now might be the best time to get behind the wheel of one. The Trump administration is abolishing the $7,500 federal EV tax credit at the end of September, which will make eligible EVs much more expensive. Fortunately, Lucid is stepping in and will continue to offer a $7,500 credit through to the end of the year.

Lucid has announced that qualifying lessees who place an order for a new Lucid Gravity and finalize a lease between October 1 and December 31 will be eligible to receive the Lucid Advantage Credit, worth a cool $7,500. Qualifying existing customers will get the same benefit.

Read: Lucid’s Gravity X Looks Like It Might Survive A Dirt Road If It Has Enough Warning

In a press release for the incentive, Erwin Raphael, Lucid’s vice president of revenue, noted he has seen “firsthand how [the federal EV tax credit] has played a meaningful role in encouraging people to make the switch to an electric vehicle.”

Tax Credit Pain

The removal of the tax credit comes at a bad time for Lucid. It has been developing the Gravity SUV for several years now, and to fund its own credit, will now have to take an additional $7,500 hit on every Gravity that is leased. That’s bad news for a company that remains unprofitable and wants to become a serious mass-market EV player.

 No Tax Credit? No Worries, Lucid Has A $7,500 Gravity Discount

Lucid started production of the Gravity in late 2024 and has been slowly ramping up volume. Recent drone footage from YouTuber LucidFlys shows there are currently hundreds of Lucid Gravity models parked across staging lots at its factory in Casa Grande, Arizona. According to the YouTuber, Lucid has been dealing with some supplier constraints impacting Gravity production, in particular relating to shortages of head-up displays and power outlets.

The Lucid Gravity is currently only available in Grand Touring guise in the United States, starting at $94,900, but later this year, the order books will open for the Touring version, set to start at $79,900. All models are underpinned by a 926-volt electrical architecture, allowing the EV to charge at up to 400 kW, meaning 200 miles (320 km) of range can be added in less than 12 minutes.

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