The Lucid Air has undergone greater than 60 over-the-air software program updates up to now three years, which have significantly enhanced the automobile’s general efficiency and capabilities. After driving 26,000 miles, the automotive now boasts a better real-world vary in comparison with when it was new.
The Lucid Air is a noteworthy luxurious electrical sedan, acknowledged for its lengthy vary and upscale inside. Nevertheless, like many startup autos, the Air initially confronted some points, notably associated to software program and construct high quality, as identified by Edmunds.
Edmunds had reported important bother with a 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring, labeling it one of the problematic vehicles that they had encountered. Quick ahead three years, the scenario has vastly improved; the consensus now’s that this two-year-old luxurious sedan has lastly realized its full potential.
This turnaround may be attributed largely to the intensive over-the-air software program updates. Homeowners of software-centric autos just like the Tesla Mannequin 3 or Lucid Air are effectively conscious {that a} automotive can remodel in a single day with updates that will embrace something from minor tweaks to main changes in steering, acceleration, braking, and suspension programs.
The enhancements in Edmunds’ Lucid Air are clear, as it’s now principally trouble-free and meets expectations. Nevertheless, some non-software-related points stay—for instance, a squeaky steering wheel, free buttons, and improperly hooked up trim on the driving force’s A-pillar. Moreover, the hood latches and driver’s door deal with required substitute.
By way of effectivity, the continual software program updates have surprisingly enhanced the sedan’s real-world driving vary. That is noteworthy as a result of, usually, electrical autos are inclined to lose some vary over time because of battery chemistry adjustments. Within the preliminary vary take a look at, the Air achieved 425 miles; subsequent assessments confirmed enhancements, with ranges of 438 and 465 miles. Whereas nonetheless shy of the official EPA estimate of 516 miles, few EVs handle to match their acknowledged vary.
One lingering concern for brand spanking new electrical automobile house owners is the battery pack. Edmunds’ Lucid Air needed to have its high-voltage battery changed beneath guarantee because of a coolant leak. Nevertheless, this incident didn’t affect the enhancements in vary, as these evaluations occurred earlier than the brand new battery set up.
Talking of software program updates, the Lucid Air has obtained over 60 OTA updates inside three years. Initially, the automobile confronted important usability points, together with glitches and poor journey high quality, which led to reluctance amongst Edmunds workers to drive it. Now, enthusiasm to take the wheel has surged, illustrating the advantages of a software-driven automobile.
That being stated, one other necessary issue to think about is depreciation. The used marketplace for the Lucid Air has seen important value drops. Edmunds acquired their automobile for about $140,000 in March 2022, however a comparable new mannequin is presently about $20,000 much less. On the used market, this 2022 Air has depreciated roughly $57,000 from its authentic value, translating to over $3 per mile in depreciation.
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