Lucid Air owners will soon have the ability to share their vehicle’s stored battery power with other EVs, regardless of the manufacturer. This innovative feature, named “RangeXchange,” leverages Lucid’s bi-directional onboard charger and a newly introduced adapter, allowing for charging speeds of up to 9.6 kW. With this technology, a transfer of power capable of driving other EVs between 24 and 40 miles can be achieved in just about an hour.
Following an over-the-air update, Lucid’s entire existing fleet will gain access to the RangeXchange feature. The process is akin to a digital jerrycan, wherein a cable is used to transfer electrons between vehicles, independent of the brand. Both cars engage in a negotiation to determine the charging speed, and the Lucid Air serves up power from its high-voltage battery.
The key to this charging capability lies in Lucid’s proprietary Wunderbox, an in-house-designed and engineered component that manages all electricity entering and leaving the vehicle. Eric Bach, Lucid’s Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, emphasized the versatility of the Wunderbox, stating, “From giving other EVs a boost with RangeXchange today, to possible future applications like vehicle-to-home backup power, time-of-use (TOU) optimization, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power, Lucid’s proprietary bi-directional charging technology has the potential to greatly improve our customers’ lives.”
While the Wunderbox and RangeXchange adapter are physical components, the activation of this feature is made possible through an over-the-air update. Lucid owners, however, will need to carry the RangeXchange adapter if they wish to share their charge with other EV owners. The company has indicated that the RangeXchange feature will be included in an upcoming over-the-air software release, and the adapter will be available for purchase later this month. The cost of the adapter, however, remains undisclosed.
Despite the robust charging networks available for most EV owners, the introduction of RangeXchange adds an intriguing layer of flexibility. While it might not be a frequently used feature, its presence underscores Lucid’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. As Lucid continues to expand its presence, it raises curiosity about potential future Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) capabilities the company may offer.
