Lucid Motors has confirmed that it will not be venturing into the electric pickup truck market. Founder and CEO Peter Rawlinson made the announcement during the company’s Manufacturing and Technology Day, stating, “I don’t want Lucid to start thinking about a pickup truck.”
The decision marks a shift from Rawlinson’s earlier stance in 2020, when he hinted that the company had future-proofed its paint shop for potential pickup truck production. However, the focus on efficiency and the challenges associated with making a business case for an electric truck led to a change of heart. “I really think it’s very tough to make an electric pickup work today,” Rawlinson said, citing concerns over battery size, range, and cost-effectiveness.
Rawlinson explained that towing, a common use for trucks, drastically reduces driving range, requiring larger batteries that drive up costs. He estimated that a 150 kWh battery would be needed for a usable electric truck, making it difficult to offer the vehicle at a competitive price. “How on Earth are you ever going to do that around $50,000, $55,000, $60,000 and make a business case?” Rawlinson remarked.
Lucid is known for prioritizing efficiency in its vehicles. The Lucid Air sedan, for instance, boasts a 420-mile EPA-rated range with an 84 kWh battery, making it the most efficient vehicle currently available in the U.S., achieving 5.0 miles per kWh and 146 MPGe.
While the electric truck idea has been shelved, Lucid has its sights set on launching a midsize electric SUV by late 2026. The new SUV, which is set to compete with the Tesla Model Y, will cost under $50,000 and offer similar range with a smaller battery.
Meanwhile, Lucid is ramping up production of the Gravity SUV, with customer deliveries expected to begin later this year. Pre-production units are already rolling off the assembly line, and the Gravity will feature a NACS charging port by 2025.
