Revolutionizing EV Charging Speed
Lucid Motors has made a significant leap in electric vehicle charging with the Lucid Gravity SUV. This electric powerhouse is setting new benchmarks for charging speed, outperforming many rivals, including Tesla. Thanks to a combination of advanced technology and innovative design, the Gravity offers some of the fastest charging times in the industry.
Lightning-Fast Charging Capabilities
The Lucid Gravity can theoretically accept 400 kW of peak charging power, though during tests, it maxed out at 375 kW. This is faster than many top-tier EVs, including the Porsche Taycan and GMC Hummer EV. In real-world conditions, the Gravity adds:
- 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes
- 200 miles in 10.9 minutes
- 250 miles in 15 minutes
- 300 miles in 20 minutes
These numbers place the Gravity at the forefront of EV charging, especially outside of China where other fast-charging systems dominate.
Lucid’s Innovative Battery Tech
The Gravity’s ability to charge quickly is thanks to Lucid’s collaboration with Panasonic to develop a new battery cell. This 2170 cylindrical cell allows for better energy density (800 watt-hours per liter) and enhanced charging capabilities. Unlike other EVs that sacrifice range for speed, the Gravity maintains an impressive 450-mile EPA range while charging quickly.
Lucid’s engineers also tackled the issue of thermal management, designing a sophisticated system that handles high-power charging without overheating. This allows the Gravity to sustain peak power for longer, ensuring safety and performance during fast charging sessions.
Overcoming Charging Infrastructure Hurdles
One challenge for Lucid was ensuring compatibility with the Tesla Supercharger network. Most Superchargers operate at 500 volts, but the Gravity requires 926 volts for optimal charging speeds. Lucid ingeniously repurposed the SUV’s rear drive unit to act as a voltage booster, enabling the Gravity to charge at 225 kW at Supercharger stations.
While the Gravity can’t yet match the 400 kW speeds at some newer stations like Electrify America and EVgo, it still achieves impressive charging speeds.
Lucid vs. BYD: A Charging Showdown
Lucid’s fast-charging prowess is often compared to BYD’s new tech. While BYD has claimed charging speeds capable of adding 250 miles in just 5 minutes, Lucid’s Dlala points out that BYD’s batteries sacrifice energy density for speed. This results in shorter ranges for BYD’s vehicles. Lucid’s approach strikes a balance between both charging speed and range, making it a more practical solution for everyday drivers.
In the fast-charging race, Lucid’s Gravity stands as a clear leader, delivering unmatched performance and efficiency, with the right mix of speed and range.
