Latest news with #LucidMotors
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EV Stock Faceoff: Is NIO's Mass Appeal Outshining LCID's Luxury Lane?
China-based NIO Inc. NIO and California-based Lucid Motors LCID are chasing the electric vehicle (EV) opportunity with different approaches. While NIO is expanding into the mass market with a sub-brand targeting budget-conscious buyers, Lucid is focusing on its premium roots, betting on luxury and performance to stand out. Both stocks have had their ups and downs, and both promise big things—but which strategy looks more investable today? In this faceoff, we'll break down where each company stands, how their business models stack up, and what investors should keep in mind as the EV market continues to evolve. LCID Narrative: Luxury Ambitions, But Questions Loom Large Lucid Motors is chasing its luxury EV dream—but investors may need more than slick cars and bold promises to stay convinced. In the second quarter of 2025, the company produced 3,863 vehicles and delivered 3,309. That's a year-over-year improvement, driven partly by the Gravity SUV entering production late last year. But the numbers still missed Wall Street estimates. Even more concerning, Lucid has produced 6,075 vehicles in the first half of 2025 — barely a third of its 20,000-unit full-year target. While production may eventually catch up, the real issue appears to be demand. Lucid operates at the high end of the EV market, with base prices above $70K for the Air sedan and just under $80K for the Gravity SUV. But with more affordable EVs flooding the market, the question is how many buyers are willing to pay this premium—especially for a brand still trying to build trust and scale. Having said that, recent developments bode well for the stock's long-term story. Just yesterday, Lucid announced that its vehicles will become compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network on July 31, giving Lucid owners access to more than 23,500 chargers. This move improves convenience and could boost Air sales in particular. It also recently struck a major deal with Uber to supply over 20,000 vehicles equipped with Nuro's autonomous tech. Uber has also invested $300 million into Lucid, providing both a cash cushion and a potential sales flywheel as its cars join Uber's global EV fleet. Lucid is also rolling out over-the-air software updates to improve its tech, with new driver-assist features arriving July 30. Saudi Arabia remains Lucid's lifeline. The government owns around 60% of the company, has agreed to buy up to 100,000 vehicles over the next decade, and is backing a factory in the kingdom. Still, this heavy reliance on Saudi Arabia raises concerns—not just about Lucid's long-term independence, but also the risk of further dilution as the company leans on external funding to stay afloat. Lucid ended the first quarter of 2025 with $5.76 billion in liquidity—enough runway into late 2026— but its annual cash burn sits near $2 billion. Risk of shareholder dilution remains high, and gross profit margins are still deep in the red. Software updates and autonomous ambitions add some tech flair—but can Lucid scale enough to matter? If Lucid could license or sell its tech stack to a legacy automaker, much like Rivian did with Volkswagen, it could significantly improve Lucid's prospects. But for now, Lucid's road ahead is not so smooth. It needs to boost demand, control costs and leverage its partnerships fast. NIO Narrative: Broader Reach But Big Goals to Hit While Lucid is focused on the high-end, NIO is building out an ecosystem that spans the EV spectrum. Its current lineup already includes sedans, SUVs and coupes like ES6, EC6, ET5 and ET9. But the bigger story is NIO's multi-brand strategy. With the mainstream mass market ONVO brand and the premium compact Firefly label now active, NIO is moving beyond luxury and pushing for scale. ONVO's first model, L60, was launched in 2024. A second vehicle, L90, will hit the Chinese market on Aug. 1, with pricing starting at just $27,000 under the battery-as-a-service model. Meanwhile, Firefly introduced its first EV this April. This diversification gives NIO far broader market exposure than Lucid—and that's key in a price-sensitive, competitive environment like China, where government EV support remains strong. NIO delivered 72,056 vehicles in second-quarter 2025 — a 25.6% jump year over year. While that included healthy contributions from ONVO (17,081 units) and Firefly (7,843), sales of NIO's core brand fell 18% from the prior year. For the first half of 2025, total deliveries reached 114,150 vehicles, up 30% from the year-ago period. Still, with a full-year target to double 2024's total (221,970), the growth pace needs to accelerate significantly. On the brighter side, margins are finally heading in the right direction. Vehicle margin rose to 10.2% in the first quarter of 2025 from 9.2% a year earlier, driven by lower material costs and a more efficient supply chain. New models like the ES6 and EC6 are expected to deliver margins near or above 20%, helping the company edge closer to profitability. The company also expects its losses to narrow gradually in 2025 amid sales growth and cost savings. NIO battery swap technology gives it an edge. Its battery swap network now spans 3,400+ stations globally, a major differentiator in a crowded EV market. Meanwhile, the company is making strides in autonomous driving with its in-house NIO World Model, which is already live on select vehicles. All in all, NIO's strategy is broad and innovation-driven, with improving margins and expanding reach—but execution will be key to turning potential into long-term success. Price Performance & Valuation Year to date, shares of NIO have risen 15%, outperforming LCID's gain. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation-wise, NIO trades at a much lower forward price-to-sales ratio compared to Lucid. Also, NIO's P/S ratio is currently lower than its 3-year median. LCID looks quite pricey, considering its current challenges. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research How Do EPS Estimates Compare for LCID & NIO? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LCID's 2025 and 2026 bottom line suggests year-over-year growth of 26.4% and 30%, respectively. See how estimates for Lucid have been revised in the past 90 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NIO's 2025 and 2026 bottom line suggests year-over-year growth of 31% and 59%, respectively. See how estimates for NIO have been revised in the past 90 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Bottom Line Both NIO and Lucid are making bold moves in the EV space, but NIO's broader market reach, improving margins and multi-brand strategy position it better now. While NIO's 2025 delivery targets seem a little far-fetched at this moment, the company's progress in cost control, battery-swap innovation and growing exposure to the mass market tilt the balance in its favor. Lucid, despite some promising partnerships and strong tech, continues to struggle with demand, heavy losses and dilution concerns. Given the current fundamentals and outlook, NIO appears a better choice now. NIO currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Meanwhile, Lucid, with a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), looks like a riskier option that investors may want to avoid for now. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NIO Inc. (NIO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Motor Trend
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Lucid Air and Gravity Can Now Be Plugged Into Tesla Superchargers
While Lucid has been on a software update spree, it seems there are more changes coming before the end of July. In an announcement outlining new changes to the 2026 Air sedan, Lucid also mentions that both the Air and the Gravity electric SUV will finally get access to the Tesla Supercharger network. How this will work will also slightly depend on which vehicle you're in—basically, whether you need an adapter or not. Lucid's 2026 Air and Gravity EVs can now use Tesla Superchargers. The Air requires a $220 adapter and charges at 50 kW, while the Gravity uses Tesla's NACS port for faster charging. The Air gains range and features, with price increases across trims. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The Lucid Air still uses a J1772-CCS combo charge port design, meaning it'll require a $220 Lucid-approved adapter to plug into Tesla's Supercharger network. In another bummer, the Air will be limited (for now) to a weak 50-kW charge rate when using the adapter, so charge times will be far longer than at non-Tesla chargers. The Gravity SUV suffers no ill effects, because it comes with a NACS-style charge port that Tesla uses, so it won't need an adapter and can fully utilize Superchargers' speeds. Lucid owners who want to use a Tesla Supercharger can access it through the Lucid App with a credit card saved to their Lucid Wallet. There is more good news for both the Air and the Gravity on the charging front as the Lucid Mobile Charging Cable Kit will now be standard on all models. This is a 40-amp capable charging cable that can connect to a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet (the same four-prong plug that your dryer probably hooks into) that allows for up to 9.6-kW charging. There is a NEMA 5-15 (your standard three-prong house outlet) adapter for 120-volt, 12-amp charging (around a 1.4-kW charge rate) for when you can't just find a NEMA 14-50 or an overnight charging station. Hotter Air For the 2026 Lucid Air, updates and improvements start with the Touring trim that gains six percent more driving range on the EPA cycle. This is thanks in part to new high-density battery cells that also give it the capability to charge at 250 kW. Now, you'll be able to drive up to 431 miles before needing a recharge and do so at a much faster rate, decreasing downtime. The rest of the Air lineup maintains its 512-mile range, including the Air Grand Touring trim. The 2026 Air Pure also gains a Mojave PurLuxe interior with either standard 12-way powered and heated front seats or optioned up to 20-way powered, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage function. This joins the rear center console display and storage bin that are now standard in the optional Comfort and Convenience package. Finally, the Air Pure will come standard with DreamDrive Premium that offers adaptive cruise control and other ADAS features but isn't the full SAE Level 2 system found in DreamDrive Pro. The Air Touring, on top of its new battery cells, will get new standard 19-inch Aero Range wheels while optional Aeronaut wheels, also in 19-inch diameter, will give the Touring more wheel options wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero all-season tires. You'll also have the option of a 20-inch Areo Lite wheel, but it will be equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires. Finally, the 2026 Air Grand Touring will get 20-way powered memory front seats as standard equipment that include heating, ventilation, and massage functions. 2026 Lucid Air Full Lineup Pricing
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style
2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style originally appeared on Autoblog. Lucid Gives The Air Meaningful Updates For 2026 Last week, Lucid Motors announced that its Air electric sedan would finally gain access to Android Auto smartphone connectivity, something the online forums have clamored for. It's a simple over-the-air update that all current owners running Android 11 or higher can take advantage of wirelessly, while those with Android 9 or 10 can use a cable. But Lucid hasn't stopped there. For 2026, the Air gets access to the Tesla Supercharger network through a CCS-to-NACS adapter, more range, new wheels, and a couple more refinements. Let's see what's on offer. Still The Range King View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The $220 adapter gives the Air access to over 23,500 Tesla Superchargers from July 31, with recharging at up to 50 kW, or around 200 miles of range per hour. As standard, though, the 2026 Air also comes with a Mobile Charging Cable kit that allows recharging through a 240-volt outlet at 9.6 kW. Lucid says this will give the vehicle around 40 miles per hour, and if you can only find a 120V outlet, a 1.4kW trickle charge using the same cable can recoup a whopping four miles per hour. Fortunately, owners should need to charge less frequently after an increase in EPA-estimated range of over 6% to 431 miles for the Touring model (the pricier Grand Touring still delivers, by far, the most range of any EV on sale in America at 512 miles). More Comfort And Style, But Also More Cost Also new for 2026 is an upgraded compressor for the air conditioning system that is claimed to both improve cooling capacity and further reduce ambient noise in the cabin, while 20-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage are now standard, further bolstering luxury in the American S-Class of EVs. As always, even with its ridiculously capable Sapphire version, Lucid has shown restraint in the styling department, and the only change is to open the optional 19-inch Aeronaut wheels to more trims in the lineup. MY2026 Price Difference Air Pure (RWD) $70,900 +$1,000 Air Touring (AWD) $79,900 +$1,000 Air Grand Touring (AWD) $114,900 +$4,000 Air Sapphire (AWD) $249,000 - Every 2026 Lucid Air, except the range-topping 1,234-horsepower Sapphire, has seen an increase for the new model year, with the ultimate luxury trim in the range, the Grand Touring, getting a hike of $4,000. Fortunately, other prices only rise by a thousand bucks. All pricing above excludes the destination charge of $1,500. 2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style
2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style originally appeared on Autoblog. Lucid Gives The Air Meaningful Updates For 2026 Last week, Lucid Motors announced that its Air electric sedan would finally gain access to Android Auto smartphone connectivity, something the online forums have clamored for. It's a simple over-the-air update that all current owners running Android 11 or higher can take advantage of wirelessly, while those with Android 9 or 10 can use a cable. But Lucid hasn't stopped there. For 2026, the Air gets access to the Tesla Supercharger network through a CCS-to-NACS adapter, more range, new wheels, and a couple more refinements. Let's see what's on offer. Still The Range King View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The $220 adapter gives the Air access to over 23,500 Tesla Superchargers from July 31, with recharging at up to 50 kW, or around 200 miles of range per hour. As standard, though, the 2026 Air also comes with a Mobile Charging Cable kit that allows recharging through a 240-volt outlet at 9.6 kW. Lucid says this will give the vehicle around 40 miles per hour, and if you can only find a 120V outlet, a 1.4kW trickle charge using the same cable can recoup a whopping four miles per hour. Fortunately, owners should need to charge less frequently after an increase in EPA-estimated range of over 6% to 431 miles for the Touring model (the pricier Grand Touring still delivers, by far, the most range of any EV on sale in America at 512 miles). More Comfort And Style, But Also More Cost Also new for 2026 is an upgraded compressor for the air conditioning system that is claimed to both improve cooling capacity and further reduce ambient noise in the cabin, while 20-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage are now standard, further bolstering luxury in the American S-Class of EVs. As always, even with its ridiculously capable Sapphire version, Lucid has shown restraint in the styling department, and the only change is to open the optional 19-inch Aeronaut wheels to more trims in the lineup. MY2026 Price Difference Air Pure (RWD) $70,900 +$1,000 Air Touring (AWD) $79,900 +$1,000 Air Grand Touring (AWD) $114,900 +$4,000 Air Sapphire (AWD) $249,000 - Every 2026 Lucid Air, except the range-topping 1,234-horsepower Sapphire, has seen an increase for the new model year, with the ultimate luxury trim in the range, the Grand Touring, getting a hike of $4,000. Fortunately, other prices only rise by a thousand bucks. All pricing above excludes the destination charge of $1,500. 2026 Lucid Air Gets More Range, More Charging Options, And More Style first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lucid Air owners will soon be able to use Tesla Superchargers — but there's a catch
Owners of the Lucid Air sedan will be able to charge their luxury EVs at thousands of Tesla Supercharger stations in North America starting July 31, nearly two years since the automakers reached an agreement. But there is a notable caveat: Lucid Air vehicles won't be able to charge as fast as Tesla vehicles. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Lucid said on Tuesday that all Lucid Air sedans, regardless of model year, will be able to access Tesla's network of fast chargers with an approved adapter that costs $220. Tesla V3 (and above) Supercharger stations are compatible with the Lucid Air adapter. However, the Air will only be able to charge at 50 kW, a far lower rate than the 250 kW peak rate that these Superchargers provide. The issue stems from a mismatch between Lucid's 924-volt charging system and the 400V Tesla Superchargers. Lucid, and any other EV with 800-volt charging systems, simply can't charge as fast as they might with chargers designed for them, as Consumer Reports notes. Lucid spokesperson Andrew Hussey explained that engineers repurposed hardware in the Air's integrated charging system, called Wunderbox, to make the system work and activate 50kW boost charging when using a Supercharger. He added that Lucid views the 50kW charging for Air as another option for owners who are on road trips, or live or work closer to Superchargers. Unlike the Lucid Gravity SUV, which launched earlier this year, the Air is still built with the Combined Charging System (CCS). The CCS was considered the go-to EV charging standard in North America and used by all automakers, with one notable exception. Tesla developed its own charging standard, which includes the built-in charging port on the vehicle as well as an EV charging connector. In 2022, Tesla shared its EV charging connector design in an effort to encourage network operators and automakers to adopt the technology, and help make it the new standard in North America. Tesla calls the standard the North America Charging Standard, or NACS. In May 2023, Ford became the first automaker to reach an agreement with Tesla that would give its EV owners access to the Supercharger network. Existing Ford EV owners would use an adapter to use the Tesla network. But Ford — and soon nearly every other automaker, including GM, Rivian, Honda, Mercedes, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota — also agreed that its future EVs would have the NACS charging port built into its vehicles. Lucid was among the last companies to strike a deal with Tesla. And like the others, Lucid announced that its next EV, the Gravity SUV, would have a built-in NACS charging port. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
