When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), Lucid Motors has established itself as a leader in delivering some of the longest-range and fastest-charging vehicles on the market. The Lucid Air Grand Touring and Dream Edition Range have already set impressive benchmarks, with both models capable of adding 200 miles of real-world driving range in just 12 minutes during DC fast charging sessions. But how does the entry-level Lucid Air Pure, with its smaller battery and lower charging capabilities, stack up? Let’s take a closer look at its DC fast charging performance and see if it lives up to the Lucid name.
Lucid Air Pure: The Basics
The Lucid Air Pure is the most affordable model in Lucid’s lineup, featuring an 84 kWh battery pack—smaller than the 119 kWh pack found in the Grand Touring. This smaller battery translates to less range and a lower peak DC fast charging rate. While the Grand Touring can peak at over 300 kW, the Air Pure maxes out at just over 200 kW. However, as EV enthusiasts know, peak charging rates only tell part of the story. The charging curve—how the vehicle maintains power delivery as the battery fills—is what truly determines real-world charging efficiency.
DC Fast Charging Performance
To evaluate the Lucid Air Pure’s charging capabilities, we conducted a 0% to 100% DC fast charging session on a 350 kW EVgo charger. Here’s what we found:
- Initial Charging Speed: The Air Pure immediately pulled over 200 kW, peaking at 218 kW within the first six minutes. This is impressive for an entry-level EV and demonstrates Lucid’s commitment to fast charging across its lineup.
- Mid-Charge Performance: By the time the battery reached a 22% state of charge (SOC), the charging rate began to drop below 200 kW. At 33% SOC, it stabilized around 120 kW and held this rate until 53% SOC. From there, the power gradually decreased to 100 kW by 60% SOC.
- 0% to 80% Charging Time: The Air Pure took 33 minutes to go from 0% to 80% SOC, adding 69 kWh in that time. While this isn’t class-leading, it’s still competitive, placing the Air Pure in the top 10% of EVs for charging speed.
- The Final Stretch: Charging from 80% to 100% proved to be a slow process, taking an additional 52 minutes. This is a common issue with most EVs, as charging speeds significantly drop once the battery reaches higher SOC levels. In total, the Air Pure took 97 minutes to go from 0% to 100%.
Range Replenishment: Miles Added Per Minute
One of the most critical metrics for EV owners is how quickly a vehicle can add real-world driving range. Here’s how the Lucid Air Pure performed:
- 0% to 33% SOC: The Air Pure added over 10 miles of range per minute, peaking at 17 miles per minute in the first few minutes. This is exceptional and comparable to higher-end EVs.
- 33% to 75% SOC: The range replenishment rate remained strong, averaging around 8 miles per minute.
- Above 80% SOC: As expected, the rate dropped significantly, adding less than 3 miles per minute. This reinforces the common advice to avoid charging beyond 80% on road trips unless necessary.
How Does It Compare to Lucid’s Claims?
Lucid claims that the Air Pure can add 200 miles of range in 17 minutes. Based on our testing, this claim holds true when using the EPA-rated range of 420 miles. However, under real-world highway driving conditions (70 mph), the Air Pure achieved 365 miles of range, meaning it took slightly longer—19.5 minutes—to add 200 miles.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Charging Speeds: While the Lucid Air Pure doesn’t match the charging speeds of its more expensive siblings, it still delivers respectable performance, especially in the 0% to 80% range.
- Avoid Charging Beyond 80%: Like most EVs, the Air Pure’s charging speed slows dramatically above 80% SOC. Plan your charging stops accordingly to save time.
- Range and Charging Combined: The Air Pure’s combination of decent charging speeds and impressive range makes it a strong contender for road trips, despite being an entry-level model.
Final Thoughts
The Lucid Air Pure may not be the fastest-charging EV on the market, but it offers a compelling blend of range, performance, and affordability. For those looking to enter the Lucid ecosystem without breaking the bank, the Air Pure is a solid choice. Its charging capabilities, while not class-leading, are more than sufficient for most drivers, especially when paired with its impressive real-world range.
If you’re considering an EV that balances efficiency, luxury, and practicality, the Lucid Air Pure deserves a spot on your shortlist. And for those who prioritize charging speed, it’s worth noting that Lucid’s higher-end models, like the Grand Touring, continue to set the standard for what’s possible in the EV world.