Lucid Motors has been working to resolve some quality issues in the early stages of delivering its highly anticipated electric SUV, according to interim CEO Marc Winterhoff. Winterhoff mentioned that the company faced technical challenges related to software and the Gravity’s heads-up display. He admitted that there have been some hiccups, but he emphasized that this is normal during the vehicle launch process.
One of the main issues highlighted by Winterhoff was the supply chain challenges with the Gravity’s heads-up display. This problem caused the company to temporarily pull back that option while working with the supplier to ramp up production. Despite these early quality snags, Lucid has been slow to introduce the Gravity to its showroom locations for test drives, prioritizing resolving these issues first.
The Gravity SUV, which was originally planned for a 2023 release, faced delays due to disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic. Although Lucid technically started delivering Gravity SUVs in late 2024 to employees and close associates, the process has been slower than expected. Winterhoff acknowledged the challenges they faced but assured that the company is making progress in addressing these issues.
The SUV, priced starting at $94,000 with a range of 450 miles, has recently started shipping to regular customers. However, Lucid anticipates that delivery volumes will increase in the latter half of this year. Winterhoff hinted at potential partnerships for Lucid to become a supplier of EV technology to other automakers, leveraging their assets for joint manufacturing in the U.S.
In addition to selling cars, Lucid is exploring partnerships to provide supplemental lines of business and potentially generate additional revenue. Winterhoff mentioned that the Lucid Gravity is seen as the best-positioned AV-capable platform in the market, attracting interest from other companies for collaboration. As Lucid works towards introducing vehicles built on a more affordable mid-sized platform in late 2026, these partnerships could strengthen their financial position.
Amidst the global economic volatility, Lucid is evaluating strategies to navigate potential risks, including vehicle price changes, tariff risk mitigation, and supply chain management. Winterhoff highlighted the company’s focus on protecting against volatility in the market as they continue to expand their offerings.
Lucid Motors’ journey to establish itself as a key player in the electric vehicle market continues, with a focus on innovation, quality, and strategic partnerships to drive growth and success in the industry.
