Lucid Motors is at a pivotal point in its brief history as an automaker. While the startup has been recognized for its engineering expertise, it continues to face significant financial challenges. The low sales volume of the Lucid Air sedan and Gravity SUV has resulted in elevated inventory levels. To address these financial issues, the company requires a high-volume product that resonates with a wider global audience. Following a teaser of its smallest model, details have emerged, thanks to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
The official design drawings were disclosed in a public filing by the EUIPO. Lucid filed these documents under its official corporate name, Atieva Inc., on May 22, which were subsequently published on June 15. The registration includes various views of the new electric crossover. Although the document does not specify the name, the drawings closely match the vehicle presented to investors by company executives in March.
The Lucid Cosmos is slated to serve as the brand's entry-level model, targeting a starting price below $50,000, while fully equipped trims may reach the $70,000 range. With this competitive pricing strategy, Lucid aims to challenge established leaders in the family SUV market, such as the Tesla Model Y and the new Rivian R2. The Cosmos is anticipated to be the first of three affordable electric vehicles based on a new midsize platform.
The patent drawings depict a vehicle resembling a scaled-down version of the larger Gravity SUV, characterized by similar cab-forward proportions. The front end features a larger brand emblem compared to previous models, while the side profile presents a more rounded shape with a sharply angled roofline. At the rear, a spoiler divides the glass window into two sections, with the company's name boldly displayed across the tailgate between the rear lights.
Aerodynamics is crucial for the efficiency of modern electric vehicles, and Lucid claims that the Cosmos boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.22, enhancing its aerodynamic performance. This design is expected to help the vehicle achieve its target range of 300 miles from a relatively compact 69 kWh battery pack. For those seeking speed, the high-performance variant is projected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The Cosmos will be the first model equipped with the new Atlas electric drive unit. Lucid asserts that this new motor is 23% lighter and consists of 30% fewer parts than its existing motors. The vehicle operates on an 800V electrical architecture, permitting the battery to add 200 miles of range in just 14 minutes of charging. Additionally, the Cosmos will support power export back to residential homes or the electrical grid.
Sources familiar with prototype units indicate that the Cosmos introduces a new interior design philosophy for the brand. Previous models featured multiple interconnected screens, whereas the new model will feature a single large display that spans the entire dashboard. The center console is equipped with two physical control dials and additional storage space underneath. This streamlined screen layout is designed to accommodate future autonomous driving features, with plans for the midsize models to function as robotaxis through a partnership with Uber.
As we approach the official unveiling of the Cosmos, public excitement continues to build. However, the ultimate success of this model hinges on manufacturing performance. Lucid plans to commence vehicle production in Saudi Arabia later this year, with the Cosmos set to be manufactured at the Arizona facility six to twelve months afterward. The company is known for ambitious timelines and recent production delays. To achieve profitability, Lucid must produce the Cosmos at high volumes while maintaining the promised sub-$50,000 entry price. Will they succeed?
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