1000bhp Lucid Air electric saloon reaches 235mph in test

The Lucid Air electric saloon, which made its public debut at the New York motor show last March, has reached 235mph in testing.

Shortly after the New York motor show, the Air hit an electronically-limited 217mph in testing (see footage below). It recently returned to a test track in Ohio, US, without the electronic speed limiter and with some tweaks to its air suspension, where Lucid claims it hit a steady 235mph.

The car is already available to pre-order in America, priced from $52,500 (about £43,000), but there's no word as to how much the car will cost in Britain as of yet.

The Tesla Model S rival produces 400bhp in its most basic single motor form, but power can be increased to 1000bhp with a twin-motor, four-wheel drive model. The most potent version has a 0-60mph time of 2.5sec. 

As standard, the car has a range of 384 kilometers, but a 640 kilometer version is available as an option.

Lucid partnered with Samsung SDI for the supply of the car’s lithium ion battery cells, which, the company says, have class-leading energy density, power, lifespan and safety and don't fade after numerous charges. Samsung SDI also supplies the batteries that are used in the BMW i3 and i8.

The company is keen to display its optional executive seating with two reclining seats. The standard Air has five seats, but two individual, 'executive' rear seats are available.

Lucid also claims that the car’s air suspension with regenerative valve technology gives it the most comfortable ride in the class. 

Lucid describes the Air as ‘autonomous ready’ and will fit the car with the necessary sensors to enable the car to become fully autonomous when technology and legislation allows.

The Air will be put into production in late 2018, with deliveries scheduled to begin soon after, although such a long gestation period will make Lucid’s list of rivals far longer than they are at present.

A deposit of around £2000 secures a regular Air, while one of 255 launch edition models is available with a £20,300 advance deposit. Lucid says that these examples will be well-optioned and will have exclusive, distinguishing features. Pre-orders are currently only available in the USA and Canada.