Lucid Air vs Tesla [kWh, Charging & More Key Specs Compared]

Last updated: February 25, 2024.

Lucid Air vs Tesla – a comprehensive comparison. We put Lucid Air and Tesla face-to-face across efficiency, price, running costs and other key performance factors. See how Tesla and Lucid Air match up below.

Spoilers:

• Efficiency (kWh/100 mi): On average, Lucid Air models are more efficient, however, the Tesla Model 3 RWD is most efficient.
• Range: All Lucid Air models have a longer range than any Tesla model.
• Top Speed: On average, Lucid Air models have a higher top speed, however, the Tesla Model S Plaid is fastest.
• Acceleration: Lucid Air models have a faster average acceleration, but the Tesla Model S Plaid reaches 0-60 mph quickest.
• Weight: On average, Tesla models weigh less than Lucid Air, however, the Tesla Model X Plaid is heaviest.
• Battery Capacity: All Lucid Air models have a larger battery capacity than any Tesla model.
• Charging Time: On average, it’s quicker (in terms of duration) to charge a Tesla from home. However, Tesla Model X, Model X Plaid, Model S and Model S Plaid take the longest to fully charge.
• Running Costs: Lucid Air models cost less per mile, on average, but more to fully charge. This is due to their lower kWh/100 mi and larger battery sizes.
• Price / MSRP: It’s cheaper to buy any Tesla compared to Lucid Air models.

Continue reading to get further insights into how Lucid Air and Tesla (2022 models) compare.

Plus, use the EV Electricity Cost Calculator to see how much it’d cost you to charge a Tesla and Lucid Air along with your cost per mile, month and year.

You’ll also see how you can keep your charging and running costs low.

Note: the data used was sourced from the US Environmental Protection Agency and relevant manufacturers. Specs not available from these sources are marked as estimates or TBC. 2022 models were used for the comparison. The running costs assume an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh (the US average in 2024).

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla vs Lucid Air?

It costs between $9 and $15 to fully charge a Tesla, while it costs $16.80 to $17.70 to fully charge a Lucid Air.

This is based on a kWh rate of 15 cents (the US average in 2024).

The table below lists the cost to fully charge all Tesla and Lucid Air models released in 2022.

The table is arranged from lowest cost to charge to highest cost.

As you can see, every Tesla model costs less to fully charge compared to any Lucid Air model.

The main factor affecting the charging cost is battery capacity. Lucid Air batteries have higher capacities than Tesla batteries.

So let’s see how battery capacities compare.

Tesla battery capacity vs Lucid Air

Tesla battery capacities range from 60 kWh to 100 kWh, while Lucid Air batteries range from 112 kWh to 118 kWh.

All Lucid Air models have a higher battery capacity than every Tesla model.

Note: Tesla battery capacities are best estimates as this information is not readily available.

The table below lists all Tesla and Lucid Air models along with their battery capacity (arranged from smallest to largest capacity).

As you can see, Tesla’s largest battery capacity is 100 kWh while Lucid Air’s smallest battery capacity is 112 kWh.

Next, let’s take a look at how long it takes to charge these batteries from home.

Tesla charging times vs Lucid Air

Using a standard 240V charger, it takes between 8 and 15 hours to charge a Tesla from home, while it takes 13 hours to charge a Lucid Air.

The average Tesla charge time across all models is 12.5 hours, 30 minutes quicker than any Lucid Air model.

Again, battery capacity plays a large role in this, however, so too does battery tech.

The table below lists the charging time, arranged from quickest to slowest, for all Tesla and Lucid air models.

Depending on the model, it’s quicker or longer to fully charge a Tesla compared to a Lucid Air.

Lucid Air charge times fall within the mid range of charge times for Tesla models.

But how do they compare in terms of range?

Lucid Air range vs Tesla

All Lucid Air models have a longer range than any Tesla model.

Tesla’s longest range model can reach 405 miles, however, the shortest range for any Lucid Air model is 451 miles.

The longest Lucid Air range is 520 miles. This is 115 miles longer than the Tesla model with the longest range.

The average Tesla range for their 2022 models is 330.25 miles. That’s over 154 miles shorter than the average Lucid Air range.

The table below lists Lucid Air ranges along with Tesla ranges in 2022 (arranged from longest to shortest range). 

So Lucid Air has a longer range than Tesla. But is this just because of their larger battery capacities?

To find out, we need to compare Lucid Air and Tesla efficiency.

Lucid Air and Tesla efficiency comparison (kWh/100 mi)

Lucid Air models consume between 26 kWh and 30 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, while 2022 Tesla models consume between 25 kWh and 37 kWh. 

Lucid Air has a 28.17 kWh/100 mile average, compared to Tesla’s 30 kWh/100 mile average.

The table below, arranged from most to least efficient, lists how much electricity all 2022 Tesla and Lucid Air models consume per 100 miles.

On average, Lucid Air models are more efficient than Tesla. However, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD is more efficient than all Lucid Air models.

Overall, Lucid Air and Tesla have similar efficiency levels, with all Lucid Air models and most Tesla models consuming between 25 and 30 kWh of electricity per mile.

The models that are less efficient than this range are the 2022 Tesla Model X, Model X Plaid with 20 and 22 inch wheels, and the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid (21in Wheels).

So, on average, Lucid Air is more efficient than Tesla. This and the larger battery capacities are key attributes to the longer ranges.

Before we take a look at the difference in running costs, let’s take a look at the efficiency per mile.

Lucid Air vs Tesla kWh per mile

The table below lists how much electricity all Tesla and Lucid Air models, released in 2020, consume per mile.

The table is arranged from most efficient to least efficient.

Now that we know their power consumption per mile, let’s take a look at the cost per mile for Tesla and Lucid Air models.

Tesla vs Lucid Air cost per mile

On average, in 2024, Tesla models cost $0.045 per mile, while Lucid Air models cost $0.043 per mile.

It costs .02 cents more per mile, on average, to drive a Tesla compared to a Lucid Air.

However, it can be cheaper to drive a Tesla than a Lucid Air depending on the model.

Costing $0.038 per mile, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD is most efficient, followed closely behind by the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring with 19in wheels, 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD. Costing $0.039/mi, these models cost just 1/10 of 1 cent more per mile.

The table below lists the cost per mile, from low to high, for all 2022 Tesla and Lucid Air models.

As you can see, the table lists the position of the 18 variations of Tesla and Lucid Air models released in 2022.

Tesla takes 1st spot. 

2nd place is shared by Tesla and Lucid Air. Two 2022 Tesla models share this spot vs one Lucid Air model.

The next spot up for grabs is position 5.

Lucid Air takes the 5th spot with a cost per mile of $0.041.

6th place is shared by two Tesla models and one Lucid Air model. 9th spot on the other hand is shared by two Lucid Air models and one Tesla model.

The least efficient Lucid Air model per mile shares 12th spot with two Tesla models.

Tesla models take the remaining positions.

These costs assume the average US kWh rate in 2024 of 15 cents. To get a more accurate estimation of your own cost per mile, along with your charging, monthly and annual costs, use the calculator below.

EV electricity cost calculator (incl. cost per month & cost per mile)

See how much it costs you to charge and run your Tesla or Lucid Air without doing the math – use this EV Electricity Cost Calculator.

Simply enter the relevant battery capacity (the full list is above), the relevant kWh/100 mi figure (also listed above), how much you pay per kWh and your estimated annual mileage.

This EV Electricity Cost Calculator is pre-populated with averages and 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD figures.

OK, now that we know how Tesla and Lucid Air running costs compare, let’s take a look at how much they cost to buy by comparing the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Lucid Air vs Tesla price comparison

All Lucid Air models cost more to buy compared to any Tesla model.

Lucid Air models have an MSRP of $139,000 to $169,000, while 2022 Tesla models have an MSRP of $44,990 to $129,990.

The average MSRP of all Lucid Air models is $159,000, nearly $69k more than Tesla’s 2022 MSRP average of just over $90,000.

Note: as of writing, the MSRP for the 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD is not available. As a result, this figure has not been included in this price comparison for now.

The table below lists the price, from low to high, of all Lucid Air and Tesla models released in 2022.

As you can see, the most expensive 2022 Tesla is cheaper to buy than the least expensive Lucid Air model.

Next, let’s take a look at how Tesla and Lucid Air compare in terms of speed.

Is Lucid Air faster than Tesla?

On average, Lucid Air is faster than Tesla. However, the Tesla Model S Plaid has a higher top speed and quicker acceleration than any Lucid Air model.

All Lucid Air models have a faster top speed than all but one Tesla.

On average, Lucid Air models have a faster acceleration. However, some Tesla models reach 0 – 60 mph faster than some Lucid Air models.

Let’s look into this in more detail by comparing the top speed, horsepower, acceleration and torque of all Tesla and Lucid Air models.

Top speed: Tesla vs Lucid Air

The only Tesla model that has a higher top speed than any Lucid Air model is the Tesla Model S Plaid.

Tesla 2022 models have top speeds that range from 135 mph to 200 mph vs Lucid Air’s top speed of 168 mph.

The table below lists the top speed, from high to low, of all 2022 Tesla and Lucid Air models.

As you can see, Lucid Air models have a higher top speed than most Tesla models. However, Tesla takes the top spot in this category.

But how do they compare in terms of horsepower (HP)?

Horsepower comparison

Lucid Air horsepower ranges from 800 HP to 1,111 HP compared to Tesla’s 283 HP to 1,020 HP.

In 2022, Lucid Air has an average HP of 948 vs Tesla’s 644 HP average.

Lucid Air Dream Performance edition has the highest horsepower overall, followed close behind by Tesla’s Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid.

The table below lists the HP, from high to low, of all Lucid Air and Tesla models released in 2022.

Next, let’s look at another key factor – acceleration.

Tesla vs Lucid Air acceleration

Tesla models can accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 1.99 seconds vs Lucid Air’s best of 2.42 seconds.

Overall, 2022 Tesla models go from 0 – 60 mph in 1.99 to 5.8 seconds (3.4 seconds is the average), while Lucid Air models take 2.42 to 3 seconds (2.71 seconds is the average).

Note: as of writing, the acceleration data for the 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD is not available. As a result, this figure has not been included in this acceleration comparison right now.

The table below lists the acceleration times, from fastest to slowest, for all Lucid Air and Tesla models released in 2022.

As you can see, most Lucid Air models accelerate faster than most Tesla models. However, Tesla wins this category.

Torque plays a key role in acceleration, but so too does weight. So let’s briefly take a look at how these compare.

Torque comparison

The Tesla Model S Plaid has a higher torque than all Lucid Air models.

I’d expect the Model X Plaid to have a higher torque than Lucid Air too, but this data is not available as of writing.

While Tesla wins this category, there is just 25 lb-ft of torque in the difference between the top performers.

The table below lists the torque, where available, for all 2022 Tesla models along with all Lucid Air models.

This table is arranged from highest to lowest torque.

But what about weight? This has a significant impact on speed too, so let’s take a look at this next.

Tesla and Lucid Air weight comparison

The average weight of a Tesla in 2022 is 4,627 lbs. This is 593 lbs lighter than the average weight of Lucid Air models, which is 5,220 lbs.

Tesla models weigh less than Lucid Air models in general. However, the Tesla Model X Plaid weighs more than all Lucid Air models.

Tesla’s 2022 models weigh between 3,880 lbs and 5,390 lbs, while Lucid Air models weigh from 5,203 lbs to 5,236 lbs.

The most lightweight Tesla is the Model 3 RWD, which is 1,356 lbs lighter than any Lucid Air model.

The heaviest Tesla is the Model X Plaid, which outweighs the heaviest Lucid Air model by 154 lbs.

Note: as of writing, a reliable source for the weight of the Model Y RWD has not been found. As a result, this figure has not been included in these weight comparison figures.

The table below lists the weight, arranged from low to high, of all Tesla and Lucid Air models released in 2022.

Now that the key specs for Tesla and Lucid Air have been compared, next you’ll find all the data combined into one interactive table.

Lucid Air specs vs Tesla (interactive comparison table)

The table below summarizes the Tesla and Lucid Air electricity costs (in 2024), 2022 prices, efficiency and the other specs covered above.

The table is interactive to help you analyse the specs as you see fit. By default, the data is arranged from most efficient to least efficient per mile (i.e. by lowest to highest electricity consumption per mile).

Sort or search the table to see which Tesla or Lucid Air has the most desirable specs for you. 

OK, now that we’ve compared Lucid Air specs with Tesla specs, let’s briefly take a look at how you can reduce the cost of charging an EV.

How to reduce the cost of charging EVs 

EV charging can account for a significant proportion of household electricity consumption. 

For example, the average US household’s electricity usage can increase by 26.9% when charging a Lucid Air twice per month.

However, there are many ways to keep EV electricity costs down.

One really effective cost saving tip is to charge your EV at night, if you’re on an appropriate plan. Typically energy companies offer reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours. 

This can cut your EV charging costs in half.

Consider getting in touch with your energy provider to see if a night saver tariff is available and suitable for you.

I’ve listed many other cost saving tips in previous posts. Check out:

• How to reduce the cost of charging a Tesla – 10 tips.
• How to reduce the cost of charging your Lucid Air.
• 6 simple tips to reduce the cost of charging your electric car at home.

Final thoughts

Both Tesla and Lucid Air models are premium and efficient EVs.

All of their models can reduce your carbon footprint dramatically, particularly if you’re transitioning from a gasoline vehicle.

They do, however, consume electricity that may be generated from the burning of fossil fuels.

If you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint even more, consider getting in touch with your energy provider and ask about their Green energy options.

If you’re looking for other ways to easily reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint, check out this 6 Quick Wins Cheat Sheet:

Save 28% ($32.28) p/m on your electric bills

Get the 6 Quick Wins Cheat Sheet. No appliance upgrades or investments are required, just follow these 6 tips to reduce your bills & carbon footprint.

You can unsubscribe anytime – more details are available on our Privacy Policy page.

Start Saving Now

Loading…

It’s on its way!

Please check your inbox for a confirmation email. Sometimes emails like these end up in junk folders, so please check there too.

James

James, Eco Cost Savings co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, is also our experienced in-house energy management and sustainability expert, and manager of our network of sustainability consultants.

Before his journey into sustainability, James studied engineering. Additionally, he has experience in HVAC installation, and data analysis. A self-proclaimed practical environmentalist, and avid penny pincher, James established Eco Cost Savings to share his and his colleague’s expertise with the aim of helping to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints at scale.

Read more about James or connect directly on TokTok, here.