Lucid introduces RangeXchange, allowing Lucid Air to charge other EVs with up to 40 miles per hour range addition.
In a groundbreaking move, Lucid Group, Inc. has unveiled an innovative feature that is set to change the electric vehicle (EV) landscape: RangeXchange. This pioneering vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging system allows a Lucid Air to directly power up another EV, marking a significant leap in the realm of electric mobility. The Lucid Air, already renowned for setting new benchmarks in the luxury electric vehicle sector and clinching the 2023 World Luxury Car Award, is raising the bar once again. RangeXchange is not just a clever add-on; it’s a manifestation of Lucid’s commitment to technological integration and user-centric innovation. With the ability to add between 24 to 40 miles of range per hour to other EVs, Lucid Air owners are now part of a wider eco-conscious community, capable of lending energy to fellow EV drivers.
Implementing RangeXchange is a breeze. Owners of the Lucid Air simply need to attach the Lucid RangeXchange charging adapter to their existing charging cable, connect to the recipient vehicle, and let the magic happen. The key to this feature is the over-the-air (OTA) update, seamlessly integrating the latest in Lucid’s cutting-edge bi-directional charging technology, harnessed through the proprietary Wunderbox system.
The Wunderbox is Lucid’s secret weapon—a marvel of engineering that embodies the brand’s forward-thinking ethos. Designed in-house, it is much more than a charging device; it’s a gateway to a suite of functionalities that transcend mere battery replenishment. Lucid’s bi-directional charging technology, a core component of the Wunderbox, now enables RangeXchange to feed energy from the Lucid Air’s battery into another EV at rates up to 9.6 kW.
The implications of this technology are vast. From a practical standpoint, it enhances the usability of electric vehicles, effectively alleviating range anxiety among EV users. This is a critical step in bolstering the appeal of electric vehicles to a broader audience, making them more than just an alternative but a preference. Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid, accentuates this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the continuous innovation spurred by the fusion of Lucid’s hardware and software. Similarly, Eric Bach, Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, envisions future applications that could revolutionize energy consumption patterns, including vehicle-to-home backup power and grid services.
RangeXchange also underscores Lucid’s dedication to customer experience. As Mike Bell, Senior Vice President of Digital at Lucid, points out, the company’s integrated system approach ensures that value can be added even after purchase, through OTA updates—an area where Lucid is setting itself apart in the automotive industry. This feature, initially available to U.S. customers, necessitates the purchase of a RangeXchange charging adapter, sold exclusively by Lucid. The subsequent OTA update will activate the functionality, underscoring the ease with which Lucid incorporates innovation into its product lineup.
