This builder proves that we go further… downhill

Lucid Motors has just made headlines by setting a new world record for range for a certified electric vehicle.

Its luxurious Lucid Air Grand Touring traveled 1,205 kilometers on a single charge between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany. This record, validated by Guinness World Records, surpasses the previous one by more than 150 kilometers.

On paper, the performance is impressive. However, upon closer inspection, certain conditions raise some questions. First, the route itself, as St. Moritz is situated at nearly 1,800 meters altitude, while Munich is at about 520 meters. This net elevation difference of over 1,200 meters is significant for an electric vehicle. On the way down, energy recovery through regenerative braking is maximized, which helps to maintain or even increase the actual range.

A soapbox record?

Another notable point is the route chosen by Lucid. While a direct path between the two cities is about 350 kilometers, the brand took a route of over 1,200 kilometers. No details were provided on the average speed or driving conditions. One can thus assume that the road was carefully selected to maximize range with long gentle descents, little highway, and reduced speed. Conditions that are far from everyday use.

Lucid is not cheating, as the record is real, measured, and validated. But it is set within a very particular framework, far from the usual constraints faced by drivers. This record should therefore be viewed for what it is: a splendid technical demonstration, more than a concrete indicator of performance under real-world conditions. Moving forward, behind the records, attention will always need to be paid to the slope.

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