Electric Cars

Lucid Motors has recently implemented significant price reductions for leasing its Air luxury electric sedan, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. This strategic move aims to bolster the vehicle's market position, especially as it continues to be recognized as a leading luxury electric sedan in the United States. The aggressive pricing adjustments reflect Lucid's commitment to enhancing affordability and expanding its customer base, ahead of the anticipated launch of more economical models and the expiration of key federal tax incentives.

Lucid's proactive approach to pricing has seen the lease cost of the 2025 Air Pure model drop to an unprecedented low. Currently, interested individuals can lease this high-performance electric vehicle for as little as $509 per month. This figure represents a notable decrease from the $529 monthly rate observed in early August. Factoring in a one-time payment of $1,889 at signing, the effective monthly expense stands at an attractive $561. This latest reduction offers nearly $120 in monthly savings compared to the previous August offer, which required a substantially higher initial payment of $5,429 for an effective monthly cost of $680. These promotions are particularly timely, coinciding with the approaching deadline of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30.

Beyond the Air Pure, Lucid is also extending competitive lease options for its Air Touring and Grand Touring variants, priced at $609 and $889 per month, respectively. Furthermore, the 2026 model year is available for lease starting at $549 per month. For those preferring to finance their purchase, Lucid presents appealing terms, including a 0% APR over 72 months for all 2025 models, coupled with a $7,500 Air Credit. The 2026 models are offered with a 2.99% APR and the same $7,500 Air Credit. These incentives underscore Lucid's efforts to make its luxury EVs more attainable through various ownership pathways.

The 2025 Lucid Air, with its impressive 420-mile range, rapid charging capability (adding 200 miles in just 17 minutes), and advanced technological features, represents exceptional value at its current effective monthly price point. Data from Kelley Blue Book indicates that the Lucid Air emerged as the top-selling luxury electric sedan during the first half of the year, surpassing rivals like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. This achievement highlights the Air's strong appeal and market acceptance within the competitive luxury EV segment.

Looking ahead, Lucid is poised to introduce more accessible models. The lower-priced Gravity Touring model is expected to launch later this year, starting at $81,550, complementing the existing Gravity Grand Touring model, which is priced from $94,900. Moreover, the second half of 2026 will mark the commencement of production for Lucid's midsize platform, which will include three new models, rumored to feature an electric crossover SUV, a rugged variant, and possibly a sedan, all starting around $50,000. These forthcoming additions are anticipated to further diversify Lucid's portfolio and cater to an even broader market segment.

The latest adjustments to lease pricing and financing offers for the Lucid Air underscore the manufacturer's commitment to enhancing the accessibility and appeal of its luxury electric sedans. By strategically reducing costs and providing attractive incentives, Lucid aims to solidify its position in the premium EV market while preparing for the introduction of more budget-friendly models in the near future, promising a wider selection of innovative electric vehicles for consumers.

ExxonMobil, a company historically synonymous with oil, is now making significant advancements in the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry. This shift marks a strategic repositioning in response to evolving global energy demands and the growing prominence of sustainable technologies. The company is actively pursuing innovations in battery materials, particularly in the realm of synthetic graphite, which could revolutionize EV performance.

A key development in this transition is ExxonMobil's announcement of a new synthetic graphite material for EV battery anodes. This innovative substance is projected to increase the lifespan of EV batteries by an impressive 30%, while also boosting overall performance through improved efficiency, extended range, and quicker charging capabilities. This commitment to battery technology is further demonstrated by recent acquisitions, such as that of Superior Graphite, aimed at establishing a robust domestic supply chain for this critical material. The company's expansion into lithium production, with a planned project in Arkansas set to supply major battery manufacturers, underscores its serious intent to become a significant player in the renewable energy sector, diverging from competitors like Shell and BP who are focusing on charging infrastructure.

This strategic pivot by ExxonMobil reflects a broader understanding of the future energy landscape, where electric vehicles are rapidly gaining traction and the long-term sustainability of fossil fuel reserves is uncertain. By leveraging its expertise in material science and its existing \"carbon-rich feedstocks\" from refining processes, ExxonMobil is developing synthetic graphite that is less resource-intensive to produce than its natural counterpart. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns associated with extensive mining but also mitigates geopolitical risks by reducing reliance on a concentrated global supply of battery-grade graphite. The company's investment in both lithium supply and advanced battery components signals a proactive engagement with the energy transition, positioning itself to thrive in a world increasingly powered by renewable sources.

ExxonMobil's foray into EV battery technology illustrates a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the imperative of adapting to a changing energy paradigm. This move underscores the potential for established industry leaders to drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future, transforming traditional business models to meet new environmental and economic realities.