Electric Cars
Lucid Teases "Bold New" Gravity EV Concept Ahead of Debut
Lucid Motors is poised to introduce an innovative electric vehicle concept this week, marking a significant step in its journey to diversify its luxurious and highly efficient EV lineup. This forthcoming reveal hints at a rugged, exploration-focused iteration of the acclaimed Gravity SUV, promising to blend high-end performance with adventurous capabilities.

Unveiling Tomorrow's Electric Adventure: Lucid's Bold New Vision

Lucid's Latest Electric Marvel: A Glimpse into the Future

Lucid Motors, having successfully launched its Gravity model in late 2024, has cemented its position in the electric vehicle market with two of the most energy-efficient and opulent vehicles available. The Lucid Air has notably outperformed competitors, becoming the top-selling luxury electric sedan in the United States during the first half of the year. With production slated for a substantial increase in the latter half of the year, the company is now turning its attention to a new, intriguing electric vehicle concept.

Exploring the Unknown: Teasers of Lucid's New EV Concept

Lucid has been subtly hinting at this new model through social media, describing it as a \"bold new concept of electric exploration.\" While specific details remain scarce, early teasers provide tantalizing clues. The concept appears to feature a distinctive roof-mounted light, suggesting its design is geared towards exploration. Additionally, the presence of robust, blacked-out wheels and other off-road enhancements points towards a vehicle built for challenging terrains.

Gravity's Off-Road Evolution: A New Variant Emerges

All indications suggest that this new concept will be an off-road specialized version of the Gravity. This move could position Lucid to compete with models like Rivian's \"California Dune Edition\" trims for the R1S and R1T, which are known for their enhanced off-road capabilities. These specialized trims often include features such as a powerful tri-motor powertrain, unique color schemes, all-terrain wheels, and reinforced underbody protection, hinting at the potential features of Lucid's forthcoming concept.

The Gravity Lineup: Current Offerings and Future Prospects

The latest update confirms that the new EV is indeed a Gravity concept model, set to make its debut at Monterey Car Week. This event will provide the public with their first look at the innovative design. Currently, the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring is available, boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles and a starting price of $94,900. Furthermore, a limited number of Dream Edition models offer over 1,000 horsepower, catering to those seeking extreme performance. While a more accessibly priced Touring model is anticipated later this year at $79,900, the upcoming concept is unlikely to be this variant, given its emphasis on exploration and advanced features.

Anticipation Builds: The Unveiling at Monterey Car Week

Enthusiasts can experience Lucid's current offerings, including the Air and Gravity, through test drives available at Monterey Car Week. Pre-registration for these drives is highly recommended. The official unveiling of the new Gravity EV concept is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at Monterey Car Week. This highly anticipated reveal is expected to showcase additional innovative features and design elements that underscore Lucid's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and design.

Rivian Unveils Unique R1S Quad Pebble Beach Edition for Auction
Rivian, an innovator in electric vehicles, has introduced a highly exclusive R1S electric SUV, known as the R1S Quad Pebble Beach. This exceptional model, custom-built as a singular creation, will be a highlight at the prestigious Monterey Car Week auction. It embodies a perfect blend of high-performance engineering and exquisite bespoke design, promising to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Experience Automotive Artistry: The Rivian R1S Quad Pebble Beach

A Masterpiece Unveiled: The Genesis of the R1S Quad Pebble Beach Edition

Rivian, a prominent name in electric mobility, has meticulously crafted an unparalleled R1S electric SUV, christened the R1S Quad Pebble Beach. This distinct vehicle, representing a singular factory-produced masterpiece, is slated for a high-profile auction during California's renowned Monterey Car Week. It is anticipated to achieve a sale price exceeding $130,000, offered without reservation at Broad Arrow’s auction held at the Monterey Jet Center.

Unmatched Power and Capability: Beneath the Bespoke Exterior of the R1S

At its core, this extraordinary R1S retains the formidable performance characteristics of the standard quad-motor model available to the public. It boasts four electric motors, collectively generating an impressive 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. This immense power enables the American-manufactured SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 2.6 seconds. The internally developed Rivian drivetrain also ensures exceptional off-road prowess, positioning it as one of the most versatile vehicles currently available in the market.

Inspired by Nature: The Unique Aesthetic of the Pebble Beach Edition

What truly distinguishes this specific R1S are its numerous bespoke design elements, each drawing inspiration from California's breathtaking Monterey Bay. Rivian emphasizes that this unique electric vehicle was conceived for those who value the harmonious integration of dynamic performance, inherent capability, and artistic expression.

A Palette of Elegance: Exterior Finishes Reflecting Coastal Beauty

On the exterior, the one-off Pebble Beach edition showcases an exclusive paint hue known as Monterey Silver. This captivating shade was inspired by the serene morning light reflecting off Monterey Bay. The application of this distinctive paint involved a meticulous four-stage hand-finishing process, contributing to its unparalleled depth and brilliance.

Precision and Detail: Unique Accents Elevating the R1S’s Exterior Presence

Further enhancing its unique appeal, the brake calipers feature a custom Laguna Beach Silver finish. This subtle blue tone is also subtly incorporated into the vehicle's badging. Custom-etched door sill plates add another layer of exclusivity, while the exterior is completed with custom-forged 22-inch wheels, distinguished by an exclusive three-tone finish designed specifically for this special edition.

Interior Sanctuary: A Coastal-Inspired Cabin Experience

The interior of this singular R1S has been meticulously designed to evoke a modern coastal sanctuary. Rivian describes the cabin as featuring Pebble Stone-inspired Adventex upholstery, tactile soft-touch materials, innovative cork-blended textiles, and elegantly textured wood accents throughout, creating a serene and luxurious environment.

Artistic Touches: Gradient Finishes Echoing the Pacific Sunset

Adding to the interior's artistic flair, a unique gradient finish, reminiscent of the sun's descent into the Pacific horizon, is applied to the speaker grilles, key fob, floor mats, and the integrated flashlight within the door. This distinctive gradient, incorporating teal blue, vivid red, and golden yellow, serves as a signature element of Rivian's Adventure Department, the company's dedicated innovation team.

An Opportunity to Own a Unique Rivian: The Upcoming Auction Event

For individuals with a keen interest in acquiring a truly unique Rivian, the upcoming auction presents an exclusive opportunity. Prospective buyers can participate in the bidding either in person at the event or conveniently online, offering a chance to own a piece of automotive art and innovation.

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Greenlane Expands Electric Truck Charging Network Across Key US Freight Routes

Greenlane has officially unveiled its second significant electric truck charging corridor, establishing a vital link between Southern California and Phoenix along Interstate 10. This strategic expansion is a concerted effort to address the pressing need for robust electric vehicle infrastructure within the long-haul freight sector, particularly on one of the United States' busiest transportation arteries. The successful deployment of this corridor underscores a pivotal advancement in making electrified commercial transport a widespread reality, overcoming previous limitations in range and charging accessibility for heavy-duty electric trucks. This development signals a transformative shift in logistics, promoting sustainable practices and operational efficiency in the movement of goods across vast distances.

This pioneering electric truck corridor benefits from a strong collaborative alliance with Windrose Technology, an innovator in electric truck manufacturing. Windrose Technology’s R700 Class 8 electric semi-truck has already demonstrated the route’s operational feasibility, executing non-stop journeys from Greenlane’s flagship facility in Colton, California, to Phoenix. These trips, spanning nearly 300 miles, were completed with a gross combined weight of over 74,000 pounds, with the vehicles retaining a significant portion of their battery capacity upon arrival. Such performance is a testament to the advancements in electric vehicle technology for heavy-duty applications, directly addressing concerns regarding range anxiety and payload capacity that have historically challenged the electrification of long-haul freight.

Beyond impressive range, the Windrose R700 trucks showcase exceptional charging speed. During trials at the Colton facility, the R700 achieved a peak charging rate of 772 kW using a dual-gun charging system, drastically reducing downtime for commercial operations. This rapid charging capability is critical for maintaining tight delivery schedules in the logistics industry. Encouraged by these successes, Windrose Technology has ambitious plans for scaling production, aiming to build 2,000 electric trucks globally in the coming year, with a projected increase to 10,000 units the following year. Wen Han, the founder and CEO of Windrose, emphasized that these achievements prove electric long-haul trucking is not merely a theoretical concept but a viable and high-performing real-world solution.

The newly inaugurated I-10 corridor will integrate Greenlane’s central hub in Colton with new charging points located in Blythe, California, and the Greater Phoenix area in Arizona. This expansion is a key component of Greenlane’s broader vision to establish a comprehensive public charging network for medium- and heavy-duty fleets nationwide. Furthermore, Nevoya, an electric trucking carrier, is set to be one of the initial clients to leverage this new corridor, utilizing the Colton site as a crucial base for both charging and driver support while operating battery-electric trucks across both the I-10 and I-15 routes. The Colton facility, which commenced operations in April, is equipped with more than 40 high-speed chargers, including 12 pull-through bays specifically designed for semi-trucks and 29 bobtail lanes. The site also offers essential amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, round-the-clock security, carports, office space, and parking, catering to the comprehensive needs of long-haul drivers.

This strategic expansion marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the trucking industry. The establishment of dedicated electric vehicle corridors, supported by high-capacity charging infrastructure and advanced electric truck technology, is critical for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels in heavy-duty transport. As more such corridors become operational and electric truck production scales up, the environmental benefits and operational efficiencies for logistics companies will become increasingly evident, paving the way for a greener and more resilient supply chain ecosystem.

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