Electric Cars

Lucid Motors is poised to make a significant statement at Monterey Car Week with the unveiling of a rugged concept version of its Gravity SUV. This strategic move signals Lucid's ambition to extend its luxury electric vehicle dominance into the adventurous off-road segment. The event offers a prime platform for the company to showcase its engineering prowess and innovative design, aiming to captivate a discerning automotive audience. Beyond a static display, Lucid is providing an immersive experience, allowing attendees to test drive both the Gravity and the acclaimed Lucid Air Touring, reinforcing its position as a contender in the high-performance EV landscape.

Lucid's Trailblazing Electric SUV Concept Debuts at Elite Automotive Gathering

On Sunday, August 17, at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Lucid Motors, an innovator in electric vehicles, will introduce a pioneering concept of its Gravity SUV. This event, part of the celebrated Monterey Car Week, marks a pivotal moment for the burgeoning automaker. While the production model of the Gravity SUV launched just last year, this newly revealed concept diverges significantly from its luxurious on-road counterpart. It embodies a spirit of adventure with distinct off-road enhancements, including robust all-terrain tires and integrated roof-mounted lighting, showcasing a more rugged aesthetic.

This bold design direction is more than just a stylistic choice; it represents Lucid's vision for the future evolution of its engineering and design capabilities. The concept is projected to deliver the same formidable performance as the Gravity Grand Touring, boasting an impressive 828 horsepower, an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, and a remarkable driving range of up to 450 miles with its largest battery configuration. Designed with three rows of seating and substantial cargo space, the Gravity maintains the refined ride quality and exceptional efficiency that have become Lucid’s hallmark. This commitment to both power and endurance is further underscored by the Lucid Air Grand Touring's Guinness World Record for EV range, achieving an astounding 749 miles on a single charge. Lucid's strategy is clear: to fuse its established efficiency with vehicles engineered for both luxurious travel and demanding off-pavement excursions.

Monterey Car Week serves as an indispensable arena for automotive brands to assert their presence and impress the world's most critical enthusiasts. For Lucid, this year's event transcends mere exhibition; it's about solidifying its standing as a credible challenger to established luxury automotive manufacturers. The company has diligently refined its product line, evident in the updated 2026 Lucid Air, which now offers increased range, redesigned wheels, and standard NACS charging for enhanced long-distance electric travel. By pairing these advancements with the striking debut of the off-road Gravity concept, Lucid effectively communicates its capacity to innovate and push the boundaries in both performance and distinctive style.

Reflecting on Lucid's Vision: The Future of Electric Mobility

From a journalist's perspective, Lucid's unveiling of the rugged Gravity concept at Monterey Car Week is a significant statement, not just for the brand, but for the entire electric vehicle industry. It’s a testament to the idea that luxury and sustainability don't have to be confined to urban sophistication; they can also embrace the spirit of adventure and off-road capability. This move by Lucid suggests a broadening of the EV market, appealing to a segment of consumers who value both high performance and the freedom to explore beyond paved roads. It also challenges the traditional narrative that electric vehicles are less robust or versatile than their internal combustion counterparts. The potential for these innovations to transition from concept to production, as Lucid has shown with past designs, holds exciting implications for the future of electric mobility, hinting at a more diverse and thrilling landscape for sustainable transportation.

The 2025 Honda Prologue EV offers a fascinating glimpse into Honda's venture into the all-electric SUV market, born from a unique collaboration with General Motors. This vehicle aims to blend the spacious comfort expected of an SUV with the innovative efficiency of electric power. While it delivers a remarkably plush ride and a generous interior, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo capacity, its journey is not without its hurdles. Notably, the Prologue deviates from the spirited driving dynamics often associated with the Honda brand, opting instead for a more serene, cruiser-like experience. Furthermore, its co-developed nature brings both advantages and distinct challenges, particularly concerning its charging infrastructure compatibility and the subtle presence of its GM lineage. This blend of positive attributes and notable drawbacks defines the Prologue as a vehicle that is both promising and perplexing, prompting a deeper look into its performance and identity in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Detailed Report: The 2025 Honda Prologue EV Experience

In mid-August 2025, an extensive evaluation of the 2025 Honda Prologue EV's Touring trim, a Canadian-market model equivalent to the U.S. Elite trim, was conducted over a period of seven days. This marks Honda's significant entry into the electric SUV segment, powered by an 85kWh dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system generating a robust 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle promises an impressive range of approximately 282 miles (455 kilometers), with slightly higher estimates for lesser-equipped models. However, real-world testing indicated a practical range closer to 264 miles (425 kilometers), largely influenced by driving habits.

Upon closer inspection, the Prologue's exterior design, while aesthetically pleasing and undeniably modern in its Sonic Grey Pearl finish with 21-inch alloy wheels, showcases a subtle, perhaps too subtle, connection to Honda's distinctive design language. Its sleek, understated profile is designed to appeal to a mature demographic, valuing sophistication over overt flashiness. Inside, the cabin emerges as a true highlight, offering an inviting and remarkably spacious environment. The thoughtful inclusion of physical buttons and dials for essential controls, a refreshing departure from touchscreen-only interfaces, enhances user-friendliness. Noteworthy features of the Canadian Touring model include an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch central infotainment display, a premium 12-speaker BOSE® sound system, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an expansive panoramic moonroof that bathes the interior in natural light.

Despite its luxurious comfort and advanced features, the Prologue revealed some operational quirks. The wireless charging pad proved largely ineffective for modern smartphones, and the exclusive reliance on USB-C ports posed minor inconvenience for users with varied device ecosystems. Rear passengers noted the absence of heated rear seats, a comfort feature often expected in this segment. The driving dynamics, a core aspect of any Honda, presented a significant departure. Weighing in at 5,273 pounds, the Prologue prioritizes a smooth, cushioned ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and maintaining a serene cabin environment. While the default steering is light and lacks engagement, activating 'Sport Mode' noticeably improves responsiveness. This vehicle is clearly engineered as a comfortable cruiser, gently encouraging a relaxed driving style rather than aggressive maneuvering. All-wheel-drive variants boast a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, suitable for light utility. The standard HONDA SENSING® active safety suite is comprehensive, with higher trims adding advanced parking and pedestrian alert systems, alongside a surround-view camera.

A critical issue encountered during the evaluation was the Prologue's finicky charging system. Repeated attempts to use Level 1 and Level 2 AC chargers resulted in persistent error messages, necessitating exclusive reliance on Level 3 DC fast chargers. Research indicated this is not an isolated incident among owners, suggesting a potential widespread software or hardware issue. This charging limitation significantly impacted the convenience of daily use, especially in areas with limited DC fast charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the vehicle's unique handling characteristics, possibly due to its substantial weight and softened suspension, induced motion sickness in the driver, an unusual experience for seasoned EV drivers.

The week-long immersion with the 2025 Honda Prologue EV left a mixed impression. While its expansive, comfortable interior and smooth ride are undeniable strengths, its charging inconsistencies and the distinct sensation of driving a vehicle designed by a different manufacturer cast a shadow. The Prologue feels less like a traditional Honda and more like a comfortable, yet somewhat compromised, collaborative effort. Looking ahead, the anticipation builds for Honda's upcoming 0 Series models, which promise to showcase Honda's proprietary EV technology, aiming for a more cohesive brand identity and a driving experience truly aligned with Honda's renowned engineering prowess, hopefully addressing the weight, dynamics, and technological integration more effectively.

From a journalist's perspective, the 2025 Honda Prologue EV serves as a compelling case study in brand identity and technological integration within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. It highlights the inherent challenges and compromises involved when established automakers venture into new territories through cross-brand collaborations. While the Prologue undoubtedly offers an incredibly comfortable and spacious ride, catering to a segment of the market that prioritizes luxury and practicality, its struggle with charging infrastructure compatibility and a notable departure from Honda's characteristic driving feel raises pertinent questions. It forces us to ponder what truly defines a 'Honda' in the electric age. Is it merely the badge, or the intangible sense of precision engineering and driver engagement that has historically characterized the brand? The issues encountered, particularly with charging, underscore the critical importance of a seamless user experience, which extends beyond the vehicle's physical attributes to its ecosystem compatibility. This experience with the Prologue suggests that while collaboration can accelerate market entry, maintaining brand integrity and delivering on core promises remains paramount for long-term success. The industry, and consumers, will be keenly observing how Honda’s truly in-house developed EVs will address these nuanced aspects, shaping the future perception of electric vehicles from legacy manufacturers.