A Californian startup named Lucid is positioning itself to challenge the Tesla Cybertruck with a rugged pickup that promises bold capability and a distinctive design. Industry observers note the company is exploring a vehicle class that blends practical utility with high-end electric performance, aiming to capture interest from buyers looking for a revolutionary take on a work-ready truck. This move follows Lucid’s broader push into electric vehicle engineering, signaling the brand’s intent to broaden its footprint beyond luxury sedans.
Recently, a clay model of Lucid’s upcoming pickup was seen on a wooden pallet at a public display. Close by, the Gravity electric crossover also drew attention during the Los Angeles Auto Show week. The pair appears to share a similar platform as many analysts expect, fueling speculation about how Lucid will leverage shared engineering to streamline development while targeting different market segments. The visual comparisons have sparked conversations about how the platform could support both a robust pickup and a versatile crossover in the same family of vehicles.
Production for Gravity is planned at a facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, where the Lucid Air is already built. The plan envisions deliveries to customers beginning in 2024, with the pickup version arriving a bit later. The timing points to Lucid gradually expanding its manufacturing capacity in the United States and using established manufacturing lines to support multiple models. This strategy mirrors broader industry trends where startups leverage existing plants to accelerate scale and bring new electric offerings to market more quickly.
Meanwhile, in a different thread of automotive industry news, a Russian automaker has been reported to start test assemblies of cars equipped with multimedia displays featuring a 7-inch screen. This glimpse into in-house tech development reflects a growing emphasis on in-car user experiences, digital interfaces, and connected services that accompany modern EV platforms. While not directly tied to Lucid, the anecdote underlines a global push toward more sophisticated cockpit technology as automakers race to differentiate through software and hardware integration.
In related developments, a Chinese manufacturer showcased a hybrid SUV model known as Tank 700 Hi4-T. The reveal highlights ongoing experimentation with mixed propulsion options and rugged utility in the global SUV segment. The model adds to a broader narrative about automakers blending traditional off-road capability with electrified and hybrid systems, broadening the spectrum of choices available to customers who want performance without compromising efficiency. Industry watchers note that such hybrids can help bridge demand in markets where full electric options are still rolling out, offering practical benefits while charging infrastructure continues to evolve.