Recently, Lucid announced in a news release that it is now providing 80-amp home charging, something Tesla hasn’t done in years. Even if this is cool in some aspects, it appears that the rest of the business has turned away from it. I’ll go over what Lucid said in the news release before addressing why no one else is taking this action.
A fancy new home charging station, as well as other accessories, from Lucid A growing array of complimentary accessories for the whole Lucid Air vehicle series was introduced with the launch of Lucid Vehicle Accessories by Lucid recently announced . The Lucid Connected Home Charging Station is the first item in this new ecosystem. Owners can take advantage of Lucid’s industry-leading 80 miles per hour charge rate with this home charging system, allowing them to add up to 80 miles of range in only one hour.
With a staggering 19.2 kW of electrical power, Lucid’s first at-home charging solution allows you to charge your car up to 80 miles per hour, which also happens to be the industry-leading fast AC charging rate for Lucid Air. In essence, you can charge your car twice as fast with the home station than you could with the supplied charging cord.
Despite producing a staggering 19.2 kW, Lucid claims its Design and Engineering teams managed to design a home charging system that is smaller than any rival. The new device has a stylish black shell that can be affixed to a wall either inside or outside. A 24-foot charging cable that links the station to the vehicle is thinner than similar cables from rival stations, which enhances the home charging experience.
For Lucid clients who want to integrate their automobiles with the company’s future energy ecosystem, this solution is the first of its type. It has hardware that is prepared for two-way electrical power and is Wi-Fi enabled for future updates that will be delivered wirelessly.
Additionally, Lucid is selling several cargo accessories.
For clients who prefer outdoor sports like bicycling or kayaking, Lucid Air Crossbars are made to be put on the roof and reduce drag. The crossbars’ load rating of 165 pounds ensures that the majority of equipment may be transported. As Yakima mounts are also compatible with Lucid Air Crossbars, additional gear attachments like multiple bike racks or a surfboard rack are feasible. All of these accessories fit on without a hitch, allowing you to concentrate on your expedition rather than messing about with incompatible pieces.
But they also provide coverage for when you need to transport additional cargo with more weather protection. The Cargo Capsule, which Lucid Air in-house built, is not just svelte but also offers the best aerodynamics to aid increase range. Without having to fold the back seats, the 11.47 cu ft of additional cargo space increases the class-leading 32.5 cu ft of interior freight space by 33%.
The sleek and roomy capsule has a split glossy and matte black appearance and is composed of a molded ABS shell. Black gloss also covers the Lucid logo. The extra room inside is easily accessible and has lighting so you can see even when it is dark outside. You can open it from either side.
Lucid is also providing an interior upgrade for customers who don’t want to increase the air drag of crossbars and a roof cargo box. The in-house manufactured Lucid Air all-weather floor mats are comprised of a robust material that can survive any season. All of the mats have raised edges for further protection over traditional carpeted floor mats and are non-slip and waterproof. To coordinate with the Lucid Air’s interior options, the Lucid All-Weather Mats are available in four colors: Ceramic, Graphite, Saddle, and Black. There will be a three-piece set of floor mats for sale.
Ordering for the Lucid accessories is currently possible, and full availability is anticipated by the end of 2022. Early in 2023, the Cargo Capsule will be accessible. Although there is currently a limited supply of the Lucid Connected Home Charging Station, sales will begin in 2023.
AT ONE TIME, TESLA SOLD A 80-AMP HOME CHARGER Installing EV charging in most homes is utterly difficult, according to EV naysayers (and occasionally oil-funded trolls). Why? because their friend, who is an electrician, once installed a Tesla charger. And “hwat,” do you know? It required 80 amps of power to run. You’ll typically need to upgrade the wiring throughout your entire home and request a power company upgrade!
There is a grain of truth in it. The most potent home and destination chargers might provide up to 22 kW of power to early Tesla Model S automobiles. Some chose to do this, and given the Supercharger network’s relative youth at the time, it made sense to purchase a large 80 MPH home charger. It makes sense to acquire the best you can afford when you’re only going to use Level 2 charging, even if it’s expensive.
But since then, the environment has undergone substantial change. All other Model X, 3, and Y vehicles as well as facelifted Model S vehicles are unable to pull such a powerful force. The highest amount of power that the newest S, X, and larger battery Model 3/Y vehicles can draw at 240 volts is 11.5 kW (48 amps). The 3.0 and Y models’ maximum pulling power is 7.7 kW. (32 amp). Why? Considering that charging at 80 amps is no longer essential.
Even from empty to full, a vehicle can be easily charged while you sleep on a 7.7 kW or 11.5 kW circuit. On the worst days, if you do find that you need more range, there are nearly always superchargers nearby. Few vehicles offer anything more potent than an 11.5 kW onboard charger, which is the case for the majority of non-Tesla automobiles.
The truth is that 80 amps or 19 kW of power is overpriced and useless for the great majority of drivers. It wouldn’t even be possible for a home with a 100-amp service to support it, and a home with a 200-amp service could only do so if it wasn’t already running a lot of electric appliances and HVAC. Therefore, an expensive electrical service upgrade would result in installation costs of $4,000 or more in both circumstances, all for a capability you most likely don’t require.
However, Lucid is a premium brand, and its vehicles cost well in excess of $100,000. If you can purchase a Lucid Air, you probably have the money to spend several thousand dollars on the quickest Level 2 charging for your home. Although I’m not sure why, it is your money to spend anyway you like.
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