Lucid Air Charging Guide: Speeds, Home Setup
Introduction to Charging the Lucid Air
For those considering switching to an electric vehicle, charging is a major concern. How long does it take to charge? Where can I charge it? If you’re considering the Lucid Air, rest assured. Lucid Motors has developed a model that boasts one of the fastest charging speeds among electric vehicles currently on the market.
Whether you’re planning a long road trip or simply want to keep your car running smoothly for your daily commute, understanding how to charge your Lucid Air is crucial. This guide will cover charging speeds, public charging networks, and how to charge it at home.
The Secret Weapon: The Lucid Wunderbox
The reason Lucid Air charges so quickly is due to its built-in technology called “Wunderbox”.
The Wunderbox is the brain of this car’s charging system. It employs a 900-volt high-voltage system, which is far more powerful than the 400-volt systems found in many older cars and cheaper electric vehicles. Thanks to this high voltage, the Wunderbox can take in a large amount of power in a very short time, reducing waiting time at the charging plug and increasing driving time.
DC Fast Charging on the Road
Public DC fast chargers will be invaluable on long-distance road trips across America.
Lucid has partnered with Electrify America, allowing Lucid owners to easily charge their vehicles at Electrify America’s charging stations using plug-and-charge technology. According to Lucid, this feature enables charging without the need for extra apps or cards.
Because the Lucid Air uses a standard CCS (Combined Charging System) plug, you’re not limited to just one network. You can connect to almost any public fast charger along highways, giving you plenty of options.
Home Charging: Setting Up Your Garage
While fast chargers are convenient for long drives, the most convenient way to charge your Lucid Air is to charge it at home while you sleep.
- Standard outlet (Level 1): You can also charge it by connecting it to a regular 120V outlet, but it will take a very long time. You will only be able to extend the range by a few miles per hour.
- Lucid Connected Home Charging Station (Level 2): For the best charging experience, we suggest installing a 240V Level 2 charger in your garage. Lucid sells its own Connected Home Charging Station. When installed by a professional electrician, this unit can extend your range by up to 80 miles per hour and fully charge your battery overnight.
How Long Does It Actually Take to Charge?
Charging time varies greatly depending on the type of charger used. A general guideline is provided below.
- With a 350kW DC fast charger: Using Wunderbox, the Lucid Air can add up to 300 miles (approximately 480 km) of range in just 20-22 minutes.
- With a Level 2 home charger: A full charge from 0% to 100% usually takes overnight (about 8-10 hours), which is ideal for everyday use.
A Quick Disclaimer on Charging Speeds
It is very important to understand that the charging speed of electric vehicles (EVs) is not always under ideal conditions. The figures published by car manufacturers are based on ideal conditions only.
Actual charging speed varies depending on several factors, including ambient temperature, battery aging, battery level (charging speed drops significantly above 80%), and the condition of public charging stations. Always use your car’s navigation system for route guidance to charging stations. The navigation system will automatically “precondition” (preheat or cool) the battery, preparing it to accept the fastest possible charge.
Concluding Remarks
Lucid Air makes life with an electric vehicle incredibly easy. With its ultra-fast 900-volt charging system and the ability to charge hundreds of miles of range in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee, range worries have become a thing of the past. With the right Level 2 charger set up at home, you can wake up every morning fully charged and hit the road immediately.