Lucid Motors is entering a critical phase with the launch of its first SUV, the Gravity, a model positioned to redefine the brand’s future and potentially surpass the Air sedan in sales volume. However, the production ramp-up coincides with a major policy change: the federal government’s $7,500 EV tax credit will expire on September 30, 2025. This creates a complex situation for buyers who had been counting on the incentive, as well as for Lucid itself.
The Tax Credit Challenge
Because the Gravity’s starting price exceeds $90,000, the SUV does not qualify for a federal tax credit through direct purchase. The only way customers can benefit is through leasing, which still allows the $7,500 discount to be applied at the point of sale. The complication is that customers must take delivery of their vehicles before September 30 to qualify.
With production of the Gravity only just beginning, Lucid faces the challenge of not being able to deliver all the vehicles in time. Many customers who placed early reservations could easily miss out on the federal benefit, leaving them frustrated during what should be an exciting moment.
Lucid’s $7,500 Solution
To address this issue, Lucid is stepping in with its own incentive. The company has announced that any customers who ordered a Gravity Grand Touring or Dream Edition by September 30 will still receive a $7,500 credit, even if their vehicles are delivered after the deadline. The credit will remain available until December 31, 2025, provided customers take delivery within seven days of their vehicle being ready.
This move effectively extends the tax credit window, softening the blow of the federal cutoff and signaling Lucid’s commitment to keeping its early adopters satisfied. It also underscores the company’s determination to build momentum for the Gravity, a vehicle that could be its most important launch to date.
CEO Speaks on Customer Pressure
Speaking with Brew Markets, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff emphasized that the expiration of the federal tax credit is unlikely to have a major financial impact on Lucid. The company’s high price points mean its typical buyers are less reliant on incentives compared to mainstream EV shoppers.
Still, Winterhoff admitted that Lucid has been feeling intense demand from customers eager to secure delivery before the deadline.
“We now see people coming in saying, ‘I want to have delivery by the end of the month,’” Winterhoff explained. “On the Gravity, we are honoring the $7,500 until the end of the year, because we have so many orders, and we don’t want to tell holders that we couldn’t deliver in time, and therefore, they’re out of luck.”
By directly addressing customer concerns, Lucid is attempting to reassure buyers that the brand values their loyalty and is committed to delivering on its promises.
Specs and Value Proposition
While the Gravity is far from an affordable vehicle—with a starting price of $96,550—it offers performance and features designed to justify its cost. The entry-level Grand Touring trim produces 828 horsepower and achieves an EPA-estimated 450 miles of range on a full charge. That positions it among the longest-range EVs available today.
The Gravity also supports some of the fastest charging speeds outside of China, with a 400 kW charging input capable of adding 200 miles of range in under 11 minutes. Combined with its SUV practicality, these specifications make the Gravity one of the most advanced EVs to hit the American market.
A Defining Moment for Lucid
The introduction of the Gravity comes at a pivotal time for Lucid. With orders already strong, the SUV has the potential to become the company’s flagship model and cement its position in the competitive luxury EV market. By matching the federal tax credit with its own $7,500 discount, Lucid is demonstrating both confidence in demand and flexibility in responding to policy changes.
Ultimately, the strategy ensures that Lucid does not lose momentum during a crucial launch window. For buyers, it means that even as the federal incentive disappears, the company itself is stepping in to fill the gap. In an increasingly crowded EV space, this kind of customer-focused approach could be what sets Lucid apart.
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