Lucid Motors has announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at positioning the company at the forefront of autonomous electric vehicle technology. The collaboration with NVIDIA will facilitate the development of the industry’s first “mind-off” Level 4 (L4) autonomous EVs, enhancing the driving experience beyond existing capabilities.
The initiative builds on Lucid’s advanced driver assistance system, DreamDrive Pro, which was first introduced in the Lucid Air in 2021. Over the years, this system has evolved substantially, with significant enhancements in functionality, including recently introduced hands-free driving and lane-change features through a software update released in June. These improvements set the stage for the ambitious plans Lucid has in store for the future.
Through this new partnership, Lucid intends to integrate NVIDIA’s DRIVE AV technology into its upcoming midsize electric vehicle models. This integration will involve using two NVIDIA DRIVE AGX THOR computers alongside NVIDIA DriveOS, consolidating automated driving functions into a cohesive architecture that allows continuous advancements in technology.
Lucid’s immediate focus will be on initiating point-to-point driving capabilities (L2++) for the Gravity SUV. The company aims to achieve the groundbreaking distinction of offering “the first true eyes-off, hands-off, and mind-off (L4) consumer-owned autonomous vehicle,” with plans for production commencing later next year.
Furthermore, the partnership with NVIDIA extends beyond just autonomous driving capabilities. Lucid will leverage NVIDIA’s Industrial platform and Omniverse technology to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and expedite delivery timelines of its vehicles.
Lucid has already shared plans to introduce three midsize EVs, with an anticipated starting price of around $50,000. The first will be a crossover SUV, followed by a more rugged variant, and a midsize sedan rumored to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Recent teaser images have provided early looks into the styling of these vehicles, hinting at a design reminiscent of the Model 3.
Overall, Lucid Motors’ latest advancements, now bolstered by its collaboration with NVIDIA, reflect a significant step toward realizing its vision of a future infused with autonomous driving capabilities, paving the way for a new era in electric mobility.