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Lucid Air tries out for the California Highway Patrol
November 23, 2024
Published by Joseph Pudlewski
The Lucid Air is one of the fastest electric vehicles with the longest array of ranges on the market, and now that combination has put the Air in the spotlight. The EV sedan tried out for the California Highway Patrol in a modified form dubbed the Lucid Pursuit not long ago according to the company’s social media post in November.
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The Lucid Pursuit features several major modifications for duty
Lucid hasn’t provided information on every modification made to the base Lucid Air to transform it into the Lucid Pursuit, but it certainly looks the part. From the images shared by Lucid Motors on social media, the modified electric sedan features a crash bar, steel wheels, police lights, and a PA system.
The Lucid Pursuit model could price itself out of the running, though, especially considering the base Lucid Air starts at a whopping $69,900 MSRP. Adding in the police modifications would only increase the price.
Still, the cost may not be a major factor in adding EVs to a department’s fleet, especially if the government is subsidizing the additions. While the six-figure Grand Touring and Sapphire models are likely out of the question, the Pure and Touring trims might be more enticing for police departments.
The Lucid Air has the longest range of any EV in the United States
The Lucid Air holds the top spot for the longest range of any EV in the United States, with the $110,900 Grand Touring trim capable of traveling up to 520 miles on a single charge. The base Pure trim features a 420-mile range, while the Touring trim comes in at 406 miles. The 1,234-horsepower Sapphire trim, priced at $249,000 MSRP, offers a 427-mile range and, frankly, would be complete overkill for any police fleet.
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Charging speeds might be of concern for some departments, but the Lucid Air is ahead of the curve there as well. The Grand Touring trim, starting at $110,900, can charge up to 200 miles in 12 minutes. The base Lucid Air Pure trim, the most likely candidate for a police cruiser, hits 200 miles in 17 minutes.
Range isn’t the only factor to be considered. The Lucid Pursuit variant offers excellent performance in addition to its high range. The Pure boasts 430 horsepower, while the Touring sees output jump to 620 horsepower. That kind of power pushes the 5,200-pound EV to 60 MPH in 4.5 and 3.4 seconds respectively.
Electric police vehicles are not a new development
California is leading the charge in electrification, so it comes as no surprise that several departments have tried out electric police vehicles before. Some purchased and modified a fleet of Teslas, but found the interior space and ride height to be counterproductive.
Ford, a leader in police pursuit vehicles, currently makes variants of the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-e that are better suited for police department fleets. The Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV is rated for pursuits and comes with a police package. The Blazer EV PPV boasts 498 horsepower, an all-wheel drive train, and an EPA-estimated 297-mile range.
Back in 2021, New York City dropped $11.5 million on 184 Mustang Mach-e GTs for their fleet. That breaks down to around $62,500 per vehicle. That puts the Lucid Pursuit variant well within the running, dependent on the cost added by the modifications. Other departments around the country are also actively adding EVs to their police fleets as well.
Final thoughts
When it comes to police pursuits, EVs are ideal thanks to their instant torque and weight. The Air Pure weighs in at 5,200 lbs., and the Mustang Mach-e police variant weighs in at just over 4,800 lbs. Fast charging times and high driving ranges might further incentivize police departments to make the jump to electric.
While the Lucid Air police variant doesn’t have all the modifications of a police cruiser in place, it definitely has the look down. If the added equipment doesn’t impact weight and price too much, Californians may see a Lucid patrolling their streets in the near future.