Lucid Air sets new EPA driving range record of 837km on a charge

American EV start-up Lucid has set a new benchmark for range, with its Air model becoming the first electric vehicle to surpass 800km in an EPA test.

Achieved by the Air Dream Edition on 19-inch wheels, the EPA-governed test found the vehicle could travel up to 837km on a single charge – considerably more than the Tesla Model S Long Range, which previously recorded a best range of 652km.

According to Lucid, all variants of the Air beat the existing Tesla yardstick, ranging from the Dream Edition's 837km driving range to the Air Dream Edition Performance, which managed 726km – thanks to its higher output motor and 21-inch wheels.

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Lucid's secret is in its battery packs, all of which have a rated capacity of 113kWh of 13kWh more than the largest pack available in the Model S Long Range, a major factor in all Air variants recording longer distances than Tesla's flagship.

On top of this, the Air variants also feature more powerful motors than any of Tesla's offerings, with the Grand Touring putting out a combined 597kW – stepping up to 696kW in the Dream Edition and topping out at 828kW for the range-topping Dream Edition Performance.

A possible hindrance for sales of the Lucid Air could come from its price – it's valued significantly higher than any spec of the Model S. While the Long Range and Plaid Teslas retail for US$89,990 (AU$123,475) and US$129,990 (AU$178,360) respectively, the Air Grand Touring starts at US$139,000 (AU$192,100), with a premium for the Dream Edition bumping it up to US$169,000 (AU$233,240).