Aston Martin announced on Monday a supply agreement wherein California’s Lucid Group will provide “selected powertrain components” for the UK’s high-performance car manufacturer’s upcoming electric vehicles.
Aston stated its intent to continue exploring internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and electric/electronic architectures from Mercedes-Benz AG. This approach allows the UK automaker the flexibility to choose the best-suited solution for specific scenarios. However, Aston confirmed that Lucid’s “cutting-edge powertrain technology” will integrate with Mercedes’ electronic architecture in an electrified Aston Martin family in the near future.
The niche UK automaker is in the midst of a transformative shift, aiming to have its core vehicle lineup “fully electrified” by 2030, with 20% of its fleet electrified by 2024. Aston highlighted its upcoming bespoke platform set to underpin a future range of electric vehicle models, including grand tourers, SUVs, sports cars, and supercars. The first models on this platform are scheduled for launch in 2025. Before that, Aston aims to deliver its first plug-in hybrid, the Valhalla supercar, in 2024.
“The supply agreement with Lucid is a game-changer for the future electric vehicle-led growth of Aston Martin,” said Aston Martin’s CEO, Lawrence Stroll. “As per our strategy and requirements, we selected Lucid, gaining access to the industry’s most innovative and high-performance technologies for our future BEV products.”
This agreement marks the first high-profile instance of an established automaker leveraging Lucid’s technology, which focuses on internally developed, efficient, and high-energy-density electric propulsion systems. Lucid’s propulsion technology is a central piece of value for the company, and several entities have expressed interest in utilizing it. Lucid’s motor design stands out for its compact size, efficiency, and power density, even in comparison with Tesla, and the company has expressed its capacity to scale up production.
Lucid has a history of supplying battery packs for previous Formula E seasons and now provides front motors for the current Formula E Gen 3 cars, contributing to enhanced agility and reduced weight.
Aston Martin has experienced setbacks in its decade-long transition to electrification. Despite initial plans for an all-electric model called the RapidE, which prioritized performance and lightweight design over an emphasis on a large, long-range battery, challenges in partnering with LeEco of China, Faraday Future’s sponsor, led to project delays. Despite later collaborations with Williams Advanced Engineering, the project was ultimately canceled. Aston’s renewed commitment to electric vehicle production was announced in 2021.
Lucid is expected to deliver the high-performance electric sedan, Air Sapphire, touted as the world’s most powerful sedan, later this year. This model boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of under two seconds, a 0 to 100 mph time below four seconds, and a top speed exceeding 200 mph, making it a strong contender to surpass the Tesla Model S Plaid on the track and in handling.
