Lucid Group, which makes fast-charging, long-range luxury electric vehicles, said Tuesday it will join Bank of America in providing financing to customers as a way to stand out in the crowded segment. Lucid Financial Services’ digital platform provides “a flexible, fast and easy financing process” for leases and loans by allowing customers to complete their purchase online, from financing application to electronic contract signing. The financial services program, which aims to create an easier buying experience for Lucid’s US customers, comes as other automakers begin to rethink the dealership experience. Ford said last week that it wants to restructure its model so that customers can buy electric vehicles online at non-negotiable prices. “Lucid Air customers have requested flexible financing options, including loan leases and purchases, with many preferring a 100% digital experience,” Amira Aly, director of financial services at Lucid, said in a statement. Lucid began delivering its long-awaited flagship Lucid Air luxury sedan, the company’s first production series, to customers last year. The full-size sedan can travel up to 520 miles on a single charge and has between 400 and 800 horsepower, depending on the model. The company is now preparing to launch its second production model, the $179,000 Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance Model, a 1,050-horsepower grand tourer with a 446-mile range. Lucid said this high-performance, dual-motor version accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Both models come with a 900-plus-volt ultra-fast charging system that can add 300 miles to the battery in 21 minutes with a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger.
