Aston Martin’s forthcoming electric vehicles will incorporate technology provided by U.S. EV innovator Lucid, as per the joint statement released by the companies on Monday.
This collaboration entails Lucid acquiring a 3.7% stake in Aston Martin and receiving regular cash payouts, collectively amounting to $232 million. In exchange, Aston Martin will harness Lucid’s superior EV technology, both existing and future, to construct its own modular platform. This platform will support an array of vehicles including hypercars, sports cars, grand tourers, and SUVs. Additionally, Aston Martin will invest another $225 million on components and pay a $10 million integration fee, bringing the total to $467 million.
Aston Martin Vanquish Overview
The first EV from Aston Martin’s stable is expected to be launched in 2025. By the close of this decade, the entire range of Aston Martin’s vehicles will be either plug-in hybrid or electric.
A pre-existing connection between Aston Martin and Lucid is provided by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which holds the largest shares in Lucid and is the second-largest shareholder for Aston Martin. However, Aston Martin selected Lucid after a competitive screening process, as stated by the companies.
Lawrence Stroll
“The agreement with Lucid marks a transformative moment for Aston Martin’s future growth led by EVs,” said Lawrence Stroll, the chairman of Aston Martin. “Our selection of Lucid, based on our strategy and needs, gives us access to the industry’s top-performing and most innovative technologies for our forthcoming BEV products.”
This partnership is Lucid’s first of its kind, boasting an array of EVs that provide more than 500 miles of range and feature outputs exceeding 1,000 hp. Lucid’s Air Sapphire, equipped with a three-motor powertrain, offers more than 1,200 hp, enabling acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than two seconds, as per the company.
The technologies highlighted in Monday’s announcement include Lucid’s effective battery and inverter technologies, along with its high-performance motors that enable precise torque vectoring.
To distinguish its EV driving experience from Lucid’s, Aston Martin will center its efforts on tailoring power delivery to each wheel. This approach, as per the company, will enable it to generate a “unique dynamic fingerprint” for each of its EVs.
Lucid’s Modular Twin-Motor Drive Unit
Additionally, Aston Martin plans to tap into the expertise of its Formula 1 team’s consulting business to craft aerodynamic designs using the same techniques and processes involved in F1. This strategy will lead to the development of active aerodynamic and drag reduction systems to enhance vehicle efficiency, thereby extending range. In its statement, Aston Martin mentioned the implementation of active cooling vents and airflow directing systems around the wheel arches and under the vehicle.
Aston Martin also aims to incorporate brake-by-wire technology from Brembo to boost efficiency, along with Pirelli tires equipped with sensors designed to measure the load on each wheel accurately, thereby calculating real-world range more reliably.
In spite of the new agreement with Lucid, Aston Martin will continue obtaining powertrain and electronic architecture technology from its existing shareholder, Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore, Aston Martin is considering sourcing technology and insights for the Chinese market from Zhejiang Geely, another shareholder.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aston Martin Lucid Partnership
What is the collaboration between Aston Martin and Lucid Motors?
Aston Martin is teaming up with Lucid Motors, an American EV startup. The partnership will involve Lucid providing cutting-edge EV technology to Aston Martin. In return, Lucid will receive a 3.7% stake in Aston Martin and cash payments totaling $232 million.
When is Aston Martin planning to launch its first electric vehicle?
Aston Martin plans to launch its first electric vehicle in 2025. By the end of the decade, all Aston Martin vehicles will either be plug-in hybrids or fully electric.
What types of vehicles will the new technology support?
The technology sourced from Lucid will be used by Aston Martin to develop a modular platform capable of supporting a range of vehicles. This includes hypercars, sports cars, grand tourers, and SUVs.
Why was Lucid Motors chosen for this collaboration?
Lucid Motors was chosen by Aston Martin through a competitive process due to its leading EV technology. The deal allows Aston Martin access to the industry’s highest performance and most innovative technologies for its future Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Will Aston Martin continue to source technology from other companies?
Yes, despite the new deal with Lucid, Aston Martin will continue to source powertrain and electronic architecture technology from Mercedes-Benz, an existing shareholder. It is also considering sourcing technology and market insights for the Chinese market from Zhejiang Geely, another shareholder.
More about Aston Martin Lucid Partnership
- Aston Martin and Lucid Motors announce partnership
- Aston Martin’s future electric vehicle plans
- Lucid Motors official website
- Mercedes-Benz partnership with Aston Martin
- Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
5 comments
aston martin and lucid motors teaming up is huge news! can’t wait to see the results of their collaboration. i hope they make some seriously fast and powerful electric cars.
with aston martin’s f1 team involved, their electric cars are gonna have some serious aerodynamics. active cooling vents and drag reduction systems? sign me up!
i wonder if aston martin’s electric vehicles will be as stylish and luxurious as their gas-powered cars. it’s great to see more luxury automakers embracing electric technology.
aston martin’s new hypercar is gonna be lit! lucid motors’ technology is gonna make it super fast and high-performing. this partnership is gonna shake up the electric car industry!
wow, aston martin going electric? that’s amazing. lucid motors must have some awesome tech if aston martin chose them. can’t wait to see their first electric vehicle in 2025!