Aston Martin, the luxury car manufacturer, has announced its plans to develop “ultra-luxury high-performance” electric vehicles (EVs) using Lucid’s electric motors, batteries, and other technology. This marks the first deal for Lucid to supply parts to other automakers, similar to Rimac, which has previously developed batteries and components for Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, and others. Aston Martin’s decision to partner with Lucid is expected to transform the future electric vehicle (EV) growth of the company, according to Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll.
Through a competitive process, Aston Martin selected Lucid as its supplier and will leverage Lucid’s proprietary electric powertrain technology, including its ultra-high performance twin motor drive unit, battery technology, and onboard “Wunderbox” charging unit. These technologies will enable Aston Martin to incorporate features such as torque vectoring, heat exchanger technology, and a battery system that is optimized for higher power output.
This collaboration is particularly significant as it comes after Aston Martin abandoned its plans to manufacture the all-electric Rapide E in 2020, citing financial instability as the reason for the decision. However, since then, Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who also owns the Aston Martin F1 team, acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in Aston Martin, injecting stability into the company. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz currently holds a 9.4 percent stake in Aston Martin and intends to increase its ownership to 20 percent by 2023. As part of their agreement, Mercedes-Benz has granted Aston Martin access to its hybrid and electric powertrains. The nature of the relationship between Lucid and Mercedes-Benz remains uncertain, although Aston Martin’s F1 team currently uses a Mercedes-Benz power unit.
For years, Aston Martin has been collaborating with various technology partners on its journey towards electrification. For instance, Rimac supplied technology, including a lightweight battery system, to Aston Martin’s 1,160 HP Valkyrie hypercar. Moreover, back in 2015, Aston Martin partnered with LeEco to develop an electric version of the Rapide, but LeEco ultimately withdrew due to its own financial difficulties. Interestingly, LeEco previously held a stake in Lucid, but the company’s founder, Jia Yueting, had to sell it in the wake of a liquidity crisis.
Related Post
Aston Martin’s decision to integrate Lucid’s electric powertrain technology signifies a shift in their commitment to electric mobility. By leveraging Lucid’s expertise and cutting-edge solutions, Aston Martin hopes to accelerate their electrification strategy and deliver top-tier EVs to their discerning customer base. The partnership with Lucid will not only enable Aston Martin to develop EVs with exceptional performance but also consolidate its position as a premier luxury automotive brand in the electric era.
With the global automotive industry transitioning towards sustainable mobility and stricter regulations on carbon emissions being implemented, traditional automakers like Aston Martin are swiftly embracing electrification. Electric vehicles offer numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact and enhanced performance capabilities. By collaborating with established electric powertrain technology providers like Lucid, automakers can leverage their expertise and accelerate their electric vehicle development efforts.
As the world moves towards a greener future, the partnership between Aston Martin and Lucid represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable luxury mobility. This collaboration not only showcases the mutual trust and confidence between the two companies but also sets an example for other automakers to explore partnerships and leverage the expertise of established electric vehicle technology providers. Ultimately, this will lead to the proliferation of high-performance electric vehicles and contribute to the global shift towards a more sustainable transportation sector.
In conclusion, Aston Martin’s partnership with Lucid signifies a strategic move towards developing ultra-luxury high-performance electric vehicles. By utilizing Lucid’s electric motors, batteries, and other technology, Aston Martin aims to deliver cutting-edge EVs that meet the demands of their discerning customers. This collaboration, along with Aston Martin’s alliances with Mercedes-Benz and Rimac, underscores the company’s commitment to electrification and sets the stage for its future growth in the electric vehicle market.
