Saudi-made Lucid Motors vehicles: Faisal Sultan on the future of electric cars
The president of Lucid Motors in the Middle East discusses the company's expansion and commitment to sustainable transportation.
Faisal Sultan, a leading figure in Saudi Arabia's electric vehicle (EV) transformation and president of Lucid Motors in the Middle East, embodies the spirit of innovation within the region.
With a background in automotive engineering and business leadership, he spearheads Lucid's growth, including its first international manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Lucid began as Atieva, a battery company based in Silicon Valley, California, before transitioning into motor manufacturing.
However, Sultan emphasizes that at its core, Lucid is a technology firm dedicated to incorporating new advancements into luxury vehicles without compromise.
Their current slogan, 'compromise nothing,' encapsulates their commitment to delivering high-quality products with impressive range and fast-charging capabilities.The Lucid Air boasts an exceptional charging speed, capable of recharging over 300 kilometers in just 10 minutes—a feat nearly 40 percent faster than competitors.
For context, while other EVs may require 15 to 20 minutes for a similar charge, the Lucid Air achieves this within a much shorter span using high-power DC fast chargers.Sultan explains that reducing charging time by approximately 40% is crucial as it enhances the overall efficiency of EV adoption, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia where infrastructure development is underway.
The goal is to provide customers with swift and convenient charging experiences, enabling them to quickly resume their journeys once they reach a charging station.The investment of $50 million in human capital through collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund will create over 1,000 job opportunities for Saudi employees.
This move not only strengthens Lucid's workforce but also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's focus on sustainability and development of human resources.Lucid is also set to unveil an all-electric SUV named Lucid Gravity, designed for adventure and family travel.
Featuring a spacious interior and innovative design elements such as fold-down seats that transform into a flatbed, the Lucid Gravity aims to set new standards in luxury and comfort.
The company has already received numerous accolades in North America and anticipates similar success in the GCC upon its launch.The decision to establish Lucid's first international manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia is driven by several strategic factors.
The Kingdom's advantageous geographical location, free trade agreements, and the Red Sea's role as a global trade hub make it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution purposes.Furthermore, the alignment of Saudi Vision 2030 with Lucid's values emphasizes sustainability, progress through human capital development, and aligns perfectly with the company's mission.
The commitment to electric vehicles is evident in the Kingdom's target of having 30% of vehicles in Riyadh be electric by 2030 and plans to install 5,000 EV charging points by the same timeframe.Sultan believes that being the first automotive brand to bear the 'Saudi Made' badge on their cars establishes a strong emotional connection with consumers.
The production of Lucid vehicles within the Kingdom demonstrates Lucid's integration into Saudi Arabia's automotive ecosystem and has fostered the development of an emerging industry.Faisal Sultan's personal passion for automobiles, dating back to his childhood fascination with toy cars, fueled his career path in automotive engineering and leadership.
With over 28 years of experience in the automotive sector, he remains dedicated to advancing technology within the industry.
With a background in automotive engineering and business leadership, he spearheads Lucid's growth, including its first international manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Lucid began as Atieva, a battery company based in Silicon Valley, California, before transitioning into motor manufacturing.
However, Sultan emphasizes that at its core, Lucid is a technology firm dedicated to incorporating new advancements into luxury vehicles without compromise.
Their current slogan, 'compromise nothing,' encapsulates their commitment to delivering high-quality products with impressive range and fast-charging capabilities.The Lucid Air boasts an exceptional charging speed, capable of recharging over 300 kilometers in just 10 minutes—a feat nearly 40 percent faster than competitors.
For context, while other EVs may require 15 to 20 minutes for a similar charge, the Lucid Air achieves this within a much shorter span using high-power DC fast chargers.Sultan explains that reducing charging time by approximately 40% is crucial as it enhances the overall efficiency of EV adoption, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia where infrastructure development is underway.
The goal is to provide customers with swift and convenient charging experiences, enabling them to quickly resume their journeys once they reach a charging station.The investment of $50 million in human capital through collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund will create over 1,000 job opportunities for Saudi employees.
This move not only strengthens Lucid's workforce but also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's focus on sustainability and development of human resources.Lucid is also set to unveil an all-electric SUV named Lucid Gravity, designed for adventure and family travel.
Featuring a spacious interior and innovative design elements such as fold-down seats that transform into a flatbed, the Lucid Gravity aims to set new standards in luxury and comfort.
The company has already received numerous accolades in North America and anticipates similar success in the GCC upon its launch.The decision to establish Lucid's first international manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia is driven by several strategic factors.
The Kingdom's advantageous geographical location, free trade agreements, and the Red Sea's role as a global trade hub make it an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution purposes.Furthermore, the alignment of Saudi Vision 2030 with Lucid's values emphasizes sustainability, progress through human capital development, and aligns perfectly with the company's mission.
The commitment to electric vehicles is evident in the Kingdom's target of having 30% of vehicles in Riyadh be electric by 2030 and plans to install 5,000 EV charging points by the same timeframe.Sultan believes that being the first automotive brand to bear the 'Saudi Made' badge on their cars establishes a strong emotional connection with consumers.
The production of Lucid vehicles within the Kingdom demonstrates Lucid's integration into Saudi Arabia's automotive ecosystem and has fostered the development of an emerging industry.Faisal Sultan's personal passion for automobiles, dating back to his childhood fascination with toy cars, fueled his career path in automotive engineering and leadership.
With over 28 years of experience in the automotive sector, he remains dedicated to advancing technology within the industry.
