Lucid Recalls a Handful of Air Sedans for Potential Loss of Power
Lucid makes some of the most impressive and powerful EVs, but they aren’t immune to recalls. In fact, the automaker has racked up four such actions on its debut sedan, the Air. The latest has to do with the electric motor contactors, which can open unexpectedly and cause the vehicle to lose power without warning.
Though it sounds serious, the issue only affects 259 vehicles. The component was manufactured by a Lucid supplier called Sensata Technologies. The automaker and supplier determined that the spring force may overcome the magnetic closure force in a small number of the electrically activated switches, causing the contactor to open. Even with the defect, many contactors operate normally, but the automaker’s remote diagnostics showed more than 230 vehicles with at-risk components.
Unfortunately, there’s no warning when the contactor opens unexpectedly, which could lead to a sudden loss of propulsion and an accident. The good news is that the vehicle displays, steering, and brakes will continue to operate, as they don’t rely on the high-voltage system.
Rivian will replace the component for free and said it would reimburse reasonable expenses related to the recalled contactor. Even so, the automaker’s service centers are few and far between, so it’s unclear how the process will work for buyers in far-away locations.
[Image: Lucid]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
More by Chris Teague
Comments
Join the conversation
I just read in Electrek that Lucid had to lay off 18% of its workforce, which amounts to a HUGE (considering the very meager production numbers) ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED hard to replace employees laid off!!!
"Rivian will replace the component for free" -- Where does Rivian come into the picture? The cars are by Lucid, the part supplier is Sensata.
Lucid…WHAT A DISGRACE!!!
Thank goodness none of our US manufacturers, supplying vehicles powered by internal combustion engines EVER have to issue recalls...