With 4,078 vehicles delivered in Q3, Lucid rides a wave of SUV interest, rental deals, and looming policy shifts—even as long-term challenges remain
Record Quarter for Lucid Motors
Lucid Motors delivered a record 4,078 vehicles in Q3 2025, marking the company’s seventh consecutive quarter of growth. The milestone likely reflects a mix of increased Gravity SUV sales and a rush of buyers ahead of the expiration of the federal EV tax credit.
- The luxury EV maker’s previous highs were well below this figure, making Q3 2025 a notable jump.
- Despite the win, Lucid remains far off from its original 2021 projections—set when it went public via a $4 billion SPAC deal.
Gravity SUV Gains Traction
Lucid’s new Gravity SUV, unveiled earlier this year, appears to be gaining market momentum. While the company hasn’t broken out exact numbers for the Gravity vs. its flagship Air sedan, industry observers suggest the SUV’s broader appeal is likely driving this bump.
- The Gravity targets a larger, family-focused segment in the luxury EV space.
- The vehicle is expected to play a central role in Lucid’s path to profitability, given higher demand and competitive specs.
Tax Credit Expiry Fuels Q3 Rush
Sales were likely accelerated by the expiration of the federal EV tax credit—though it only applied to leased vehicles from Lucid, not direct purchases.
- The exact impact is difficult to measure, but Lucid saw a rise in leasing activity in recent months.
- The credit’s expiration may have nudged undecided buyers into completing deals before the deadline.
Broader EV Market Sees Q3 Lift
Lucid wasn’t alone in posting a strong Q3. The entire EV industry experienced a sales spike:
- Tesla recorded its best quarter ever.
- Ford, GM, and even Rivian reported sales gains despite Rivian’s otherwise muted full-year outlook.
This collective uptick suggests seasonal incentives, leasing programs, and tax policy shifts played a role across the board.
Saudi Arabia Becomes Key Market
Saudi Arabia—Lucid’s largest shareholder via its sovereign wealth fund (PIF)—continues to play a major role in the company’s strategy.
- Lucid built over 1,000 vehicles for Saudi customers in Q3.
- The company operates a local assembly plant and is planning a full-scale production facility in the Kingdom.
- Saudi orders help stabilize production output as Lucid seeks to grow demand globally.
Celebrity Marketing and Strategic Partnerships
To address lingering brand awareness challenges, Lucid signed actor Timothée Chalamet as its first global ambassador earlier this year—a high-profile effort to refresh its image and reach new audiences.
- Former CEO Peter Rawlinson previously admitted Lucid’s marketing was underperforming, contributing to lackluster early sales.
Meanwhile, Lucid has quietly pursued fleet and partnership sales:
- The company has delivered vehicles for rental fleets and corporate leases in past quarters.
- Most notably, Uber recently committed to purchasing at least 20,000 Gravity SUVs over six years for its robotaxi network.
- These robotaxis will incorporate Nuro’s autonomous driving technology, expanding Lucid’s footprint in the mobility-as-a-service space.
What’s Next: Q3 Earnings & Outlook
Lucid will release its full Q3 financial results on November 5, offering more clarity on:
- The split between Air and Gravity sales
- Revenue and profitability trajectory
- Progress on the Saudi factory and Uber partnership
The company remains under pressure to turn deliveries into sustainable profits, but this record-setting quarter shows that momentum is building—especially if Gravity sales and strategic partnerships hold.
