In an effort to create ‘ultra-luxury high-performance’ EVs, Aston Martin is joining forces with Lucid, a decision that was announced by Lucid in a recent press release. With this move, Lucid will be supplying its electric motors, batteries, and other technology to Aston Martin, marking Lucid’s first such venture with other automakers. Lucid, known for its debut electric car, the Air, finds itself in a similar position as Rimac, a company that previously supplied batteries and components to Aston Martin.
Aston Martin bets on Lucid’s technology
Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin, views the supply agreement with Lucid as transformative for the automaker’s EV-driven future growth. Aston Martin, through a competitive process, chose Lucid for its innovative and high-performance technology to be integrated into the future Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) products.
Under the deal, Aston Martin will utilize Lucid’s proprietary electric powertrain technology, including its highly efficient twin motor drive unit, battery technology, and the cutting-edge ‘Wunderbox’ charging unit. These technologies would enable the integration of features such as torque vectoring, advanced heat exchanger technology, and a power-enhanced battery system.
In 2020, Aston Martin abandoned its plan to produce an all-electric Rapide E, citing financial instability as the cause. However, the automaker has since managed to secure a 25% ownership stake under the Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, owner of the Aston Martin F1 team. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz, which holds 9.4% ownership in Aston Martin and plans to increase it to 20% by 2023, has granted access to its hybrid and electric powertrains to the automaker.
Lucid and Mercedes – An uncertain interaction
The exact dynamics of Lucid’s interaction with Mercedes-Benz remain unclear. Stroll, however, expressed confidence in having both companies as world-class suppliers supporting Aston Martin’s electrification strategy.
Aston Martin’s technological collaborations are not new. It had Rimac provide lightweight battery system technology for its 1,160 HP Valkyrie hypercar. It also attempted to create an electric version of Rapide with LeEco in 2015, which later fell through due to LeEco’s financial difficulties.
Aston Martin’s partnership with American EV company signals a firm step towards the electrification of its vehicle lineup. Yet, the dynamics of this relationship in the context of the pre-existing agreement with Mercedes-Benz are still to unfold.
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