--- When it comes to driving in freezing temperatures on ice and snow, electric vehicles might not be the first choice that comes to mind. However, a closer look at Lucid Motors' latest technology reveals that EVs can offer unique benefits in extreme winter conditions. The company recently invited us to join its vehicle dynamics and controls engineers at a winter testing site in Minnesota to experience the capabilities of its latest models, the Gravity and Air, in the snow. The Gravity and Air are both equipped with advanced traction control systems that can react faster to changes in grip than traditional internal-combustion engine or stability-control systems. The key to this is the integration of the motors directly with the drivetrain, allowing for quicker and more precise control. This is particularly evident in the Air, which features a six-axis accelerometer that measures acceleration in multiple directions, as well as individual ...
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When it comes to driving in freezing temperatures on ice and snow, electric vehicles might not be the first choice that comes to mind. However, a closer look at Lucid Motors’ latest technology reveals that EVs can offer unique benefits in extreme winter conditions. The company recently invited us to join its vehicle dynamics and controls engineers at a winter testing site in Minnesota to experience the capabilities of its latest models, the Gravity and Air, in the snow.
The Gravity and Air are both equipped with advanced traction control systems that can react faster to changes in grip than traditional internal-combustion engine or stability-control systems. The key to this is the integration of the motors directly with the drivetrain, allowing for quicker and more precise control. This is particularly evident in the Air, which features a six-axis accelerometer that measures acceleration in multiple directions, as well as individual wheel speeds and driver inputs, to determine when to step in and adjust the system.
During our time at the testing site, we spent a significant amount of time on the Camber Course, a challenging snow circuit with varying elevation and camber. The result was nothing short of magic. The Air Sapphire, with its dual rear motors, proved to be a joy to drive, able to carve through the snow with ease and precision. The tightest hairpin corner was particularly memorable, where the front bumper moved at a walking pace around the inside corner marker while the rear tires were wildly shooting snow. It felt Gymkhana-esque, and we were shocked by how precisely we could place such a large, heavy luxury sedan in slippery conditions.
The Sapphire’s two rear motors also allow for incredible vehicle control. Switched into its Track mode, the Air responds to the driver’s steering inputs by immediately working the rear axle for phenomenal cornering balance. In the Off mode, it gets more tail-happy when you jump off the right pedal, making it a joy to drive on both dry and wet roads.
In comparison, the Gravity, while still impressive, doesn’t have the breadth of authority that the Air Sapphire does. However, it still uses the brakes to direct torque side to side, and having a motor at each axle is very helpful for recovering from slides.
Our experience with the Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan 4S, both on their factory all-season tires, served as bookends to the Lucid’s performance. The Tesla was hamstrung by its tight controls, hindering its maneuverability and steerability, even in its Slippery Surface mode. The Porsche’s Continental tires didn’t seem happy in the frozen environment, and it was far too easy to invoke an irrecoverable slide.
One area where the Gravity excelled was in its regenerative braking, which can sometimes initiate too much oversteer on ice in the rear-motor Air Pure. However, this can be mitigated by turning off regen braking when driving in slippery conditions.
After poring over data with some of Lucid’s most razor-sharp minds, we were blown away by the complexities that make modern automobiles perform the way they do. It also made us wonder: What could Lucid do with a four-motor car?
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