Study Claims Tesla is Falling Behind in Range Race

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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7th April 2022

A back-to-back assessment of BEV potential mileage range has claimed Tesla is falling behind compared to several new-comer battery technologies.

In fact, according to a study run by StockApps.com, the erstwhile darling of the BEV world scores only seventh in a league table of highest available ranges claimed by automakers on a single charge. It suggests that Lucid’s Air Dream R AWD currently has the longest range among the BEVs tested boasting a range of 520 miles. That beats Tesla’s longest-range model by more than 100 miles.

The report also says the Lucid model beats the Tesla Model S in energy efficiency terms. The Newark automaker’s models have a 118 kWh battery that offers a range of 4.4 miles per kWh.  Alternatively, a Tesla with a 100 kWh battery allows for about 4.1 miles per kWh. The 0.3 difference in miles could show significant savings on power when factoring in electricity costs, the study suggests.

Researchers also said Lucid’s other EV, the Lucid Air G Touring AWD, followed in second place with 516 miles. The now defunct Chinese automaker Bordrin’s iEV7 took the third position with an estimated range of 438 miles. Taiwanese carmaker Arcfox’s aT 653S and LVCHI’s Venere Gran Turismo luxury limousine followed with both models claiming a range of 408 miles. Thunder Power’s TP488C took sixth place with a range of 406 miles. Meanwhile, Tesla placed seventh ahead of Mercedes’ EQS 450 Plus.

StockApps’ Edith Reads believes that  Lucid is laying the ground for taking on Tesla. She said: “EVs are making strides as viable alternatives to gas-powered cars. But there’s one area where they still lag: range. The more efficient the EV can be, the less limited its range and the more attractive it becomes as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. Lucid is aware of this and is taking a stab on the EV market with efficiency as its selling point.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_