James Bond Goes Electric
Lucid, the American maker of the extreme-range Lucid Air sedan and Lucid Gravity SUV, has announced it is entering into a long-term technology partnership with legendary luxury brand Aston Martin. The California-based company will supply electric motors, powertrain technology, and battery systems to the British carmaker for its next generation of vehicles.
The landmark deal is worth more than $450 million. Electric Aston Martin models will incorporate Lucid’s extremely efficient, high-performance twin-motor electric drive unit, its proprietary battery technology, and more. With the UK committed to phasing out internal combustion engines by 2035, the deal not only provides Aston Martin with cutting-edge tech, but also a lifeline in the electrified future.
Lucid Twin-Motor Drive Unit
Aston Martin reviewed a number of potential partners through a competitive process, and chose Lucid because of its advanced powertrain technologies. The company’s twin-motor drive unit is exceptionally light and compact, and when installed on the rear axle of a car, provides active torque-vectoring ability – in other words, the individual motors can accelerate or slow down each rear wheel separately, in the blink of an eye. The result is incredible grip and agility, far beyond what is possible with a regular all-wheel drive system.
Lucid’s motors are also technical standouts. They use a new design of heat exchanger technology, microjet stator cooling, and wave winding to achieve greater coolant flow – unlocking more performance potential. The company’s accompanying Wunderbox power electronics and battery systems also provide higher power and more precise control than conventional electric cars.
Electric Aston Martin Launching in 2025
The relationship with Lucid doesn’t just give Aston Martin access to the electric powertrain technology, which it needs for its survival. It also provides Aston Martin with tech support to integrate the tech into a brand-new electric vehicle platform being developed by the British brand, which will launch in 2025.
“The supply agreement with Lucid is a game changer for the future EV-led growth of Aston Martin,” said Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin. “Based on our strategy and requirements, we selected Lucid, gaining access to the industry’s highest performance and most innovative technologies for our future BEV products.”
Lucid is no stranger to providing its EV technology for high-performance applications. Its power electronics and electric motors are integral to the Formula E racing series, where they have helped electric race cars go further and faster than ever before. But, this is Lucid’s first partnership with an existing auto brand, expanding the reach of its company’s products and technology.
More Mainstream Applications to Come
The Aston Martin deal certainly won’t be Lucid’s last. Indeed, the company says that its technology wing will expand the reach of its EV powertrain technology into more mainstream applications in the future.
Aston Martin, a brand that became famous for its association with fictional superspy James Bond, has been working hard to shed its traditional, old-school image. It recently launched a high-end SUV, and has seen significant success in Formula 1 racing – all with the aim of speaking to a new, younger, more tech-focused group of buyers. The collaboration with Lucid should help accelerate Aston Martin’s push into a new era.
