10 Sep 2024, 14:41 UTC • By: Photo: Lucid Motors While Tesla is still delaying the refreshed Model Y, other EV makers are busy developing the models that would steal its launch. After Rivian announced the R2 to an enthusiastic crowd, Lucid Motors is also preparing its yet-to-be-named midsize crossover for a 2026 launch. I've always said that Rivian has unveiled its 2026 R2 crossover much too soon, making people crave a model that doesn't exist. However, I understand that the EV startup was in a tight corner when it did that and needed all the hype it could muster to lure investors. With its coffers depleting fast, Rivian needed a killer product to raise more money. It's unclear how the R2 announcement worked out for Rivian, but another ailing EV startup might have profited. Lucid Motors, which is in an even more difficult situation than Rivian, has been teasing its future models for quite some time. However, Lucid has offered more details about its upcoming midsize crossover, which might arrive before the Rivian R2. Unlike Rivian, which already showed a working prototype, Lucid only has a design sketch and a lot of promises. However, its planned launch in the second half of 2026 coincides with Rivian's plans for the R2 launch. Could it be that Lucid might steal the limelight from the Rivian R2 unveiling? I wouldn't be surprised. Helped by its deep-pocketed friends from Saudi Arabia, Lucid could easily leapfrog Rivian, even though its prospects don't look very promising for the time being. Lucid midsize architecture has been in the news for most of 2024, but we haven't got any official details besides a covered silhouette. During the September 10 Technology & Manufacturing Day, Lucid released the first teaser image showing more design details. The intriguing part is that the car in the picture doesn't look like the one under the cover released earlier this year. The good part is that it doesn't look bad. Although it retains a similar design language to the Gravity and Air models, the still-unnamed crossover appears to depart from the station-wagon style of the Gravity. It's still rounded but more compact, with a strong Maserati Levante vibe. Although Lucid did not offer a name, we know that the EV startup trademarked "Lucid Earth," which seems appropriate after Air and Gravity. The upcoming midsize crossover will compete with the Tesla Model Y, just like the Rivian R2. Lucid announced that it would sell for "under $50,000," which is also where the Tesla Model Y is positioned. The midsize crossover segment is extremely competitive, with many electric models selling for roughly the same price. However, Lucid claims it has an important advantage with its superior technology. Lucid Motors said the upcoming compact crossover will be more energy-efficient than its rivals. This will enable it to deliver a similar range to competitors using a smaller battery. This will likely boost profitability, especially as Lucid is still struggling in this area. The EV startup made no secret of the fact that by "competitors," it means mostly Tesla, which dominates the EV market in the US and abroad. If you liked the article, please follow us: