Lucid Motors Expands to Detroit, Tapping Local Talent for EV Growth

Lucid Motors, a Silicon Valley-based electric vehicle (EV) startup, has officially opened a new office in Southfield, Michigan, aiming to tap into Detroit’s rich automotive talent pool and boost its operations.

This strategic move comes as Lucid prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated Gravity, a three-row electric SUV. CBT News reports that the new office is part of Lucid’s plan to ramp up sales and expand its presence in the EV market.

Detroit’s Automotive Expertise

At an event in the new Southfield office, Eric Bach, Lucid’s senior vice president of product and chief engineer, highlighted the significance of Michigan’s automotive expertise.

He stated, “Michigan is renowned as the U.S. hub of automotive expertise.”

Bach emphasized the importance of finding the right talent, having access to universities with strong automotive programs, and the strategic significance of having many suppliers in the area for Lucid’s investment.

Growth and Expansion Plans

The new office, which already employs 70 staff, is expected to grow to 250 employees within the next three years. Located in Metro Detroit, this office provides Lucid with a direct link to its suppliers while giving it access to the automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise for which the region is known.

Bach emphasized that this is not just a satellite office but a “mini company” designed to capitalize on Detroit’s traditional automotive skills, complementing Lucid’s tech-focused roots in Silicon Valley.

Bach reportedly highlighted the difference in regional expertise, noting that while Silicon Valley excels in cutting-edge technology, Detroit leads in areas such as vehicle construction, including door manufacturing—a skill crucial to Lucid’s operations.

Lucid’s Growing Success

Lucid began production of its flagship Lucid Air electric sedan in 2021, and the company is seeing significant growth. In August, Lucid reported a 70.5% year-over-year increase in deliveries, with 2,394 vehicles sold last month. The company expects to produce around 9,000 vehicles in 2024 at its Arizona plant, surpassing its 2023 total sales by the end of this year.

State Grant and Future Plans

As part of its Michigan expansion, Lucid received a $6 million state grant to help establish the $10 million engineering and research center in Southfield. This facility will play a crucial role in Lucid’s continued growth and its upcoming launch of the Gravity SUV, which is expected to hit the market later this year.

Lucid’s presence in Michigan comes at a time when Detroit automakers are increasingly looking outside the state—especially to California—for tech talent. However, Lucid’s approach is the opposite, as it sees Detroit’s traditional automotive skills as key to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and accelerating its EV ambitions.

EVXL’s Take

Lucid’s expansion into Detroit is a strategic move that highlights the importance of traditional automotive expertise in the EV industry. As we see more companies like Lucid tapping into Detroit’s talent pool, it’s clear that the future of EVs is not just about cutting-edge technology but also about leveraging established manufacturing skills.

This move aligns with the broader trend of EV manufacturers looking to integrate traditional automotive knowledge with innovative tech. For more on how traditional automakers are adapting to the EV revolution, check out our recent articles on GM and Ford.

What are your thoughts on Lucid’s expansion into Detroit and its impact on the EV industry? Leave your comments below!