Lucid is about to release its first hands-free features. On July 30, owners of Lucid Air sedans with the DreamDrive Pro add-on will receive an automatic driving assistant and lane change function. If you have a Gravity SUV, you’ll have to wait until the end of this year.
The features will be available through an OTA update for vehicles with DreamDrive Pro equipment. The optional add-on has 32 sensors, including LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras. DreamDrive Pro already supports semi-autonomous features such as lane change assist and cornering control.
The new Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Change functions extend the automation capabilities by allowing you to drive hands-free. (Of course, you still need to keep your eyes on the road). The features will only work on compatible divided highways.
Lucid joins a growing group of electric vehicle manufacturers with hands-free capabilities. This list now extends far beyond Tesla’s autopilot and full self-driving. Rivian, GM, Ford, and Nissan all have automated options.
As for Lucid, it hasn’t had the best of times lately, reflecting the broader industry turbulence. The company has conducted two rounds of layoffs, cutting 400 people last year after having reduced its workforce by 1,300 in 2023. On the other hand, its Gravity SUV has received a positive response. (It is now in production, joining the Air sedan in the lineup.) Lucid is also expanding its real estate. Earlier this year, the automaker acquired a plant in Arizona that previously belonged to the bankrupt Nikola company.
