Lucid, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to deliver Saudi-made EVs to Europe starting in 2027. The company is currently expanding its AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia, with plans for completion by 2026. This expansion will allow Lucid to increase its production capacity to 150,000 units per year, including the upcoming midsize models.
The relationship between Lucid and Saudi Arabia is strong, as the country’s public investment fund holds a 64% controlling stake in the automaker. The expansion of the AMP-2 facility will enable Lucid to supply vehicles to markets outside of North America, such as Europe and some Asian markets. Currently, the facility assembles the Air for local and nearby markets, with plans to also produce the Gravity SUV in the future.
Once the expansion is complete, the plant will be able to manufacture parts for the vehicles locally, reducing the need to import everything from the United States. The Saudi government is also looking to bring a third-party battery manufacturer into the area to supply the Lucid plant.
By becoming Saudi Arabia’s only domestic automaker in a country that imports all vehicles, Lucid is poised to make a significant impact on the local car industry. There is even talk of introducing import tariffs to encourage locals to buy local, a strategy supported by Lucid’s interim CEO, Mark Winterhoff.
In 2027, Lucid will enter the European market, where Chinese EV manufacturers are already present and expanding. Despite the competition, Lucid’s premium EVs align with the values that European buyers look for in a vehicle. The company’s entry-level Air Pure, while expensive, offers a compelling option for those in the market for a luxury electric vehicle.
With plans to launch more affordable midsize models, Lucid is poised for growth in Europe and beyond. These models will likely be produced at both the Casa Grande, Arizona, factory and the expanded facility in Saudi Arabia. As the global automotive landscape continues to evolve, Lucid’s expansion into Europe marks a significant milestone for the company and the industry as a whole.