Lucid Air Price Cut Gives Tesla Model S A Stronger EV Rival

Lucid, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has once again made changes to the pricing of its popular Air electric sedan, making it even more attractive to potential buyers. Notably, two of its trims have now been brought under the $100,000 mark, signaling the company’s commitment to increasing accessibility and competitiveness in the electric car market.

The entry-level Air Pure model has received a price reduction, now starting at $82,400, down from its previous sticker price of $83,975 and an initial ask of $87,400. Meanwhile, the mid-tier Air Touring trim gets the most significant price cut, starting at $95,000 or with a tempting $1,149 monthly payment plan spanning across three years, down from its original price of $107,400.

The flagship variant, the Grand Touring, is now offered at $125,600, which is noticeably lower than its previous price of around $138,000 in the US. Lucid has prominently displayed the updated pricing as a banner update on its official website, highlighting its efforts to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

This isn’t the first time Lucid has offered financial incentives to boost sales. Back in February 2023, the company introduced a direct credit benefit of $7,500 on select Air Touring and Air Grand Touring configurations, reaffirming its commitment to rewarding customers for choosing electric vehicles.

The latest round of price cuts puts Lucid in direct competition with Tesla and Ford, both of which have also reduced the prices of their EV offerings. However, Lucid’s primary objective with these price adjustments is not solely to qualify for the federal EV tax credit, as even their most affordable Air trim remains above the qualifying threshold.

Comparing the Lucid Air with the Tesla Model S and Model X, the price points are becoming more aligned. The Air Pure model’s starting price of $82,400 now competes directly with the Tesla Model S, which starts at $88,490, and the Model X, which starts at $98,490. It’s worth noting that Lucid is particularly targeting the high-end performance segment dominated by Tesla’s Model S Plaid.

Beyond competitive pricing, the Lucid Air boasts impressive performance and specifications. The Air Pure model can travel up to 410 miles on a single charge, delivering 480 hp of peak power and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. In comparison, the base Tesla Model S offers a range of 405 miles and can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Moving up to the Air Touring versions, they compete directly with the more upscale Tesla Model S Plaid. The base Air Touring trim offers an EPA-rated range of 425 miles, and the Grand Touring version takes it even further, reaching an impressive 516 miles. The acceleration time for the Grand Touring is reduced to just 3.0 seconds. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S Plaid boasts an acceleration time of an astonishing 1.99 seconds, although its range is reduced to 396 miles.

Apart from performance, the Lucid Air also distinguishes itself with a wide range of styling options across all configurations, setting it apart from the Tesla Model S and its competitors in the aesthetics department.

In the electric sedan class, the Lucid Air competes not only with Tesla but also with other heavyweight contenders like the Audi E-Tron GT, the Porsche Taycan, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS. With its mix of competitive pricing, impressive performance, and appealing design options, the Lucid Air is poised to make a strong impact in the electric vehicle market.

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Cars

How to Identify American-Made Tires & Support Local Businesses

by George Mensah 2025-04-06

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your tires are among the most critical components. They directly impact safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving performance. With advancements in tire technology, major brands continuously compete to deliver superior durability, traction, and eco-friendly solutions. However, for many consumers, purchasing tires isn’t just about performance—it’s also about supporting local economies and American manufacturing.

Why Buying American-Made Tires Matters

In an era of globalization, many well-known “American” brands outsource production overseas. While this can reduce costs, it also means fewer jobs stay within the U.S. By choosing tires manufactured domestically, you contribute to:

✅ Boosting Local Economies – Supporting American workers and businesses.
✅ Higher Quality Standards – U.S. factories often adhere to stricter safety and environmental regulations.
✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint – Locally made tires require less transportation, lowering emissions.

But how can you be sure your tires are truly American-made? Here’s how to verify their origin.

How to Check Where Your Tires Were Manufactured

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all tire manufacturers to stamp a unique code indicating the production facility. Here’s how to decode it:

Locate the DOT Code – Found on the tire’s sidewall, it starts with “DOT” followed by a series of letters/numbers.
Identify the Plant Code – The first two characters after “DOT” reveal the manufacturing location.
Verify the Origin – Use the DOT’s Manufacturer Information Database (vPIC) to look up the plant.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Visit the NHTSA vPIC website.
Under “Manufacturer Information Database,” click vPIC MID.
Check the box for “Equipment Plants (Tires, Brake Hoses, Retread and Glazing).”
Select “Tires” from the dropdown menu.
Enter the DOT code (e.g., “CH” for Pirelli’s Hanford, CA plant).
Click “Search” to see the factory location.

Alternatively, we’ve compiled a list of major brands and their U.S. manufacturing codes for quick reference.

Top American-Made Tire Brands & Their U.S. Plants

1. Goodyear

Founded: 1898 in Akron, Ohio
U.S. Plants: Ohio (MB), Oklahoma (M6), Virginia (MC), Alabama (MD), North Carolina (MM, PJ), Kansas (MJ), Illinois (MN), Texas (MP, PL), Tennessee (MK)
Why Choose Goodyear? A legacy brand with a mix of budget and premium options. While some production occurs overseas, many tires are still made in America.

2. Cooper Tires (Now Part of Goodyear)

Founded: 1914 in Findlay, Ohio
U.S. Plants: Ohio (UP), Georgia (3D), Mississippi (U9), Arkansas (UT)
Why Choose Cooper? Known for affordable, high-mileage tires. Subsidiaries like Mastercraft and Mickey Thompson also produce U.S.-made tires.

3. TreadWright (100% American-Made & Eco-Friendly)

Based: Houston, Texas
Why Choose TreadWright?
- Only fully U.S.-made brand on this list.
- Specializes in retreaded tires, reducing waste.
- Uses recycled materials and 70% less oil than conventional tire production.
- Offers a 50,000-mile warranty on many models.

Foreign-Owned Brands with U.S. Factories

Many international tire companies operate American plants, providing jobs while maintaining global quality standards.

Brand	Origin	U.S. Plant Locations (DOT Codes)
Continental	Germany	IL (6B, A3), OH (A9), KY (AD), NC (AC), SC (VY)
Pirelli	Italy	CA (CH), TN (CK), GA (JR)
Michelin	France	SC (4M, M3, B6, B9), AL (B7)
Yokohama	Japan	VA (CC)
Firestone	Japan (Bridgestone)	IA, SC, NC, TN

Pro Tip: The AFL-CIO Union-Made in America list includes additional brands like Dunlop, Goodrich, and Kelly Springfield that produce union-made tires in the U.S.

Final Tips for Buying American-Made Tires

🔹 Ask Your Retailer – Some shops specialize in U.S.-made tires.
🔹 Check DOT Codes – Always verify before purchasing.
🔹 Support Small Businesses – Local tire shops often carry American brands.
🔹 Consider Retreads – Eco-friendly options like TreadWright reduce waste.

By choosing American-made tires, you invest in local jobs, higher quality, and sustainability. Next time you need new tires, check the DOT code—your purchase can make a difference!

Cars

Tesla Secures Ride-Hail Permit in California: A Step Closer to Its Robotaxi Dream

by George Mensah 2025-03-20

In a significant move toward realizing its ambitious robotaxi vision, Tesla has been granted a ride-hail permit by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This permit marks a crucial first step for the electric vehicle (EV) giant to launch a robotaxi service in California, a state at the forefront of autonomous vehicle innovation. While this development is a milestone, it also highlights the challenges and regulatory hurdles Tesla must overcome to bring its driverless ride-hailing service to the public.

What Does the CPUC Permit Mean for Tesla?

The CPUC has approved Tesla’s application to become a Transportation Charter-Party Carrier (TCP), a classification that allows the company to operate a fleet of vehicles for passenger services. Initially, this permit enables Tesla to transport its own employees in Tesla vehicles on a pre-arranged basis. However, the ultimate goal is to expand this service to the general public, though Tesla must notify the CPUC before making that transition.

It’s important to note that this permit is distinct from those held by ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft, which operate as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). Unlike TNCs, which connect independent drivers with passengers via apps, Tesla’s TCP permit allows it to operate its own fleet with employed drivers—at least for now.

The Road to Robotaxis: Regulatory and Technological Challenges

While the TCP permit is a significant achievement, Tesla still has a long way to go before it can launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service. Here are the key hurdles the company must address:

Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permits
To operate driverless vehicles commercially, Tesla must participate in CPUC’s Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service Program. Additionally, the company needs permission from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test fully autonomous vehicles on public roads—a step it has yet to take.
Technological Readiness
Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, known as Full Self-Driving (FSD), has faced scrutiny over its reliance on a camera-only sensor suite. Unlike competitors that use a combination of cameras, radar, and lidar, Tesla’s approach has raised questions about its safety and reliability. Critics argue that the lack of redundant safety systems could pose risks, especially in complex driving scenarios.
Public Trust and Regulatory Compliance
Elon Musk has repeatedly promised that fully autonomous vehicles are just around the corner, only to miss self-imposed deadlines. These delays have led to skepticism about Tesla’s ability to deliver on its robotaxi promises. Building public trust and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations will be critical for Tesla’s success.

Tesla’s Current Progress and Future Plans

Despite these challenges, Tesla is making strides toward its robotaxi goals. During an earnings call earlier this year, Elon Musk revealed that the company plans to begin testing driverless operations in Texas this summer. He also mentioned that Tesla has been conducting internal tests with employees in the Bay Area, using safety drivers to monitor the vehicles.

Musk’s vision for Tesla’s robotaxi service is ambitious: he envisions a future where Tesla owners can add their vehicles to a shared autonomous fleet, generating income when the cars are not in use. This concept, often referred to as the “Tesla Network,” could revolutionize the transportation industry by reducing the need for private car ownership and lowering the cost of mobility.

Implications for the Ride-Hailing Industry

Tesla’s entry into the ride-hailing market could disrupt the dominance of companies like Uber and Lyft. By leveraging its vertically integrated ecosystem—combining vehicle manufacturing, software development, and energy solutions—Tesla has the potential to offer a more seamless and cost-effective service. However, its success will depend on its ability to address regulatory, technological, and safety concerns.

For consumers, a Tesla robotaxi service could mean greater convenience, lower costs, and access to cutting-edge technology. For the broader transportation industry, it could accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles and pave the way for new business models.

Conclusion: A Promising Yet Challenging Path Ahead

Tesla’s acquisition of a ride-hail permit from the CPUC is a significant milestone in its journey toward launching a robotaxi service. However, the company faces substantial challenges, including regulatory approvals, technological advancements, and the need to build public trust. As Tesla continues to test and refine its autonomous driving technology, the world will be watching closely to see if it can turn its robotaxi vision into reality.

For now, the permit allows Tesla to lay the groundwork for its ride-hailing ambitions, but the road to fully autonomous, commercial robotaxis remains complex and uncertain. As the industry evolves, Tesla’s progress will serve as a bellwether for the future of autonomous transportation.

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