Lucid CEO says more and more Tesla drivers are switching and explains why they're doing it
Published on Oct 01, 2025 at 8:45 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Oct 01, 2025 at 8:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Lucid CEO Marc Winterhoff says Tesla drivers are leaving the Model S for the Lucid Air, pointing to the lack of major updates in Tesla’s oldest sedan.
Market figures show more Tesla drivers are trading in their vehicles for Lucid models.
The Air and the Gravity SUV are positioned against Tesla’s premium cars, which have not seen full redesigns in years.
With Tesla holding back on new launches, more of its customers are beginning to look elsewhere.
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
Tesla drivers look elsewhere
Tesla has introduced only one new model in the past five years, the Cybertruck, and sales have been slow.
While the Model 3 and Model Y have received steady improvements, the Model S and Model X remain largely unchanged.
Lucid CEO Winterhoff told the Financial Times that this has led Tesla drivers to actively look for other options.
The Lucid Air has become a replacement choice for many Tesla drivers.
It offers long range and an updated interior compared with the Model S, which has seen few changes since its debut 12 years ago.
The Gravity SUV is expected to draw interest from Model X owners, particularly those seeking a newer alternative in the larger EV segment.
Together, the Air and Gravity are Lucid’s main entries for winning over Tesla drivers.
Tesla drivers still value the company’s driver assistance features, but Lucid is improving its systems to reduce the gap.
The automaker has also secured access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, giving its customers broader charging options.
These steps make switching from Tesla to Lucid more practical.
Lucid’s opening in the EV race
The movement of drivers toward Lucid shows how competition in the high-end EV market is intensifying.
Tesla’s slower pace of product changes has left room for other brands to draw attention.
Lucid CEO Winterhoff has stated that this period provides an opportunity for Lucid Air and Gravity to attract Tesla drivers who want more recent designs.
Analysts note that Tesla has shifted focus toward autonomous technology and artificial intelligence.
As a result, cars like the Model S have gone years without major revisions.
In that context, the Lucid Air has gained recognition as a viable alternative for Tesla drivers.
Lucid is still establishing itself, but the increase in Tesla drivers moving to its vehicles signals that the brand is gaining traction.
If the trend continues, Tesla will face stronger competition in the luxury EV space, and buyers will have more choices than before.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
