Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) each have their pros and cons. From an environmental standpoint, EVs are the clear winner. But that’s not the only advantage. Uniquely designed, EVs can offer a host of benefits. The following five will be stand outs for executive fleets.
#1 Additional Occupant Space
Comfort is important to your drivers, so the more occupant space you can give them and their passengers, the better.
A good example of an EV with additional interior space is the Lucid Air, a long-range sedan with an EPA estimated range of up to 512 miles1. It offers 10cubic feet of additional storage than ICE vehicles of the same size.
The Lucid Air is also designed with both a trunk and a “frunk,” a lockable compartment in the front of the vehicle where drivers can store their belongings and/or customer materials, offering additional usable space.
The Lucid Gravity (scheduled for start of production later this year), an electric SUV that seats up to 7 passengers, is expected to offer 8” of additional interior space as ICE vehicles of the same size.
“For executive fleets, vehicles aren’t just transportation — they’re mobile offices. When you think about how much time those drivers spend in the car, comfort and functionality are mission critical,” said Zach Walker, chief engineer, Lucid Motors. “That’s why we design our vehicles to give space back to drivers and increase their usability.”
#2 Smaller Footprint for City Drivers
In addition to offering more interior space, EVs can have an overall smaller footprint than similar ICE vehicles.
Shaving inches off the build can be a game changer if your drivers navigate cramped city streets. A smaller vehicle allows for easier handling and control while also helping them avoid damage to the exterior.
The Lucid Air wins on size, with an exterior that is 12-17 inches shorter than a comparable ICE. Picture the interior space of a S-Class / 7-series, fit within the exterior size of a BMW 5 Series / E-Class, and you have the Lucid Air.
“In the Lucid Air, we are building the most energy-efficient EV ever made. We’re extremely conscious about maximizing space in ways that benefit the functionality of the vehicle and drivers,” Walker said.
Similarly, the Lucid Gravity’s footprint is expected to be 8” smaller than ICE vehicles in its category.
#3 Additional Power Source
EV batteries can do more than power the vehicle — they can power auxiliary accessories as well.
“For executive fleets, that could be a laptop so they can work before or after stops, a small refrigerator to keep food and beverages cool for themselves and their clients, or, if the EV charger supports bi-directional charging even their homes during a power outage,” Walker said. “We design our vehicles with multiple 120-volt outlets so drivers can literally power anything they can plug in.”
#4 Happier Drivers
Because EVs have electric motors instead of combustion engines (and therefore fewer parts overall), vehicle noise and vibrations are virtually nonexistent compared to ICE vehicles.
Driving an EV puts far less strain on executives and salespeople who spend a lot of time in their vehicle, helping them to close out the day with more energy and patience.
“Built with a trunk instead of a hatch, the Lucid Air takes the driver experience further by isolating the driver from the outside while simultaneously giving them access to it through the expansive glass canopy,” Walker said. “It also comes with optional massaging seats and a heated steering wheel for additional driver comfort.”
The Lucid Gravity will take driver comfort to a new level with Sanctuary™, which transforms the cabin into a personal multi-sensory wellness space. Drivers can customize their experience with curated content including visuals, lighting, audio, temperature, and massage.
Drivers will also be pleasantly surprised that EVs can be just as luxurious as their ICE counterparts, but with more sustainably designed interiors.
For instance, Lucid uses sustainable wood finishes, textiles featuring a majority of recycled materials, buttery smooth, durable, and responsibly sourced leather finishes, and Alcantara, a carbon-neutral alternative to suede.
“Lucid works closely with suppliers to ensure interior materials are sumptuous — and environmentally responsible, including sustainably harvested wood options and textile options that require minimal dye and utilize recycled materials.”
#5 Public Image Boost
While sustainability is a well-known benefit of electric vehicles, a benefit some fleets don’t often consider is the positive effect reducing emissions can have on their public image.
“Operating EVs shows the public you’re putting your money in the right place and you’re doing your part to contribute to a greener environment,” Walker said.
New Benchmarks for Performance, Efficiency, and Range
If range considerations are still tipping the scales in favor of ICE vehicles, Walker said executive fleets can take heart in knowing extended-range EVs can travel farther than you might think.
“The Lucid Air has an EPA estimated range of up to 512 miles. We’re creating a future where doing great things goes hand-in-hand with doing the right thing. For executive fleets, that means they don’t have to compromise on their vehicles — they can get luxury, sustainability, and practicality all in the same model,” Walker said. “We’re building luxury electric vehicles with a deep respect for nature, all while setting new benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and range.”
Want to learn more? Schedule a Lucid Air Demo Drive
1EPA est. range ratings for Lucid Air Grand Touring equipped with 19” wheels with standard wheel covers. Actual range will be dependent on many factors, including battery age, driving habits, charging habits, temperatures, accessory use, and other factors as described in the owner’s manual. Actual results will vary.
