Expansion of Lucid: Debut of Phoenix Hub and Acquisition of Coolidge Facility from Nikola
Lucid Motors Expands Operations in Arizona with New Facilities
Lucid Motors, the luxury electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently grown its presence in Arizona with the grand opening of a new Phoenix Hub and a manufacturing site in Coolidge. The expansion was facilitated by the acquisition of Nikola Corporation's assets, including their former headquarters in Phoenix and a manufacturing facility in Coolidge, for $30 million following Nikola's bankruptcy auction.
The Phoenix Hub, primarily a research and development center, is equipped with advanced equipment such as battery testing chambers, a full-size chassis dynamometer, and machining tools. It is expected to support Lucid’s continued ramp-up of production for vehicles like the Lucid Gravity and preparations for new midsize vehicle platforms.
Meanwhile, the Coolidge site serves multiple functions, including warehousing, pre-delivery inspections, and as a pilot line for Lucid’s upcoming midsize vehicle platform. The new midsize SUV models, expected to start around $50,000, will be developed, tested, and produced at the Coolidge facility, with a target debut in 2026.
The Coolidge facility will also serve as a testing ground for components and systems. Adrian Price, Lucid's Senior Vice President of Operations, stated that the new facilities provide substantial capacity for advanced manufacturing activities and product innovation.
The acquisition of Nikola's assets has accelerated Lucid's capacity for advanced manufacturing, product development, and innovation, positioning Arizona as a key hub for Lucid's future growth and clean-tech leadership. Lucid has already hired 250 former Nikola employees as part of the transition, with more expected to join, and aims to create up to 500 new jobs in Phoenix over the next three to five years.
With the new facilities, Lucid is set to increase its production capacity and further its efforts in electric vehicle innovation. The new midsize SUV models will be in direct competition with the Model Y and Rivian's upcoming R2. The expansion solidifies Lucid's position as a significant player in the electric vehicle market, offering high-end, affordable electric vehicles to consumers.
The acquisition of Nikola Corporation's assets, including their former headquarters in Phoenix and a manufacturing facility in Coolidge, has resulted in Lucid Motors establishing a significant presence in the finance and real-estate sectors of Arizona. The Phoenix Hub, apart from aiding in the production of existing vehicles like the Lucid Gravity, will also support investing in new midsize vehicle platforms in the automotive industry.
The Coolidge site, serving functions such as warehousing, pre-delivery inspections, and as a pilot line for Lucid’s upcoming midsize vehicle platform, provides an opportunity for technology advancement in battery testing, machining tools, and component testing. This facility will also contribute to the development, testing, and production of new midsize SUV models, standing as a major player in the competition against models like the Model Y and Rivian's upcoming R2.
Adrian Price, Lucid's Senior Vice President of Operations, believes the new facilities offer substantial capacity for advanced manufacturing activities, product innovation, and business growth, particularly in the sectors of transportation and clean tech. The expansion and increased production capacity further position Lucid as a significant player in the electric vehicle market, offering high-end, affordable electric vehicles to consumers.
With the hiring of 250 former Nikola employees and a goal of creating up to 500 new jobs in Phoenix over the next three to five years, Lucid Motors aims to drive growth and economic opportunities in both Arizona's finance and business sectors, contributing to the state's broader economic development.
