The future of electric vehicle technology has reached a new milestone as the Lucid Air Grand Touring officially secured a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge. The achievement represents a quantum leap in sustainable transportation, demonstrating that range anxiety may soon become a relic of the past.
Revolutionary 749-Mile Journey Redefines EV Capabilities
On July 5-6, 2025, entrepreneur Umit Sabanci, alongside co-drivers Kenneth Schofield and Fergal McGrath, piloted the Lucid Air Grand Touring across an impressive 1,205 kilometers (749 miles) without a single charging stop. The record-breaking journey commenced in the picturesque alpine town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, and concluded in Munich, Germany, traversing challenging terrain that included mountain passes, highways, and secondary roads.
This extraordinary feat surpassed the previous record of 1,045 kilometers (649 miles) set by a Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in June 2025, establishing a new benchmark that extends the boundaries of what’s possible with current electric vehicle technology.
Technical Excellence Behind the Achievement
The Lucid Air Grand Touring’s exceptional performance stems from its cutting-edge engineering and advanced powertrain technology. With a WLTP range of 960 kilometers and an impressive efficiency rating of 13.5 kWh/100km, the Air Grand Touring delivers 831 PS (819 horsepower) while maintaining superior energy economy.
Advanced Battery Management System
The vehicle’s success can be attributed to Lucid’s proprietary ultra-high voltage architecture and sophisticated battery management technology. The Air Grand Touring achieved an energy efficiency rate of 5 miles per kWh, making it one of the most efficient cars in the world, demonstrating the technological edge that differentiates Lucid from its competitors.
Powertrain Specifications
The dual all-wheel drive electric motors generate a combined system output of 611 kW, delivering 1,200 Nm of torque while maintaining optimal efficiency throughout the journey. The vehicle’s ultra-fast charging capability allows the battery to gain up to 400 kilometers of range in just 16 minutes under normal conditions.
Record-Breaking Team Profile
| Driver/Details | Background | Notable Achievements | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umit Sabanci | London-based entrepreneur, Managing Director TATC Limited | Previous Guinness record holder for most countries visited on single EV charge (9 countries in 2024) | Connected to Sabanci family business empire |
| Kenneth Schofield | UK-based co-driver | Professional driver with EV expertise | Professional driver |
| Fergal McGrath | Ireland-based automotive specialist | Multiple EV distance records | Automotive industry professional |
| Vehicle Model | Lucid Air Grand Touring | Starting price $112,650 | Luxury EV segment |
Breaking Through Range Anxiety Barriers
Eric Bach, Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer at Lucid, emphasized that “this range record represents a significant milestone – it’s yet another clear demonstration of the technological edge that defines Lucid”. The achievement addresses one of the primary concerns preventing widespread EV adoption – range limitations.
Real-World Driving Conditions
Unlike controlled laboratory tests, this record was achieved under real-world driving conditions. The route’s elevation changes, including a descent of approximately 1,336 meters from St. Moritz to Munich, provided both challenges and opportunities for energy recovery through regenerative braking systems.
Impact on Consumer Confidence
This Guinness World Records title demonstrates what electric vehicles are capable of today – not just in theory, but in action. The achievement serves as proof to current and future EV owners that electric vehicles can meet and exceed the range requirements for long-distance travel.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The Lucid Air Grand Touring’s record-breaking performance occurs at a crucial time for the electric vehicle market. With governments worldwide implementing ambitious electrification targets and charging infrastructure expansion programs, achievements like this demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles for all types of travel scenarios.
This milestone reinforces Lucid’s position as a technology leader in the premium EV segment and validates the company’s approach to efficiency optimization over pure battery size increases. The achievement proves that advanced engineering and software optimization can deliver exceptional range without compromising performance or luxury features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the previous electric vehicle distance record?
The previous record was 649 miles (1,045 km) set by a Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in Japan during June 2025.
How long did the record-breaking journey take?
The 749-mile journey was completed over approximately 24 hours of driving time between July 5-6, 2025.
What makes the Lucid Air Grand Touring so efficient?
The vehicle achieves 5 miles per kWh through advanced powertrain technology, ultra-high voltage architecture, and sophisticated battery management systems.