Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly evolved from a niche market to a mainstream force, infiltrating not just city streets but also unexpected venues like quarter-mile dragstrips. While it took time for the public to fully embrace the zero-emissions technology, EVs are now a familiar sight, even at places traditionally dominated by internal combustion engines (ICE), such as drag racing events. Among the most notable of these electric challengers is Tesla, a brand often at the center of debates about ICE versus EV performance. However, the EV landscape is shifting, and newer contenders are stepping up to the plate, including Lucid Motors.

Lucid Air Enters the Fray Against ICE Rivals

In a recent event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lucid Air—a luxury EV known for its high performance—went head-to-head with traditional gasoline-powered cars. This series of races was captured by the Wheels YouTube channel, a platform that has showcased several such ICE versus EV battles. In this instance, the Lucid Air faced off against a Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack, a Chevrolet Corvette C8, and a BMW M4. While Tesla vehicles, such as the Model S Plaid or Model Y Performance, are often the stars of these showdowns, this time it was the Lucid Air limousine taking on the challenge.

Lucid Air vs. Dodge Charger: Power Over Muscle

The first race saw the dark-colored Lucid Air pitted against the blue Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack. While the exact model of the Lucid Air was not specified, it was clear that it wasn’t a base model, nor was it the 1,234-horsepower Sapphire edition. Despite a strong start from the Charger, the outcome was inevitable. The EV quickly pulled ahead, demonstrating the power of its electric drivetrain. The Charger posted a quarter-mile time of 13.58 seconds, but the Lucid Air finished far ahead, clocking in at 10.93 seconds.

Corvette C8 Faces Instant EV Torque

The second matchup brought the C8 Chevrolet Corvette into the mix. The Corvette, a purebred sports car with a new mid-engine design, was expected to perform well. However, even its impressive pedigree couldn’t match the instant torque and all-wheel-drive capabilities of the Lucid Air. After a brief tire spin by the Corvette, the EV surged ahead, completing the race in 10.81 seconds compared to the Corvette’s 12.52 seconds.

BMW M4 Tries, but Lucid Air Prevails Again

The final race saw the Lucid Air facing a BMW M4. This model, from the pre-big grille era of BMW design, tried to keep pace with the EV. Despite a strong start, the BMW driver struggled with tire spin, allowing the Lucid Air to overtake and secure yet another victory. The Lucid finished with a time of 10.92 seconds, leaving the M4 behind at 12.65 seconds.

Electric Vehicles Prove Their Dragstrip Dominance

Overall, the night highlighted the growing dominance of electric vehicles, even in traditionally ICE-dominated arenas like drag racing. While the Dodge Charger, Corvette, and BMW M4 are all formidable machines in their own right, they simply couldn’t keep up with the Lucid Air’s power and efficiency. As more EVs hit the market, it seems the gap between ICE and electric performance is only set to widen, especially on the dragstrip.

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