Lucid (LCID) is making big moves to advance electric vehicles in the US. After launching a new alliance with four US producers, Lucid is building a domestic supply chain for EVs to help America keep pace with China and others.
Lucid launches new MINAC alliance to advance EVs
The Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) is designed to strengthen the US supply chain for EVs.
Lucid launched the new alliance on Wednesday with four US-based critical mineral producers, including Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, Electric Metals, and RecycLiCo.
According to Lucid, its new partnership will “help accelerate the development of domestic critical mineral resources and the procurement of these minerals for use in automotive manufacturing by US-based automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.”
Lucid outlined a few initiatives the MINAC alliance aims to address, including:
- Advancing domestic mineral production through the completion of offtake agreements for American critical minerals for use in American automobiles.
- Identifying and resolving barriers, as well as accelerating commercialization and customer adoption.
- Expanding coordination between the mining and automotive sectors.
- Supporting the qualification and procurement of domestically produced materials by US-based automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.
Marc Winterhoff, Lucid’s Interim CEO, said following its recent agreements, the company is “doubling down” on powering American innovation and looks forward to building “the next generation of automotive manufacturing in the United States.”
Lucid’s new collaboration follows a multi-year agreement with Graphite One last month, making it the first US EV maker to strike a deal with an American Graphite company.
It’s also in response to the Trump Administration’s new auto tariffs and EV policy changes. Since it produces all the vehicles it sells in the US at its Casa Grande plant in Arizona, and other EV components like the drive unit, battery modules, and packs, Winterhoff said Lucid is “in a better position than others.”
The new Graphite materials will be used to power Lucid’s upcoming midsize platform. Lucid plans to launch the lower-cost platform in the second half of 2026.
It will spawn at least three new models, including a midsize electric SUV and sedan. The new models will start at approximately $50,000, targeting the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
During an interview with Fox Business on Monday, Winterhoff emphasized that the US needs to continue innovating to stay competitive with Chinese EV manufacturers.
Check back for more details. Later today, Lucid and its partners will host a roundtable discussion at an event in Washington, DC We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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