Lucid cuts 12% of U.S. workforce in 2026 to boost efficiency amid EV demand shift
Lucid announces 12% workforce reduction in U.S. to improve operational efficiency
Lucid cuts 12% of U.S. workforce in 2026 to boost efficiency amid EV demand shift
Lucid reduces U.S. workforce by 12% in 2026 to enhance margins amid softening premium EV demand, while focusing on Air and Gravity production and new SUV launch.
2026-02-22T05:43:18+03:00
2026-02-22T05:43:18+03:00
2026-02-22T05:43:18+03:00
Lucid is entering 2026 with a painful but expected move: the company has announced a 12% workforce reduction in the U.S., aiming to boost operational efficiency amid softening demand for premium electric vehicles. According to CEO Mark Winterhoff, this optimization should improve margins and create conditions for sustainable growth. Production workers at the Arizona plant, where the Air and new Gravity models continue to be built, are not affected by the layoffs.Lucid’s global headcount stood at around 6,800 people by 2024, and the restructuring targets office and engineering divisions. The automaker had already taken pricing actions in 2025, lowering the cost of the Air and introducing numerous promotions for buyers who have grown more cautious due to high interest rates and the expense of the premium segment. The launch of the Gravity Touring at $79,900 helped broaden the audience and partially offset the sales decline following the elimination of federal tax credits.The end of 2025 set a record: Lucid delivered 5,345 vehicles in the quarter—the best result in the company’s history. However, the delivery growth did not offset pressure on operating expenses or the need to accelerate the path to profitability. The next phase of the strategy involves launching a midsize electric SUV in 2026 and continuing development of its own ADAS platform and software.The company emphasizes that the focus is shifting toward production growth, quality improvements, further development of the Air and Gravity, and preparation of a new architecture that should significantly expand the lineup in the long term. Lucid will report fourth-quarter results on February 24, and that report will reveal how well the restructuring aligns with the brand’s financial goals.
Lucid, workforce reduction, layoffs, electric vehicles, EV demand, operational efficiency, Air model, Gravity SUV, 2026 strategy, automotive industry
2026
Michael Powers
news
Lucid announces 12% workforce reduction in U.S. to improve operational efficiency
Lucid reduces U.S. workforce by 12% in 2026 to enhance margins amid softening premium EV demand, while focusing on Air and Gravity production and new SUV launch.
Michael Powers, Editor
Lucid is entering 2026 with a painful but expected move: the company has announced a 12% workforce reduction in the U.S., aiming to boost operational efficiency amid softening demand for premium electric vehicles. According to CEO Mark Winterhoff, this optimization should improve margins and create conditions for sustainable growth. Production workers at the Arizona plant, where the Air and new Gravity models continue to be built, are not affected by the layoffs.
Lucid’s global headcount stood at around 6,800 people by 2024, and the restructuring targets office and engineering divisions. The automaker had already taken pricing actions in 2025, lowering the cost of the Air and introducing numerous promotions for buyers who have grown more cautious due to high interest rates and the expense of the premium segment. The launch of the Gravity Touring at $79,900 helped broaden the audience and partially offset the sales decline following the elimination of federal tax credits.
The end of 2025 set a record: Lucid delivered 5,345 vehicles in the quarter—the best result in the company’s history. However, the delivery growth did not offset pressure on operating expenses or the need to accelerate the path to profitability. The next phase of the strategy involves launching a midsize electric SUV in 2026 and continuing development of its own ADAS platform and software.
The company emphasizes that the focus is shifting toward production growth, quality improvements, further development of the Air and Gravity, and preparation of a new architecture that should significantly expand the lineup in the long term. Lucid will report fourth-quarter results on February 24, and that report will reveal how well the restructuring aligns with the brand’s financial goals.
