A scathing YouTube review of the Lucid Air by automotive engineer Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained didn’t result in the usual automaker stonewalling. Instead, it sparked direct engagement with Lucid executives and a commitment to address the car’s frustrating software and usability issues. This isn’t just about one YouTuber; the changes promised will benefit all Lucid owners – and may be a turning point in how EV companies respond to critical feedback.
The Review That Got Noticed
Fenske’s video wasn’t a rant, but a detailed breakdown of how hardware brilliance was undermined by software bugs, awkward user experience (UX), and strange design choices. Issues included unreliable phone-as-key functionality, confusing door handle behavior, and inconsistencies in the displayed range. His critique was technical, thorough, and hard to ignore.
A Rare Response
Lucid didn’t dismiss the criticism. Instead, senior engineers – including the SVP of engineering, Imad Dlala – reached out to Fenske for a constructive discussion. Lucid shared insider details about upcoming fixes, suggesting a willingness to listen and adapt that’s rare in the auto industry.
UX 3.0 and Beyond
The biggest announcement is a complete UX overhaul (version 3.0) scheduled for early fall 2026. This update promises:
- Multitasking capabilities
- Faster user profile switching
- Improved Apple CarPlay stability
- Enhanced voice commands
- A more intuitive interface
Lucid is also addressing several pain points right now : phone-as-key reliability, door handle quirks, mirror positioning, and range display inconsistencies. Tesla Supercharger Plug & Charge support is also in the works. Newer hardware owners will get the update first, with paid upgrades available for older models.
Vehicle-to-Home Power
Beyond UX, Lucid is leveraging its hardware advantages with vehicle-to-home (V2H) power capability. This system will provide up to 17 kW of peak output without requiring a separate home inverter – a feature that could set Lucid apart from competitors. Fenske estimates his Lucid could power his home for up to four days during an outage without interrupting his family’s routine.
Context Matters
Lucid’s response to Fenske is unusual. He runs a popular, technically-focused channel and speaks the language of engineers. Automakers often ignore individual complaints, but a highly visible, technically-informed critique demanded attention. That said, the promised fixes are significant for all Lucid owners, not just those with influence.
While promises aren’t fixes, Lucid’s willingness to engage with criticism and outline concrete changes is a positive sign. This may set a new standard for transparency and responsiveness in the EV industry.
The situation underscores a growing trend: automakers must adapt to direct, public scrutiny, especially from technically-savvy reviewers. Ignoring legitimate concerns now can quickly translate into lost sales and damaged reputations.
Lucid’s response to criticism may be a rare case, but it could demonstrate that listening to customers – even the harsh ones – can lead to better products and stronger brand loyalty.
