Nov 20 (Reuters) - Lucid Group ( LCID ) on Thursday

launched a cheaper variant of its Gravity SUV with a starting

price of $79,900, as the luxury electric-vehicle maker seeks to

reach a broader audience amid slowing EV sales in United States.

The Gravity Touring, offers up to 337 miles of range and

seats seven, joining the higher-priced Grand Touring variant in

Lucid's SUV lineup.

Orders for the new variant were open on Thursday with some

configurations available for immediate delivery.

The model is part of the company's effort to expand beyond

its flagship Air sedan and drive volumes amid waning U.S. EV

demand after a $7,500 federal tax credit expired at the end of

September.

Lucid in the third quarter reported revenue of $336.6

million that missed estimates and cut its full-year production

forecast to about 18,000 units, as supply-chain constraints

affect production of the Gravity SUV.

The company, like several automakers, has been grappling

with a chip shortage, disrupted supplies of rare earth

materials, and fallout from a September fire at one of its

aluminum suppliers.

EV makers from Tesla to Rivian have warned of softening

demand as the expiry of federal incentives weighs on sales.