Eric Bach, Lucid Motors’ former chief engineer who spent a decade at the company, has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation. The case centers around an alleged racist remark during an internal investigation into workplace culture.
Key Takeaways
- Bach claims he was called a ‘German Nazi’ by a senior HR executive.
- The lawsuit alleges Bach lost key responsibilities and oversight of Lucid’s electric powertrain division.
- Lucid Motors denies the allegations, calling them absurd and confident in their legal stance.
According to Bach’s complaint, he was wrongfully terminated after reporting a senior HR executive who allegedly called him a ‘German Nazi.’ The remark came during an internal investigation into workplace culture that Bach claims had been tainted by racist beliefs. He says the company failed to act meaningfully on his report.
Bach asserts Lucid began pressuring him to resign in October 2025 before firing him outright on November 5th, just weeks after learning about the ‘Nazi’ slur. The automaker’s public statement at the time only said he had “departed,” offering no hint of the brewing conflict behind the scenes.
Lucid Motors is not backing down from Bach’s claims, calling them absurd and saying it will be proven that there were legitimate reasons for his termination. Company sources have pointed to long-running product delays, quality issues, and execution problems as evidence against Bach’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Eric Bach’s lawsuit?
The suit alleges wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation after reporting a senior HR executive who called him a ‘German Nazi.’
How has Lucid responded to these allegations?
Lucid Motors denies the claims as absurd, stating they are confident in their legal stance.
This lawsuit adds another layer of drama and uncertainty for an automaker already facing challenges with cash burn, slow production ramps, and delayed launches. It’s a stark reminder that workplace culture issues can have far-reaching consequences in high-stakes industries like automotive manufacturing.
