Faraday Future unveils a van prototype as part of its "new beginning" at CES 2025.
Faraday Future is presenting its recent strategy shift, which includes the launch of affordable electric vehicles under its new low-cost brand "FX."
At CES 2017, Faraday Future unveiled its innovative luxury electric vehicle, the FF 91. However, seven years later and after facing multiple delays, bankruptcy proceedings, lawsuits, and other controversies, the company has managed to sell only between 15 and 16 units of this model. Now, the company has revealed its new strategic focus, which includes selling affordable electric vehicles under its new low-cost brand “FX.”
FX CEO, Max Ma, attended CES accompanied by two prototype vehicles to present what he described as a “new beginning” for the beleaguered company. While the precise details are somewhat vague, the strategy involves sourcing parts from automotive manufacturers in China and bringing them to the United States to produce “mass-volume vehicles” that maintain some of the premium touches for which Faraday is known. According to Ma, “we want to bring the experience of a $300,000 car in technology, features, and performance to a vehicle priced between $30,000 and $40,000 to enhance the user experience.”
The first vehicle in the FX lineup will be a minivan called the "Super One," described by Ma as an “AI MPV.” During the presentation, two minivan prototypes were showcased to illustrate the concept. One of these vehicles was designed to showcase the premium experience intended for the low-cost car, featuring white leather captain's chairs, reclining footrests, heated seats, and integrated massages. It also included a small refrigerator below the center console. Although the vehicle lacked door handles and other components, a Faraday representative assured that those features would be present in the final model.
The second prototype was in an even more preliminary state, with the interior, including the dashboard and instrument cluster, covered in black fabric held in place by clips. However, some reporters, including one who drove the vehicle, were allowed to take slow laps in a Las Vegas parking lot. The driving sensations were not significantly different from those of a conventional minivan.
In addition to the "Super One," there are two other vehicles planned for the initial FX lineup, the FX 5 and FX 6, which have already been announced and are expected to be priced between $20,000 and $30,000 for the FX 5 and $30,000 to $50,000 for the FX 6. A teaser image of the FX 6 prototype was shared, described as a “luxury extra-large AIEV.”
Faraday hopes to begin production of one of its planned vehicles by the end of this year, with the first “pre-production” unit tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. However, this ambitious announcement comes in the context of the company's history marked by mismanagement and delays. Faraday Future CEO, Matthias Aydt, also mentioned that partnerships with parts suppliers have not yet been finalized. While acknowledging the skepticism surrounding these plans, Ma was determined to prove that through hard work, the company can deliver on its promises.