Faraday Future has confirmed plans for production of its ‘FF 91 Futurist’ EV crossover to begin in March, albeit with one notable caveat.
Faraday Future FF 91
First unveiled conceptually in 2017, the FF 91 is the flagship – and first – vehicle from Californian start-up Faraday Future. Prioritizing luxury and a “future-forward design” both inside and out (including fully reclining rear seats), the elongated crossover is powered by three electric motors – two at the front, one at the back – mated, in top trim at least, with a 142 kWh battery. The powertrain is said to produce a combined 1,050 hp, enough for the FF 91 to sprint from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a dizzying 2.39 seconds.
Faraday Future FF 91 Futurist
Repeated financial and supply chain difficulties, however, meant plans for the “production-intent” top-of-the-range ‘Futurist’ edition, unveiled earlier this year in February, to roll off the line in late 2022 were pushed back, although an official EPA range rating of 381 estimated miles (around 613 km) in September suggested plans were back on-track.
Now, Faraday has announced “a series of strategic actions” leading to production of the FF 91 Futurist beginning in March ahead of the start of customer deliveries in April. These plans, however, are “subject to timely receipt of additional financing” of between $150 and $170 million (all figures in US dollars), the ball for which is said to be rolling after the company received a $30 million binding letter of intent from a current, though unnamed, FF investor. This in itself is still subject to approval from the Faraday board, so while plans are tentatively in place, Faraday’s production plans are still a long way from fruition.
Faraday Future FF 91 Futurist
Indeed, Faraday states that “no assurance can be provided” that ongoing discussions with potential investors will be finalized “in a timely manner or at all.”
Consequently, focus for the development team remains on the FF 91 itself, though there does appear to be healthy steps in that regard, with 26 component and software upgrades made since February. These include 13 specifically dedicated to the powertrain, the battery, the charging capabilities, the chassis, and the interior.
Construction of Faraday’s new facility in Hanford, California, is also moving forward, with the manufacture had reached milestone No. 6 – the completion of construction and equipment installation in vehicle assembly areas – of the seven that Faraday laid out before the build began in September 2021.
“The management team at FF is committed to executing the next milestones and I’m energized by the commitment of the team,” FF global CEO Xuefeng Chen explains. “We will utilize our capital in a disciplined manner that is focused on bringing the best product to market.”
