CES 2017: Faraday Future FF91 revealed

The electric vehicle wars have begun in earnest, and Faraday Future has fired a warning shot over the bow of US compatriot – and potential arch-rival – Tesla, with the FF91 SUV.

Although it's only a concept car at present, the FF91 will morph into the Californian company's first production car as early as next year, the all-electric SUV offering a claimed range of 378 miles, or 622km.

Not only can it drive further than the Tesla Model X, it's slightly faster to accelerate too, taking 2.39 seconds to reach 96km/h. It also incorporates active aerodynamics to ensure stability at higher speeds.

The Tesla Model X SUV takes 2.4 seconds to reach the same speed.

Revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest technology show, Faraday Future's almost production-ready EV is one of the highlights of the event, bristling with gadgets and techno-wonders.

On top of its electric powertrain, which generates 1050hp or 783kW – more power than some million-dollar supercars – the FF91 uses a 130kWh battery pack and features a new charging system that allows it be to recharged from a wide variety of sources.

After being teased and tantalised for months, the company has come good on claims the new model will be a technology leader, as it is fitted with around 40 sensors to ensure it can drive itself without input from the driver. Well, when legislation permits.

The car features 13 long and short range radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras facing fore and aft and a 3D lidar sensor that pops out of the bonnet, 007 gadget-car style.

The cutting-edge EV parked itself on stage at CES 2017, highlighting one semi-automated function, although such features are now commonplace on moderately priced cars.

It's not clear what the company will charge for the production model, but expect to pay six figures if it comes to Australia, much like the Tesla Model X.

Another grey area are the number of seats in the vehicle. With no images of the cabin nor any clues in the video, it's likely the company will offer two row luxury options for China and perhaps three rows vehicles for other markets.

What it has confirmed is that passengers will get a "first class" experience.

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The FF91 will "deliver industry-leading rear-seat reclining angles, putting passengers in the bio-mechanically and ergonomically optimal position for comfort," says Faraday Future.

Furthermore, rear seat passengers will get loads of room along with options for "massage, heating, and ventilation for cooling".

The company plans to start production of its electric SUV in 2018.

The FF91 will be based on the company's VPA or variable platform architecture, whose monocoque chassis and body are a "single form" according to the company. Of course the "variable" part of VPA means the platform can underpin other vehicles in future.

Faraday Future's vice president of research and development, engineering, Nick Sampson, talked passionately about the FF91 during the big budget CES reveal, taking aim at all established car makers, not just Tesla.

As well as insisting that future of new cars will be highly connected, with the FF91 enabling unique settings for each user as soon as they connect their smartphone, Sampson said the company plans to be a disruptive force in the automotive arena with a range of EVs.

The FF91 will feature plenty of interior toys too, such as large high-definition infotainment screens allowing passengers to stream whatever they want, presumably via Netflix et al through the car's high-bandwidth internet connections.

And forget using a key to unlock the car. The FF91 makes use of exterior cameras in the B-pillar that can "accurately identify the user's face to grant vehicle entry". If airport facial recognition technology is anything to go by, this feature about as likely to make it to production as retractable mustard squeezers.

The launch of the FF91 is welcome positive news for the US-based Chinese-financed start-up company. In recent months Faraday Future has seen senior leaders quit, while the building of its car factory in Nevada was interrupted after contractors stopped work due to a lack of finances.

Faraday Future launched its first concept one year ago at CES 2016, the ZERO1 supercar, but there's been no talk of production for that vehicle at present.

Customers keen to be the first to buy the FF91 in the USA can make a $5000 (USD) deposit, which is fully refundable, says the company.

Faraday Future FF91 Concept specifications:

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 2.39 seconds
Power: 1050 HP or 783kW
Range: 378 miles (EPA est.) and over 700 km (NEDC est.)
Charging Speed: More than 500 miles per hour
ADAS Sensor Suite: 13 long and short range radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 high definition cameras, 1 3D retractable lidar
Length: 206.7”/ 5250mm
Wheelbase: 126" / 3200mm
Width: 89.9" / 2283mm
Height 62.9” / 1598mm