Faraday Future FF 91 Electric Crossover Outruns Tesla – CES 2017

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · January 6, 2017

Claims 1,050 hp and 1,800 Nm of max output, 0-100 kmph acceleration in 2.39 seconds along with a driving range of 600-700 kms on full charge.

The newbie electric car firm Faraday Future has presented its almost production-ready car FF 91 at the on-going Consumer Electronics Show 2017, Las Vegas. The company says that the new all-electric crossover is some sort of a “social revolution” as it foresees the future of sustainable mobility with electrification, automation, and connected car technologies. Backed by Chinese media giant LeEco, the California-based start-up will begin the commercial production of the car by 2018, primarily targeting at the likes of the Tesla Model X.

Also Read: Connected Cars: An Era Of Digital Innovation In Personal Mobility

The FF 91 seems like some kinda of a futuristic art work, with its dramatic design and styling that are tuned for optimum aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.25. Interestingly, the aerodynamic design has been beautified for aesthetic appeal as well. Elements like the flying buttress pillars like that of BMW i8, steeply angled windows, swept-back windshield, twin-antennae and bigger rear spoiler are all quite exciting. The front fascia is the most elegant, with slim LED lighting running from one side to another, while the lower stance of the crossover seizes attention.

Faraday Future’s Nevada assembly is getting ready amidst financial troubles faced by the firm. Production is expected to kick start by 2018

The door mounted mirrors have camera attached to them, while the panoramic sunroof, spacecraft-inspired ‘Zero-gravity seats’, and large touchscreen over the dashboard defines that the interiors are no less sophisticated technologically. The cabin features an 802.11ac dual-modem wifi network, so that you can bring in any media entertainment you want – youtube, dish TV, cloud media, etc.

Faraday Future’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) chassis that underpins the crossover places battery pack on the floor and electric motor at both front and rear axle each. Both the motors produce a combined output of 1,050 hp power and 1,800 Nm of torque, that can easily outrun the performance of a Ferrari 488 GTB, let alone the Tesla X. That’s primarily because of a mannoth 130 kWh battery pack containing cylindrical lithium-ion cells. The most powerful Tesla till date uses 100 kWh pack only. Therefore, an extended driving range is definitely assured – 608 kms (378 miles) as per US’s EPA driving cycle and 700 kms range according to European NEDC rating.

Video: Faraday Future FF 91 Prototype vs Ferrari, Bentley, Tesla

But hefty batteries prolong the charging time for the FF 91, taking up to 4.5 hours using domestic 110- or 240-volt charging port facility. Although the company has mooted a fast-charge capability of up to 200 kW, but there exists no such charging station anywhere around the globe. Tesla’s Supercharging facilities serve only up to 120 kW.

And that’s not all. The FF 91’s real game is its advanced autonomous driving abilities. The system includes 13 radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and a 3D LIDAR scanner (that pops open on the hood) – an advanced contingent that Tesla’s Autopilot. A hi-tech connectivity feature FFID that combines cloud data sharing with smartphone is also on the list.

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The company is tight lipped on any further details of the crossover, including its price estimates. Industry experts peg that the FF 91 may cost anywhere between $150,000-$200,000! Of course, it’s a ‘luxury car’. It’s ‘Future’.

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