A FUTURISTIC, tech-packed minivan boasting plenty of luxury has been unveiled by a little-known car maker – but does it have what it takes to conquer the US market?
The FX Super One, an electric MPV from Faraday Future – an EV brand based in Los Angeles, California – has been revealed as part of the company’s new premium sub-brand, Faraday X.
A luxury minivan with a funky LED grille has been revealed[/caption]
The system transforms the vehicle’s front grille into an interactive, AI-powered digital billboard[/caption]
The van is also filled with luxury inovations and has as many as seven seats[/caption]
Packed with futuristic features, its most striking innovation is the F.A.C.E., which stands for Front AI Communication Ecosystem.
This system is essentially able to transform the vehicle’s front grille into an interactive, AI-powered digital billboard.
It can display visual cues, messages and even reactive animations – and has the ability to respond to voice commands.
Essentially, it acts as a way for drivers to communicate with the outside world by displaying moods, patterns, or messages.
It also offers advanced tech like driver assistance systems powered by LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging – a technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create highly accurate 3D maps of surroundings.
There’s also luxury interior options, with two or three rows of seats for four, six, or seven people that all get to enjoy foldable tray tables, a 17.3-inch entertainment screen, a slide-out fridge drawer, moonroof controls and zero-gravity captain’s chairs with full recline.
The third row seats also come equipped with electronic adjustments, heating and cooling.
Faraday says its MPV will offer a “balance between luxury and premium” while being more powerful and offering better handling than a full-size SUV – but also with an emphasis on comfort and safety.
Pricing for the FX Super One has yet to be revealed, but reports suggest it will start at around $70,000 – which will only go up based on trim options.
Production is tipped to go ahead by the end of 2025, with sales anticipated to start as early as 2026.
Interested drivers can reserve one in the meantime for a $100 refundable deposit.
But while the FX Super One aims to compete with ultra-premium SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, there are some concerns it will struggle to make waves in the US.
According to New Atlas, Minivans generally struggle to sell well in the US, even at luxury levels, due to the preference for SUVs and the cultural tendency for Americans to drive themselves rather than rely on chauffeurs.
To that end, despite its innovative features and positioning as an EV minivan in a relatively empty segment, the FX Super One may face challenges attracting buyers.
Furthermore, Faraday Future has struggled to impress fans of EVs and investors in recent years after facing a number of significant challenges.
These include financial struggles, production delays and regulatory issues, while their stock price has plummeted since going public in July 2021.
As of January 2025, Faraday Future has sold a total of 16 vehicles – 10 in 2023, 4 in 2024 and 2 in the first part of 2025.
Despite that, many experts believe the firm has potential and could become a big player in the EV industry in the coming years.
Why aren’t people buying EVs?
In January, many EV makers reported slow demand. Reuters said there are a few valid reasons for a slow in demand:
- High initial costs. Many automakers, like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford have conducted “price slashes” on their flagship EVs to attract new buyers, though demand remains slow.
- Higher insurance costs. Some insurance companies cite fire risks, high costs of battery replacement, and higher vehicle weight as reasons for higher premiums.
- Charging anxiety. A large percentage of people remain fearful of being in a situation where they won’t be able to charge if they run out of battery due to a lack of infrastructure.
- Range anxiety. In many instances, EVs still don’t have the range and infrastructure of gas-powered vehicles.
- Poor performance in extreme temperatures. Reduced range in extremely hot or cold weather makes potential buyers wary.
Source: Reuters
