9 Minutes
Introduction: Faraday Future Enters the Electric Minivan Market in the U.S.
Faraday Future, the California-based pioneer in electric mobility, has officially introduced its latest model, the FX Super One electric minivan, during a prestigious launch event in Los Angeles. However, this isn’t just any new EV debut—the FX Super One is directly derived from China’s Wey Gaoshan 9, produced by automotive giant Great Wall Motor (GWM). In a strategic move to navigate the complex web of U.S. import tariffs on electric vehicles, Faraday Future plans to import this minivan as a Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) kit for local assembly in California.
A Global Collaboration: The FX Super One and Wey Gaoshan 9 Connection
Faraday Future’s approach pushes the boundaries of international cooperation in the automotive industry. According to insiders at GWM speaking with CarNewsChina, the FX Super One is essentially a modified Wey Gaoshan 9, one of GWM’s flagship premium MPVs. Efforts to fully rebadge and further alter the model met logistical and financial constraints—namely, insufficient volume to warrant new tooling or production lines. The solution? Faraday Future orders the minivan as partially assembled SKD kits, replacing certain elements (like the logo) and installing some U.S.-sourced components during final assembly stateside.
About the Wey Gaoshan Series
Launched in early 2023, Wey’s Gaoshan lineup highlights GWM’s ambition for high-end electric people-movers. Internationally known as the Wey 80, the Gaoshan series introduced a significant update in May 2025, resulting in impressive domestic sales numbers; June alone saw nearly 6,000 units delivered in China, according to China EV DataTracker. The series offers two main variants: the entry-level Gaoshan 8 and the larger, more feature-rich Gaoshan 9, which forms the backbone for Faraday Future’s FX Super One.
Interior and Design: Premium Comfort Meets Futuristic Styling
Analyses of official imagery and first-hand reports confirm that the FX Super One shares its luxurious cabin almost entirely with the Wey Gaoshan 9, aside from badging and some surface-level tweaks. Hallmarks include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, dual panoramic sunroofs, and an innovative trio of LCD screens at the dashboard, plus a pop-up screen for second-row passengers. Whether it’s the ergonomic seats, the central console design, or intricate detailing on shifters and trim pieces, the similarity is unmistakable—delivering a first-class passenger experience with high-tech overtones. Buyers can choose between configurations offering four, six, or seven seats, reinforcing the model’s status as a true multipurpose vehicle (MPV).
Vehicle Specifications: Size, Space, and Versatility
Dimensions and Capacity
The Faraday Future FX Super One—mirroring the Gaoshan 9—measures 5,410 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,890 mm in height, with a 3,275 mm (128.9 in) wheelbase that ensures exceptional legroom. Cargo capacity stands at 320 liters in its standard setup, slightly higher than the Wey’s listed 315 liters, and can extend to an impressive 1,975 liters when the third row of seats is stowed. This abundance of space positions the FX Super One as a formidable family or executive shuttle for those seeking comfort and practicality.
Powertrain Options: Pure Electric and Plug-in Hybrid
Details on powertrains remain partially under wraps, but Faraday Future has disclosed both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions will be on offer. The Gaoshan 9, on which FX Super One is based, features a state-of-the-art hybrid system: a 1.5-litre turbocharged gasoline engine producing 125 kW teams up with two electric motors (80 kW front, 170 kW rear), creating a combined output of 337 kW (452 hp) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup translates into strong acceleration and confident handling, even with a curb weight nearing 2,880 kg.
The battery pack, sourced from leading supplier CATL, uses advanced NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry with a capacity of 51.55 kWh. The result is a pure electric CLTC driving range of up to 201 kilometers (125 miles), supplemented by a 58-liter fuel tank, for a total range surpassing 950 kilometers (590 miles)—ideal for long road trips and daily commutes alike.
Technology: Smart Features and Safety Innovations
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) play a starring role in the FX Super One. A Hesai lidar module sits above the windshield, enabling next-generation navigation and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Under the hood, the Nvidia Orin-X chip—boasting 254 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second)—powers the suite of smart features, from adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping and emergency braking.
The SKD Assembly Strategy to Beat U.S. Tariffs
What Is Semi-Knocked Down (SKD)?
Faced with steep tariffs on directly imported electric vehicles from China, Faraday Future and GWM have opted for the SKD assembly approach. Unlike fully built imports, an SKD kit sends the mostly completed vehicle (body, frame, and basic structure) to the destination country. Critical components such as powertrains, seats, wheels, and some electronic modules are shipped separately and assembled locally—at Faraday Future’s U.S. facility in California. This strategic shift not only circumvents punitive import taxes but also encourages the gradual localization of supply and labor, an advantage increasingly relevant in the global EV race.
This technique is not unique to Faraday Future; for example, BYD employs full CKD (completely knocked down) strategies to assemble its Seagull EV in Brazil. Such methods are time-tested, allowing automakers to navigate regulatory and economic constraints across international markets.
Performance and Driving Experience
The FX Super One promises to deliver a driving experience befitting its luxury pedigree. With a robust hybrid drivetrain, instant electric torque, and all-wheel drive, drivers can expect responsive acceleration and agile handling unusual for vehicles in the minivan segment. Interior technology accentuates the premium experience, while sizable trunk space, configurable seating, and a range of up to 963 kilometers (when combining electric and gasoline power) makes this minivan a formidable option for families, executives, and rideshare fleets seeking green mobility without compromise.
Market Position and Expectations
Faraday Future has signaled its intent to produce an exclusive fleet, aiming for an initial run of just 150 units in the first year. This boutique approach positions the FX Super One as a niche, high-value offering rather than a mass-market challenger. With the U.S. minivan and electric vehicle markets both intensifying, Faraday Future’s strategy sets the stage for a potential expansion—should the SKD model prove successful.
But there remain questions. For example, the claimed 130-inch wheelbase in FF’s communications doesn’t precisely match the Gaoshan 9’s established specification (128.9 inches), a discrepancy that may arise from rounding in public materials or minor modifications. Such differences highlight both the opportunity and the growing pains faced by challenger brands repackaging existing platforms for global markets.
Brand, Business Context, and Editorial Insights
Faraday Future’s journey has been mired in complexity. Founded by the colorful Jia Yueting—who once earned the nickname "the Chinese Elon Musk"—the company has seen dramatic financial ups and downs, internal restructuring, and ongoing market skepticism. Jia, once a celebrated tech entrepreneur in China (thanks to ventures like LeEco), now faces persistent credibility challenges after high-profile bankruptcies and unresolved debts in his homeland.
The heavily promoted presence of “AI” in every aspect of the FX Super One’s unveiling (AI Agent 6×4 Architecture, EAI MPV, AI hybrid range, and more) underscores both the technological ambition and the marketing tactics now common among upstart EV brands. As the automotive world barrels into an AI-driven future, Faraday Future is leaning in—perhaps to the limits of believability, given the current production targets and business realities.
Comparisons and Global Context
When set against established competitors, the FX Super One brings sizable interior space, premium features, and advanced tech to the table, putting pressure on U.S. and Japanese rivals to keep pace with Chinese innovation. The SKD route also follows a broader industry trend—seen with BYD in Brazil and other global players—of decentralizing production to dodge tariffs, stimulate local economies, and accelerate time-to-market for new EV models.
Conclusion: Future Prospects for the FX Super One
As Faraday Future prepares to ship its unique minivan solution to U.S. shores, industry observers remain cautiously optimistic. The FX Super One’s blend of Chinese engineering, advanced hybrid and electric technologies, and strategic local assembly could signal a new chapter for both Faraday Future and the broader electric MPV segment in America. Should the initial limited release prove successful—and the company navigate its lingering business challenges—the FX Super One could lay the groundwork for wider adoption of innovative electric minivans in Western markets.
Car enthusiasts, families, and eco-conscious drivers will be watching closely as Faraday Future attempts to redefine the minivan for a new electrified era.
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