A Faraday Future FF91 electric SUV erupted in flames at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters early Sunday morning, causing an explosion that blew out part of a wall and left the building structurally compromised. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 4:37 a.m. call on September 28, containing the blaze within 40 minutes while reporting no injuries.
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Fire Details and Structural Damage
The fire originated in a Faraday Future FF91 SUV displayed within a smaller two-story building adjacent to the main headquarters. Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey confirmed that sprinkler systems helped control the flames before firefighters arrived, though crews needed to force entry to fully extinguish the fire by 5:17 a.m. The explosion created significant structural damage, including a major wall bulge visible in photographs reviewed by TechCrunch.
Following the incident, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety conducted an immediate inspection and “red tagged” the structure, declaring it unfit for occupancy until comprehensive structural repairs are completed. This designation means the building cannot be used until city officials verify its safety through proper inspections and documentation. The damage assessment comes at a critical time for Faraday Future, which has occupied the headquarters complex for a decade despite recent financial struggles.
Lease Uncertainty and Property Status
The fire occurs as Faraday Future’s tenancy at the Los Angeles headquarters remains uncertain. The struggling electric vehicle startup sold the property in 2019 to generate cash and has been leasing it back from current owner Rexford Industrial. According to court documents, Rexford sued Faraday Future in February 2024 seeking eviction over late lease payments, though both parties reached a settlement in April 2024 that extended the lease through September 2025.
Commercial real estate firm CBRE Group is currently marketing the entire property, including both the main building and the fire-damaged structure, as available for lease. Faraday Future communications director John Schilling expressed uncertainty about the company’s current lease status when questioned by TechCrunch. Property records indicate the headquarters spans approximately 100,000 square feet in a prime Los Angeles industrial corridor, representing a significant operational asset for the embattled automaker.
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Faraday Future’s Troubled History
Faraday Future has navigated continuous financial challenges since unveiling the FF91 SUV in 2017 as an ultra-luxury electric vehicle promising industry-leading range. The company only began limited production in 2023, delivering approximately a dozen vehicles primarily to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. However, former employees have accused the company of misrepresenting these sales figures in regulatory filings and public statements.
The Securities and Exchange Commission escalated its scrutiny earlier this year, issuing Wells Notices to Faraday Future and founder Jia Yueting indicating potential enforcement action following a three-year investigation. Meanwhile, the company has pivoted toward promoting a more affordable electric van apparently imported from China while simultaneously attempting to launch cryptocurrency-focused business ventures. These strategic shifts occur against a backdrop of ongoing financial instability and leadership turnover.
Investigation and Future Implications
Fire department investigators have not determined the specific cause or origin of the FF91 SUV fire but confirmed they identified no “human factors” contributing to the incident. The investigation continues as authorities examine the vehicle’s electrical systems and battery components. Electric vehicle fires present unique challenges for firefighters, often requiring specialized training and equipment to address thermal runaway risks in lithium-ion batteries.
The timing creates additional complications for Faraday Future’s operational stability and public perception. With the headquarters lease expiring and the property actively marketed to new tenants, the company faces potential relocation during ongoing production challenges and regulatory scrutiny. Industry analysts suggest the incident could further strain relationships with investors and partners already concerned about the company’s financial viability and strategic direction.
