TITLE: Faraday Future HQ Fire Damages Building Amid Lease Uncertainty
Electric Vehicle Fire and Explosion at Faraday Future Headquarters
An electric SUV manufactured by Faraday Future caught fire at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters early Sunday morning, resulting in an explosion that damaged part of the building’s structure. According to fire department officials, the incident occurred in a smaller two-story building adjacent to the main headquarters facility.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
The Los Angeles Fire Department received the initial emergency call at 4:37 a.m. local time on September 28 from an eyewitness who reported the blaze. Firefighters arrived to find the building’s sprinkler system had helped contain the fire, though they needed to force entry to fully extinguish the flames. The fire was completely under control by 5:17 a.m., approximately 40 minutes after the initial response.
The explosion caused significant structural damage, creating a major bulge in at least one wall and blowing out portions of the building exterior. Following the incident, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety conducted an inspection and “red tagged” the structure, indicating it may require substantial repairs before being deemed safe for occupancy again.
Company Response and Investigation Status
Faraday Future Communications Director John Schilling confirmed the company’s awareness of the incident in an official statement, noting that no employees were injured and no evacuation was necessary. “The specific cause and origin of the fire is under investigation,” Schilling emphasized in his communication.
Fire department investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the FF91 SUV fire that initiated the incident. Authorities noted they found no immediate evidence of “human factors” contributing to the blaze. The vehicle involved was reportedly on display in the office space where the fire originated.
Broader Context and Company Challenges
The fire occurs during a period of significant uncertainty for Faraday Future’s headquarters presence. The electric vehicle startup, which has faced financial challenges for years, sold the property in 2019 to generate capital and has been leasing it back since that time. The company’s tenancy recently faced legal challenges when current property owner Rexford Industrial attempted to evict Faraday Future over late payments earlier this year, though the parties reached a settlement in April 2024.
When questioned about the current lease status, Schilling indicated uncertainty regarding Faraday Future’s position. Meanwhile, commercial real estate firm CBRE has been marketing the property—including both the main building and the structure damaged in the fire—as available for lease.
This incident adds to the challenges facing Faraday Future, which first unveiled the FF91 SUV in 2017 as an ultra-luxury electric vehicle with industry-leading range. The company has struggled with production delays and financial constraints, only beginning to manufacture the first production vehicles in 2023. According to comprehensive reporting on this developing situation, the company has delivered just over a dozen vehicles to date, primarily to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals.
Faraday Future has recently shifted focus toward promoting a more affordable electric van and exploring cryptocurrency-related business ventures. The company and its founder Jia Yueting also face potential regulatory action, having received “Wells Notices” from the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year indicating possible legal action following a three-year investigation.
Further details about this incident and its implications for Faraday Future’s operations continue to emerge as investigations progress and the company addresses both the physical damage and its ongoing business challenges.
