Recent footage of Faraday Future‘s second brand, Faraday X (FX), testing its prototype on Los Angeles roads has sparked controversy among automotive enthusiasts. The video, released on May 14, 2025, showcases the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance capabilities, but many observers have noticed striking similarities between the FX prototype and the now-defunct Jiyue 01 from China.
What was the Jiyue 01?
The Jiyue 01 was an electric SUV launched in 2023 by Jiyue Auto (originally known as Jidu Auto), a joint venture between Chinese tech giant Baidu and automotive manufacturer Geely. Despite its promising technology and backing from two major companies, the vehicle struggled in the market. By November 2024, Jiyue had sold only 13,834 units of its models combined, with the Jiyue 01 accounting for a significant portion of these disappointing figures.
The brand’s collapse came suddenly in December 2024, when the company disbanded amid rumours of financial impropriety, including reports of a financial hole of up to seven billion yuan (962 million USD) discovered during due diligence. The company’s CFO reportedly went missing along with the company’s financial records, and suppliers besieged the headquarters demanding payment for unpaid services.
The controversial connection
The controversy surrounding Faraday X stems from multiple similarities between its prototype and the Jiyue 01:
Interior design: Both vehicles feature remarkably similar centre console layouts with comparable positioning of the large, unified screen and steering wheel.
Exterior styling: Side profile and rear angle comparisons show striking resemblances between the two vehicles.
Origin: The first batch of FX prototypes was reportedly shipped from China to the United States, further fueling speculation about their true identity.
This has led many to question whether Jia Yueting, the founder of Faraday Future with a controversial business history, is simply “rebranding” existing Chinese vehicles rather than developing new ones. Adding to the scepticism, rumours suggest that another upcoming FX model, the FX 6 (a plug-in hybrid MPV), strongly resembles the Wey brand’s Gaoshan MPV from Great Wall Motors.
Faraday Future’s Credibility Issues
Faraday Future’s track record does little to dispel these concerns. Despite being founded over a decade ago, the company has delivered only 16 vehicles, with some going to company executives and celebrities rather than typical consumers. Jia Yueting’s promise to “return to China next week” has become an internet meme, further eroding the company’s credibility.
As Faraday X attempts to establish itself in the American market, questions remain about whether consumers will embrace vehicles that appear to be rebadged versions of models that failed in their home market.
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