Faraday Future’s B2B Play for the FX Super One: A Strategic Gamble or a Turnaround Catalyst?

Faraday Future’s (FF) recent announcement of a 300-unit pre-order agreement for its new FX Super One MPV, secured through a binding B2B partnership with Sky Horse Auto LLC, marks a critical inflection point for the embattled EV startup. The deal, part of a broader B2B co-creation strategy, signals FF’s renewed focus on leveraging fleet sales to build momentum for its mass-market ambitions. But as the company races to secure funding and scale production, the question remains: Can this partnership deliver lasting value, or is it another high-risk bet in a market crowded with established players?

The Strategic Play: B2B as a Launchpad

The partnership with Sky Horse Auto, a premium car rental firm targeting international travelers, positions the FX Super One as a luxury mobility solution for both leisure and corporate clients. By integrating the MPV into Sky Horse’s fleet—focused on West Coast markets like Los Angeles and Las Vegas—FF aims to capitalize on demand for AI-driven “mobile living spaces.” The vehicles’ features, including reclining seats, ambient lighting, and advanced entertainment systems, align with Sky Horse’s clientele’s desire for high-end, eco-conscious travel.

This B2B approach offers FF two key advantages: cash flow and market validation. The non-refundable $30,000 deposit (equivalent to $100 per unit) secures immediate liquidity, though this pales compared to the total potential revenue of up to $12 million if all 300 units are purchased at the vehicle’s $40,000 price ceiling. Combined with the prior 1,000-unit non-binding pre-order (with a $100,000 deposit), FF now has $130,000 in upfront deposits—a modest but symbolic down payment on its vision.

The Financial Tightrope

FF’s survival hinges on scaling production while managing its notorious cash burn. The company has historically relied on high-profile partnerships and pre-orders to signal demand, but execution has faltered. The FX Super One’s $20,000–$40,000 price tag targets a “blue ocean” market, competing with traditional luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade while emphasizing AI and sustainability. Yet, the deposit structure raises eyebrows:

• Risk of Unrealized Orders: The agreement allows Sky Horse to purchase as few as one unit, with final volume contingent on market conditions and FF’s ability to deliver.
• Funding Gaps: FF still needs to secure capital to ramp up production at its Hanford, CA, factory. Competitors like Tesla () and NIO () have deeper pockets and proven supply chains.
• Production Timeline: Delivering the first FX units by late 2025 is ambitious, especially after years of delays.

Market Positioning: A Niche Win or a Sustainable Edge?

The MPV segment is a crowded space, but FF is betting on AI and sustainability to differentiate itself. The FX Super One’s emphasis on a “First Class AI-MPV experience” could resonate with travelers seeking cutting-edge tech without the environmental guilt. Sky Horse’s focus on premium rentals also provides a testing ground for FF’s value proposition before broader consumer launches.

However, the model’s affordability—particularly at the lower end of its $20,000–$40,000 range—could clash with FF’s luxury brand image. Competitors like Rivian and Polestar are already carving out similar niches, leaving little room for error.

Conclusion: A Step Forward, but the Finish Line Is Still Distant

The 300-unit pre-order with Sky Horse is a tactical win for FF, demonstrating demand in a specific B2B vertical and providing critical cash flow. The partnership also showcases FF’s co-creation strategy, which could help refine its product before scaling. Yet, the deal’s symbolic nature—$30,000 in deposits versus the $12 million in potential revenue—underscores the uphill battle ahead.

Investors should weigh this progress against FF’s history of missed targets and liquidity crises. While the FX Super One’s specs and pricing aim to create a “blue ocean” opportunity, execution risks remain acute. Until FF secures funding, achieves mass production, and proves it can compete in a fiercely contested EV market, this pre-order is more of a starting line than a finish.

For now, FF’s narrative hinges on turning B2B partnerships into a bridge to B2C dominance—a gamble that could redefine its future or deepen its struggles. The verdict? The stakes are high, but the path is clear: deliver or dissolve.