Photo courtesy of Faraday Future.

Photo courtesy of Faraday Future.

Faraday Future revealed its FFZERO1 concept that uses a modular engineering system optimized for electric vehicles at an event prior to the opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The vehicle's Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) was designed and engineered specifically for electric vehicles and will be used as the foundation for future products from the start-up company. The skateboard-style chassis can be adjusted by changing the lengths of the rails and other relative structures to accommodate the number of battery strings per each configuration. There are structural benefits to the design as well, such as larger crumple zones that improve safety by centralizing and protecting the battery pack.

Unlike battery systems in other EVs, the VPA features strings of batteries, which can be more easily replaced or changed than a single battery. On this platform, adding or subtracting strings will enable the creation of vehicles of varying sizes with more power or greater range.

The VPA also incorporates various motor configurations. Ranging from a one-motor to three-motor configurations, it is possible to modify vehicle characteristics, including rear-, front-, or all-wheel drive systems, extended range options, and various power outputs, all utilizing the same chassis architecture.

While technically a racecar, the FFZERO1 is the vehicle that will pave the way for other Faraday Future cars. “The FFZERO1 Concept is an amplified version of the design and engineering philosophies informing FF’s forthcoming production vehicles,” said Richard Kim, head of design. “This project liberated our designers and inspired new approaches for vehicle forms, proportions and packaging that we can apply to our upcoming production models.”

Other unique features include a steering column that allows smartphone integration; a single-seat configuration that is inspired by NASA designs; and aero tunnels that run through the interior length of the vehicle, allowing air to flow through the car rather than around it, reducing drag and improving battery cooling.

For more information, see the company’s press release.

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