LeEco and Faraday Future’s autonomous electric cars may officially launch in 2017
“Our cars will be produced in both China and the US to lower import duties and logistics costs” - Tony Nie, senior vice president, LeEco
Both Faraday Future’s FFZero1 supercar and LeEco’s autonomous electric vehicle could be officially launched next year, according to LeEco executives.
The FFZero1 electric vehicle, which was first unveiled as a concept car in January this year, may see an official launch at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, LeEco chief executive Jia Yueting revealed on stage during the company’s launch on Wednesday in San Francisco, California.
LeEco is the principal investor in LA-based automaker Faraday Future, and has directed over US$1 billion into its own autonomous electric vehicle business unit, the LeEco SEE Plan, according to Tony Nie, senior vice president of LeEco’s strategic investments and car businesses.
The company also raised US$1.08 billion in funding in September, with Jia claiming it is the largest initial financing round in the history of the automobile industry.
Nie said that the LeSee Pro vehicle will likely launch within the next year in the luxury segment, together with a range of connected products and services for the vehicle.
LeEco has suggested that passengers in the LeSee car would be able to sit back and enjoy a movie while the car zips around with its autonomous driving, for example.
But analysts are doubtful that LeSee will be able to beat current electric vehicle frontrunner Tesla, or even find success in its home market in China.