Los Angeles, CA — An early-morning blaze at Faraday Future's Los Angeles facility turned into a violent explosion Sunday, leaving the struggling electric vehicle maker with significant property damage and safety concerns.

Emergency crews responded to the scene at 4:37 a.m. after a prototype vehicle burst into flames inside a two-story structure adjacent to the company's main operations. Firefighters extinguished the blaze within 40 minutes, but the explosion had already torn through the building's interior.

Building Declared Unsafe

City inspectors with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety have slapped a "red tag" on the damaged structure. The designation bars anyone from entering until engineers complete reinforcement work to ensure structural integrity.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The early hour likely prevented potential casualties, as staff hadn't yet arrived for the day.

Company Disputes Battery Connection

Faraday Future quickly moved to address speculation about lithium-ion battery fires, a concern that has plagued the EV industry. Company officials insist preliminary investigations show the battery pack wasn't responsible for the fire or subsequent explosion.

Instead, the automaker points to two potential culprits: faulty electrical wiring in the showroom or a loose connection in the vehicle's 12-volt auxiliary system. The prototype involved was an early test model, and its interior materials didn't meet current production flammability standards.

Troubled Waters Continue

The incident adds another chapter to Faraday Future's turbulent saga. Since unveiling its FF 91 electric SUV nearly a decade ago, the company has battled mounting financial pressures and production delays. Only a handful of vehicles have reached customers since limited manufacturing began in 2023.

The property itself carries its own complications. Faraday Future sold the headquarters in 2019 during a cash crunch and has been leasing it back ever since. Earlier this year, the company faced eviction proceedings over late rent payments before reaching a settlement with landlord Rexford Industrial. Commercial real estate listings now show the property as available, with the lease status uncertain.