Aerodynamics Development at Faraday Future

I worked at electric vehicle (EV) startup, Faraday Future, for about 3.5 years. While there, I helped optimize the aerodynamic performance of several developmental vehicles, namely the FF91. We performed over 1000 simulations on vehicles, and tested prototype vehicles in the wind tunnel to verify real world performance.

Aerodynamics are especially important for EVs as 50% of their efficiency losses are due to aerodynamic drag (ie. a 2% reduction in drag results in a 1% range improvement), and we all know EVs suffer from shorter ranges and long charge times when compared to ICE vehicles. Also, without engine noise, EVs tend to be much quieter. Therefore optimization of the airflow around the passengers - especially the side mirror area - is critical.

The included video illustrates was largely created by my coworker Todd Johansen, and shows the level of detail we modeled airflow with, though this particular visualization is more cool to look at than it is a development tool.