A haunting relic of a failed venture, a Chinese EV startup's prototype lies abandoned in California, serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the electric vehicle market. This near-production SF7 crossover, once a symbol of ambitious plans, now stands as a testament to the challenges faced by startups in a fast-paced, costly, and unforgiving industry.
The SF7, initially unveiled in 2018 by SF Motors, was designed to compete directly with Tesla in the US market. With a $160 million investment in an Indiana factory and a 130,000-square-foot R&D facility in California, the startup aimed to build EVs on US soil. However, by the following year, these plans were shelved due to shifting market dynamics and the complexities of US-China trade relations.
The prototype, discovered in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility in Milpitas, California, offers a glimpse into the shape of what could have been. With reworked bumpers, reshaped fenders, and conventional lighting, it appears closer to production than the original SF7 concept. The vehicle features a mix of sedan and fastback crossover design, along with US-market details like amber indicators, suggesting it was being prepared for local homologation.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in white leather with wood accents, but exposure to the elements is evident. The large portrait-oriented infotainment display and digital instrument cluster hint at the vehicle's potential, while the quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower and a liquid-cooled battery estimated to provide around 300 miles of range showcase the startup's ambition.
Despite the SF7's potential, the startup's plans never materialized. The Indiana factory, originally intended for SF5 and SF7 production, was later acquired by Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS), which filed for bankruptcy. Mullen Automotive took ownership in 2022 but handed the plant over to the GEM Group in late 2025 to resolve legal liabilities.
This derelict development vehicle serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by startups in the electric vehicle market, where ambitious plans can quickly turn into haunting relics. It also raises questions about the future of Chinese EV startups in the US and the impact of shifting market dynamics and trade relations on their ventures.
