Chinese EV prototype abandoned in California is a haunting reminder of a $160,000,000 gamble that didn't pay off

This Chinese EV prototype was spotted abandoned and lonely, and is a stark reminder of what could have been on the roads of California if all had gone to plan.

Vehicle prototypes, love them or hate them, help companies to distinguish what they really want and need from a vehicle before it hits the production line and is sent out to dealerships across the nation.

However, when one car fan spotted a certain prototype in a parking lot, lying abandoned in the sunshine, it brought a whole heap of nostalgia.

We’re not talking about the good kind either. In fact, that EV stood as a reminder of a success that almost happened for a Chinese manufacturer.

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Chinese EV prototype or unbranded masterpiece – what could it be?

In one Californian parking lot, an unusual vehicle was spotted by user Jason_Mil, who suggested it was a Chinese EV that had been adapted for the US market.

While the badge looked like a Seres, the user said that the company had no sedans on offer. But little did he know, he’d just uncovered a reminder of what could have made the EV market soar.

We’re talking about the SF7 Concept from SF Motors, which is now known as Seres.

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The SF7 was almost the answer the car world was looking for

SF Motors once had big plans to dominate the US car world, and the company even purchased a factory for $160,000,000 to turn its dream into a reality.

However, it didn’t quite go to plan, but more on that later.

The vehicle spotted was situated in the car park of SF Motors in Milpitas, California.

Despite looking remarkably similar to the SF7 concept, it seems that it was a model prototype that was much closer to hitting the production line.

The original SF7 concept was slated to produce over 1,000hp in the highest trim and was a crossover coupe with LiDAR technology.

The spotted abandoned Chinese EV prototype, though, appeared to have bumpers and fenders that were altered, compared to the original.

US features were also repeatedly very much a part of the prototype design, too.

Inside, the EV’s age was clear thanks to the windows being open and some additional discoloration.

Sadly, the SF7 never actually made it the whole way, but it wasn’t all bad news for the company.

After it invested a mighty $160 million into a factory in Indiana, some payoff was needed elsewhere.

Luckily, the SF5, which was unveiled at the same time as the SF7, managed to come to life under Seres, the rebranded SF Motors. The US domination, though, was not meant to be.

Instead of having the SF5 moniker, it had a new Seres SF5 label and was actually developed by tech giant Huawei, alongside the Aito M5.

So, no, the $160,000,000 bet didn’t quite entirely pay off. But the prototype still lives to see another day in California, at the original manufacturing site.

Some things just aren’t meant to be.

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