Chinese manufacturer Geely is the latest brand to join the world of electric vans after announcing the launch of the new Farizon SV.
The Farizon SV, short for Supervan, has apparently been designed to meet the needs of European fleets, and is expected to go on sale early next year.
It will be available in a choice of three body sizes, with three gross vehicle weights and three battery size options.
The smallest version of the van will measure 4.99m in length and stand 1.98m high. The middle model is 5.49m long and 2.18m tall, while the large electric van version will be 5.95m long and 2.5m tall. All vans will be 1,9800mm wide.
Load volume capacities will range from 6.9 cubic metres to 13 cubic metres.
It has a payload capacity of between 1,100kg and 1,300kg, depending on the vehicle size and the battery pack.
Three batteries will size eventually be available but there will be just two at launch with capacities of 67kWh and 83kWh.
The 83kWh battery for the Farizon SV is claimed to have a range of 225 miles.
It will be joined by a larger 106kWh battery pack likely to push that figure closer to 300 miles.
The Farizon Supervan will get space for three people in the front, with a traditional bench seat, there will also be the possibility of passenger versions and camper models that are currently sold in China.
The vans will be equipped with steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. That means there will be no mechanical links between the wheels on the road and the steering wheel in your hand.
As a result, several driving modes and styles will be possible. That could mean easier manoeuvring at low speeds and a much sportier or comfortable feeling at higher speeds – depending on the settings.
Farizon has yet to announce the SV Supervan price, but key rival the Ford E-Transit Custom will almost certainly be the benchmark figure to beat. Expect a price of less than £45,000 and a high degree of equipment levels.
Although owned by Geely, which has Volvo Cars, Polestar and Lotus to its name, the Farizon SV will be marketed by Geely’s official distributor, Jameel Motors.
Jameel Motors has imported Toyota vehicles to Saudi Arabia for around 70 years and its UK operations will be headed up by Andy Carroll, country manager for Jameel Motors Farizon Auto.
