Farizon set to publish real-world range ‘in all conditions’ for new SV van

Farizon, the new Chinese entrant to the UK van market, has announced plans to undergo independent range testing at Mira for its full electric SV with a view to publishing real-world figures for full load, mixed weather and towing.

Calum James, appointed head of sales in May, said: “We will publish the real-world range in all circumstances and conditions.”

The Geely-owned organisation, which is being imported to the UK by Saudi-based Jameel Motors, has registered its demonstration fleet this month and is offering 48-hour test drives for SMEs and extended drives for corporates to build their confidence in the new medium and large panel vans.

“We want to partner fleets of all shapes and sizes,” James told Fleet News at this year's Company Car in Action. “We are also in talks with leasing companies about preferred funder status.”

He believes the extensive work undertaken by Farizon to elevate the driver experience, such as high technical specification, comfortable seating, heated steering wheel and heated/air-cooled seats, sets the Farizon SV apart from other electric vans.

“We recognise that the van is the driver’s office,” he said. “It will also give it appeal in the second-hand market which will benefit residual values.”

Available as medium-sized L1H1 and L2H2, both with a choice of 67kWh and 83kWh battery, and large L3H3 with either an 83kWh or 106kWh battery, the Farizon SV starts at £45,000 OTR rising to £56,000 (ex plug-in van grant).

WLTP range is 188/234 miles for the L1H1, 177/214 for the L2H2 and 204/247 for the L3H3. The latter peaks at 342 miles for city driving.

The majority of interest is for the 83kWh battery option, according to James. “The 200-mile range is the sweet spot,” he added.

All vans are offered as panel van only, but Farizon is looking at other options, including a chassis cab. In China, its range spreads from small van to trucks and pick-ups.

James (pictured above) said: “We will take all the feedback from fleet managers, and we are open to shaping body styles going forward. But we will start organically and prove ourselves before looking at the other options.”

Specification changes have already been made in response to customer feedback, including adding height adjustment and lumbar support.

No changes have been made to the placement of the passenger seatbelt on the side opening door, which enables Farizon to remove the B-pillar for a longer 1.2 metre opening.

“Current use is single driver, so the seatbelt position is not an issue,” said James. “It suits the market we are aiming at.”

Farizon is taking a delegation from insurance-backed testing facility Thatcham to China to take a closer look at the van and the manufacturing facilities. The manufacturer is already reacting to some engineering feedback to help bring its rating down.

Importer Jameel is not expected to stop at Farizon. It is also likely to bring more brands to the UK, which will operate as separate entities.

The company already distributes GAC Motor and the Hino truck brand in other countries, as well as Toyota, MG and BYD which already have a strong presence in the UK.