Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of Geely, is entering the electric van market with its SV model, designed to compete with the long-standing dominance of the Ford Transit in European fleets. Sales of the SV are slated to begin in the UK in mid-2025.
The Farizon SV is engineered to meet the demanding needs of fleet operators and has undergone extensive testing, accumulating over a million miles before its market launch, according to the company. The SV will be sold through Jameel Motors, Geely’s UK distributor.
At the heart of the SV is a modular architecture leveraging ‘cell-to-pack’ technology. This design choice increases battery capacity by 10%, improves body rigidity by 20%, and reduces overall vehicle weight by 4%. Customers will have the choice of 67 kWh and 83 kWh battery packs at launch, with a larger 106 kWh option planned for later. The SV will also be offered in three different lengths and three body heights, allowing businesses to select the optimal configuration for their specific transport requirements.
The Farizon SV sets itself apart in the commercial van segment by incorporating dual-redundancy drive-by-wire systems for both steering and braking. Farizon claims this approach not only shortens stopping distances and enhances steering responsiveness, but also increases load capacity and reduces weight by an additional 8%. The van is expected to accommodate load capacities ranging from 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg) to 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg), depending on the chosen setup, and offer cargo capacities from 6.9 to 13 cubic meters.
Inside the cabin, the SV’s design is functional, emphasizing practicality common in commercial vans. A prominent infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster provide key information and control. A center front seat is also included in the design.
