Farizon Sv L2 Electric 170KW 68KWH H2 Van Auto

Ten Second Review

Is your business ready for the Super Van? That's what this model claims to be, the Farizon SV. It's for those whose needs lies somewhere between a medium and large-sized commercial vehicle, an all-electric LCV that claims to be the most advanced van yet made.

Background

In a move reminiscent of Clark Kent and Superman, Chinese commercial vehicle brand Farizon has taken the humble large delivery van, spun it into something quite different and created, you've guessed it, the Super Van. No really: it's actually called that. Well actually, it's called the Farizon SV, but that's apparently what those two letters stand for. This is the kind of van you might have seen on films that picture life 50 years from now. And it's not just the looks that are futuristic. The SV, which is all-electric of course, sits on a so-called GXAM chassis which Farizon immodestly says is the world's most advanced eLCV platform. It uses drive-by-wire technology, innovative cell-to-pack battery design and it's the lightest and most aerodynamic large van ever made. We say large; size-wise it sits between the medium and the large van segments. Farizon (known in China as the Zheijang Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group) is backed by the Chinese conglomerate Geely (think Volvo, smart and Lotus); and it's sold in Europe by the uber-ambitious Saudi Arabian-based distributor Jameel Motors, who work with 20 brands in eight countries. Lots of reasons then, why you'll be hearing a lot more about the Super Van. Let's take a look.

Engines and Tech Spec

There are no half measures here. There's a mainstream choice of two batteries - 67kWh and 83kWh lithium ion phosphate units; plus a further nickel manganese cobalt 106kWh battery is also available for the biggest L3 H3 model. EV range figures vary anywhere between 177 and 247 miles, although the brand reckons that the right variant driven and loaded the right way could potentially cover up to 342 miles between charges around town. To give you some class perspective, a Ford E-Transit Custom can go up to 236 miles between charges. Intriguingly, Farizon also plans to offer different battery chemistry packages that maximise battery output around the different needs of different operators; short-hop town deliveries for example, will be using the vehicle battery differently from long haul operators. Just as unusual on a van is the availability of the kind of drive-by-wire system normally only fitted to high-end cars. By taking out the mechanical links between some components, this is supposed to increase driving range by 5%, reduce stopping distance by 10% and make the van feel more agile thanks to better steering response. Energy recuperation will be stronger too. The drive-by-wire system also combines with the aluminium and steel construction to reduce weight - Farizon reckons by about 8%; obviously, that will benefit handling. All SVs can tow up to two tonnes. One efficient, all-electric powertrain is available, featuring a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with an eight-layer, flat wire configuration which produces 231PS of power and 336Nm of torque. There are three drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport. The latter has the highest level of available brake regen.

Design and Build

The SV aims to set new standards for aerodynamics in a large van and sure enough, it's 0.29Cd drag figure is impressively sleek for a big LCV. The sharply raked windscreen and aero-designed wheels play their part here. There's no front grille of course; just a deep intake plus super-slim headlights and unusual angular front quarterlight windows. The shape is the work of designer Herve Bertrand, whose van styling CV includes models from Renault, AB Volvo and Mack. Things are a bit more conventional inside, where there's the usual big central infotainment monitor and a smaller instrument screen alongside it. A number of physical controls have been retained - including for the climate system - which will make this van easier to operate on the move. As usual, there's a two-person bench seat alongside the driver's chair. There are some smart design details that include chunky door handles and little splashes of orange trim to brighten the cabin. It's easy to find a comfortable position in the multi-adjustable driver's seat, but the steering wheel (which has a robust set of buttons) is unfortunately only rake-adjustable. The bongs for the driver assistance features are a bit loud and some of the menus on the centre screen aren't particularly intuitive. But materials quality is a bit better than the wipe-clean hard plastic norm.

Market and Model

SV prices start at around £45,000 excluding VAT but including the government's £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant. Only two variants - the L1 H1 and the L2 H2 - can be had with the smaller 67kWh battery. For the full range of body shapes, you'll need to specify the 83kWh battery, which costs £3,000 more than the smaller unit. The biggest 106kWh battery comes only with the biggest L3H3 bodyshape. Across the line-up, there's only one fully-loaded equipment level. A high level of standard equipment includes features such as automatic headlights with Intelligent High Beam Control, automatic wipers, an advanced 360-degree Surround View camera, heated and ventilated seats for driver and passenger, and a heated windscreen. Other standard features include advanced connectivity, a heated multi-function steering wheel, high-power USB charging, automatic air conditioning, a full-size spare wheel and an innovative weight monitoring system. There's also a full suite of advanced safety and assistance systems. The SV has been tested by Euro NCAP and it received a score of 85 points, which is impressive for a larger van. Options include a Vehicle-to-load (V2L) system allowing you to power external devices from the vehicle (£500 ex-VAT), 270-degree rear doors (£300 ex-VAT) and a towing package (£400 ex-VAT). Bear in mind that unless you order your SV in the only standard colour (solid white), you'll have to pay Farizon £550 ex-VAT more for one of the other five available paint colours (Cyan, Black, Blue, Gold and Grey).

Practicalities and Costs

Most similarly-priced medium sized vans come with two body lengths and one roof height - but this Farizon model is different. There's a choice of three body lengths and three roof heights; the smallest L1 H1 variant is 4.99m long and 1.98m tall. The middle L2 H2 version is 5.49m long and 2.18m tall; and the biggest L3 H3 derivative is 5.95m long and 2.5m tall. To give you some perspective, a rival Ford E-Transit Custom comes only in a single 1.97m height and two lengths (either 5.05m or 5.45m). Payload in the SV is up to 1,390kg and thanks to the 'born electric' modular platform, there's a pretty generous set of load capacity figures that vary between 6.9m3 and up to 13m3 depending on body size. Every model benefits from a low loading height of 550mm, aided by the cell-to-pack battery design that supposedly increases cargo space by up to 16% compared to a conventional design. All SV models have a 3.5-tonne gross vehicle weight. A particularly interesting feature, currently unique in our market, is the lack of the B-pillar which creates a huge side opening between the sliding door and the front passenger door. It's difficult to see much practical benefit from this though. Fitted as standard is an innovative payload monitoring system, which uses ride-height sensors used to calibrate the vehicle's weight. An accurate payload read-out on the LCD driver's display helps drivers and fleet operators ensure that they are meeting gross vehicle weight regulations. Overweight loads are alerted to the driver. And charging? The 67kWh and 106kWh battery packs can take up to 129kW DC charging, with the 87kWh pack capable of 140kW. If you're worried about the thought of buying into an unknown brand, you'll want to know that all variants will benefit from a standard four-year / 120,000-mile warranty (eight-year / 120,000-mile for the battery).

Summary

If your business feels the need to make a technological statement in its choice of van, it's hard to imagine much more of an overt one than this. The cab design isn't quite as futuristic as the styling or the engineering, but overall it's difficult to imagine a much more advanced kind of van than this one. In a decade's time of course, even a 'Super Van' will seem hopelessly yesteryear. EV tech still has a way to go, particularly for the commercial sector and until it progresses further, larger electric vans like this are going to continue to be limited to a relatively small section of the market. But if you're ready to make the EV switch now and you don't mind trying something different, we think Farizon is offering an interesting proposition here.