Farizon SV | Review

Farizon is looking to make its mark on the UK van market with the introduction of its purpose-built electric van known as the SV.

The Chinese manufacturer, which is part of the Geely Group, is being introduced to Europe by importer Jameel Motors.

A network of franchised dealerships is set to be established to support sales and aftersales, but for now the brand is relying on a contract with The AA for servicing and repairs.

The Farizon SV is technically a large van, offering a load space of up to 13 cubic metres and a payload of 1,350Kg. Although, its footprint is a smaller than that of a Ford Transit, Renault Master or Mercedes Sprinter. It looks more like a medium van and feels like one to drive.

It’s packed with technology and quite a few high-end features, while fleet operators can choose from three different battery sizes to meet the needs of their operation.

The best-performing model has a range of 247 miles and rapid charging enables a 10% - 80% charge in around 40 minutes.

Visually, the SV stands out with its wraparound front panel incorporating the headlights, grille and door mirrors. The upper panel opens, giving access to key service items. The lower ‘bonnet’ can be removed, if required, rather than opened.

The van’s design benefits aerodynamics and also safety. Top marks were awarded to Farizon by Euro NCAP, noting that the SV is among the safest vans on the road.

The smooth sides and body-coloured bumpers improve aesthetics but could prove costly to repair if they get scraped or scuffed. Some plastic cladding down the side and some robust unpainted bumpers would be welcome options for fleets that operate in urban areas.

The cargo space is vast, given the van’s overall dimensions. There are three lengths and three heights available. The smallest van (L1 H1) has a 6.95 cubic metre loadspace, while the largest (L3 H3) can accommodate 13 cubic metres.

Farizon SV sizes and cargo capacity:

• L1 H1: 6.95 cubic metres
• L1 H2: 7.92 cubic metres
• L2 H2: 9.39 cubic metres
• L2 H3: 11.22 cubic metres
• L3 H3: 13 cubic metres

Payloads vary by model and battery size. The largest van, with the biggest battery can carry up to 1,035Kg. The L1 H1, with the smallest battery option, can carry the largest payload: 1,350Kg. All models have a 2.0-tonne (braked) towing capacity.

Farizon has carefully integrated the van’s battery into its chassis, enabling a low cargo floor. The three battery sizes available are 67kWh, 83 kWh and 106kWh.

The driving range varies from 188 miles for the 67kWh unit to 247 miles for the 106kWh unit. The 83kWh battery provides a range of between 198 and 234 miles, depending on van size.

A single electric motor is used, regardless of battery choice. It develops 231PS and 336Nm and sends power to the front wheels.

Performance and driveability are both impressive. Our limited drive in the van showcased a responsive throttle, sharp and effective brakes and good low-speed agility.

The battery provides a low centre of gravity, which keeps body lean to a minimum. The suspension is firm but comfort is acceptable.

The Farizon SV has a neat interior design that places most controls within the central touchscreen. There is a panel of switches beneath for quick access to the climate controls but functions such as heated seats and the audio volume are controlled via the screen.

Build quality isn’t class leading, but the SV doesn’t feel like a cheap Chinese van. When you start to look at the specification sheet it reads more like a luxury car. There’s adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled seats, a 360-degree camera system, LED headlights and keyless entry.

The van is also equipped with an alarm, as standard, as well as a useful weight sensing feature that can alert the driver if the vehicle is overloaded.

If you want the vehicle-to-load function, which features a 220v electrical socket in the rear, that’s powered from the van’s battery, then it’s an extra £500 (ex VAT).

One of the more unique features of the Farizon SV is the lack of a B-pillar on the nearside. This is notable when both the front passenger door and side sliding door are open. However, as all SV panel vans come with a fixed bulkhead it’s hard to see much benefit of this feature. Farizon says it will be more useful when other body types launch, such as a minibus.

The van is also, uniquely, equipped with drive-by-wire technology for the brakes and steering. This helps to reduce weight and facilitates the fitment of advanced driver assistance aids such as lane keep assist, automatic pre-collision braking and lane change assist. The system isn’t completely wireless though, it retains mechanical linkages as a back-up.

Pricing for the Farizon SV starts at £45,000 (CV OTR), rising to £56,000 for the largest and longest-range model. It undercuts the Ford E-Transit and large Stellantis offerings, but isn’t quite as cheap as certain derivatives of the Renault Master E-Tech.

While most large vans are available in larger sizes than the SV, it does offer a compelling mix of range and space. Combined with the van’s high specification, it is shaping up to be an impressive package.

We’re yet to see the residual values, leasing rates or running costs and the current lack of a dealer network means there are still question marks over SMR. Fleet operators may also want a lower-spec, cheaper, trim level to make the costs stack up. But, as far as first impressions go, Farizion is definitely one to watch.