Free Car Mag has been out driving the new electric van from China that’s rather good. First though here are all the facts you are likely to need right now and also a video made by the Future Proof Cars chaps. There’s a proper test drive coming soon.
- ▪ Farizon SV is the first van to use an advanced drive-by-wire intelligent architecture for improved packaging, faster response times, greater energy recovery and improved safety
- ▪ World-first use of an independent dual wishbone front suspension system on an electric van, the SV provides the comfort and handling of a passenger vehicle
- ▪ Cutting-edge powertrain: 67 kWh or 83 kWh LFP and 106 kWh NMC battery options; all-electric range of up to 247 miles (WLTP, combined); 20 to 80 per cent charge from just 36 minutes
- ▪ Exceptional cargo carrying abilities with up to 13 m3 cargo volume, up to 1,350 kg payload, and an extra-low loading height of just 550 mm
- ▪ Euro NCAP Platinum rating marks out the SV as one of the safest vans currently on sale
- ▪ Straightforward model line-up with prices starting from £45,000 OTR excluding VAT.
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The born electric Farizon SV large van arrives in the UK with a host of innovations and world-first technologies that help it deliver a compelling blend of cargo carrying practicality, impressive real-world efficiency and performance, and optimum driver comfort and convenience. Designed and developed for Europe, prices for the SV start from £45,000 on-the-road (excluding VAT), offering a compelling proposition for large and small fleets as well as for individual tradespeople.
Established in 2016, Farizon is the commercial vehicle division of Geely, China’s largest private vehicle manufacturer. The brand has earned a leading position in its domestic market through a focus on technology, the user and zero emissions. From a unique zero-emission product portfolio spanning trucks, LCVs and buses, the Farizon SV panel van is spearheading the brand’s entry into the UK.
Based on Farizon’s all-new bespoke GXA-M platform, the SV is the world’s first series production van to use an advanced drive-by-wire intelligent architecture. This modular and highly flexible platform offers significant packaging advantages, with five different size combinations providing buyers with generous levels of cabin and cargo space. Available in L1 H1, L1 H2, L2 H2, L2 H3 and L3 H3 configurations, every model benefits from an extra-low loading height of just 550 mm. The advanced electrical architecture also allows for enhanced connectivity and intelligent driving functionality.
Developed from Geely’s extensive experience in the passenger vehicle sector, including with brands such as Lotus, Polestar and Volvo, and deep insights into the commercial vehicle industry, the Farizon SV has been specifically engineered to meet the highly demanding and sophisticated needs of the European commercial vehicle user. During its development, the vehicle was subjected to over one million kilometres of rigorous testing and validation around the world, including the UK, Norway, Australia and the Middle East.
As well as meeting or exceeding all European durability and safety standards, the Farizon SV has also been sustainably developed. The vehicle uses 10 per cent recycled materials in its construction, 85 per cent of its materials can be recycled at the end of its life, and 95 per cent of the vehicle’s materials are recoverable.
The Farizon SV is being introduced to the UK by Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands seeking a global platform for growth.
Order books for the Farizon SV opened on 24 February 2025, with first deliveries slated for Q2. All variants will benefit from a standard four-year / 120,000-mile warranty (eight-year / 120,000-mile for the battery) demonstrating Jameel Motors’ confidence in the SV’s long-term reliability and durability.
Innovative drive-by-wire architecture; commercial optimised chassis
Farizon’s born-electric GXA-M platform has been specifically developed for new energy vans. Featuring the first ever dual-redundancy drive-by-wire platform in series production in the global van market, the Farizon SV has been engineered to offer faster response times, greater energy recovery and improved safety, with a five per cent increase in range and a 10 per cent reduction in stopping distance compared to a conventional set-up. Steering response is also three times faster, while steering precision is ten times more accurate. By removing the need for additional components and enabling direct control from a single source, the modular drive-by-wire platform enables Farizon’s engineers the freedom to easily adapt the SV’s wheelbase, front and rear overhangs, suspension layout and steering tune for different configurations.
The drive-by-wire’s dual-redundancy design includes additional components and features within the SV’s electric architecture to enhance reliability and stability. Highly effective backups have been incorporated to ensure that even if one component or function fails, the system will continue to operate normally or maintain critical functionalities, providing unmatched reliability and peace of mind.
In conjunction with the use of high-strength steel and hybrid aluminium-steel materials in the chassis and body, the innovative drive-by-wire platform also helps reduce weight by eight per cent, which in turn provides gains in maximum payload, as well as in energy conservation, performance, and operational efficiency. Highly sustainable smart production techniques also result in exceptional build quality.
The Farizon SV’s platform incorporates cell-to-pack (CTP) battery technology which connects individual battery cells directly to the battery pack, rather than relying on individual modules. This increases battery capacity by 10 per cent, reduces weight by four per cent, and improves body rigidity by 20 per cent compared to conventional battery module packaging configurations. Furthermore, this enables the battery to be placed lower in the vehicle’s chassis, helping to achieve a low cargo floor, while drivers also benefit from improved handling and stability thanks to the vehicle’s lower centre of gravity. The lower cargo platform height also results in 16 per cent greater cargo volume.
Further enhancing stability during cornering and lane changes is the Farizon SV’s advanced suspension system. Featuring an independent dual wishbone front suspension set-up, a world-first on an electric van, with longitudinal rear leaf springs, the SV has been engineered to offer the comfort and handling of a passenger vehicle. This set-up offers greater lateral support during cornering, especially beneficial in terms of stability when the SV is fully loaded and has a higher centre of gravity. The suspension set-up also helps to lower the dynamic change rate in wheel alignment, helping to reduce tyre wear and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership for commercial users and fleet operators.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the Farizon SV, including a novel wheel design that reduces weight by 2.204 kg compared to standard steel wheels of the same size, lowering unsprung mass and improving tyre contact with the road to aid handling stability.
With many vans destined to spend time in urban environments, where the need to easily perform tight turns is paramount, the Farizon SV’s steering system provides optimal agility and manoeuvrability. It benefits from a turning circle of 12.2 metres on the L1 model, and 14.8 metres on the L3, with all offering a maximum steering angle of 39.5 degrees, and a steering response time of just 100 milliseconds. The level of steering assistance can be adjusted by the driver – from light and agile in Comfort Mode, to a heavier feel in Sport Mode for greater control at higher speeds using a mode selector button on the centre console.
The SV’s electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire (EHB) braking system offers a 4 kg weight saving compared to a conventional set-up, while delivering exceptional stopping power and rapid response times, providing drivers with added confidence behind the wheel. The SV can stop from 62 to zero mph in just 39 metres, compared to 45 metres for the class average. A higher level of integration between the braking system and the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system helps the SV react to driver inputs in just 150 milliseconds, down from 400 milliseconds of traditional set-ups. The system also offers unparalleled brake energy recovery efficiency, with a maximum recovery capability of 0.3 g, helping to increase range by five per cent over a typical urban driving cycle.
Independent of driving mode, drivers can choose from three levels of brake energy regeneration by using a switch on the centre console, with the strongest level enabling one pedal operation of the SV when safe and appropriate.
Born electric, with a cutting-edge powertrain
The Farizon SV’s three-in-one all-electric drive assembly has been developed to offer strong performance, a highly competitive range, and impressive energy efficiency. The flat modular packaging of the battery pack, which stands at 149 mm thick – a class-leading figure – and the integration of the electric drive and control systems, help to reduce weight and allows for an ultra-low cargo floor and maximum cargo volume.
Supplied by leading global battery supplier, CATL, UK-market vehicles will be offered with a choice of a 67 kWh or an 83 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, with a 106 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery also available for the L3 H3 model. The LFP batteries offer an optimal balance of safety, durability and reliability in high lifecycle urban use cases, all while delivering strong anti-decay characteristics. The NMC battery is ideal for higher mileage use cases, with energy density exceeding 180 Wh/kg, helping to contribute to the SV’s light weight.
Liquid cooling and heating help maintain optimum effectiveness of the batteries in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 40°C, while next-generation cell-to-pack (CTP-S) integration technology has achieved up to 75 per cent integration efficiency.
With short dwell times essential for commercial users and fleet operators, the Farizon SV offers competitive fast-charging capabilities of up to 140 kW. This allows a 20 to 80 per cent charge to take from just 36 minutes.
Further aiding convenience is the addition of a 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, enabling users to power tools from the vehicle’s battery via three UK-standard three-pin plug sockets in the load area or via the vehicle’s charging port using an adapter.
Power for the Farizon SV comes from a highly efficient HASCO Magna electric drive motor. Featuring an eight-layer flat wire configuration, the motor achieves maximum efficiency of 94.2 per cent, with majority of its operation achieving more than 90 per cent efficiency – an industry leading figure that helps maximise the SV’s range.
On the road, the front-wheel drive Farizon SV delivers an all-electric official WLTP range of up to 342 miles (city), and up to 247 miles (combined), depending on model and battery.
As well as impressive real-world range, the SV also delivers brisk performance, with peak power of 170 kW (231 PS) and maximum torque of 336 Nm. These outputs ensure responsive performance even when fully laden. Maximum speed is restricted to 83 mph, with a zero to 62 mph time of 12 seconds.
Drivers can choose their preferred driving characteristics by selecting from the Farizon SV’s three drive modes using the centre console mode switch button. Eco Mode manages power response and limits the maximum speed to achieve optimal driving efficiency, while Sport Mode delivers maximum performance and quicker accelerator responses. The default Comfort Mode provides a regulated balance between efficiency and sprightly performance.
Intelligent design for maximum cargo space and ease of use
The Farizon SV has been designed first and foremost to meet the diverse cargo carrying needs of commercial users and fleet operators with the highest load capacity in its class (between 5 and 20 per cent greater than the market leader), while providing a driving experience and ease of operation typical of a passenger car.
With a spacious three-seat layout across the range, the Farizon SV is available in L1 H1, L1 H2, L2 H2, L2 H3 and L3 H3 configurations, with each providing enough cargo carrying space for a wide variety of use cases. The smallest L1 H1 variant measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,980 mm in height and 1,980 mm in width, delivering a 6.95 m3 cargo volume and a maximum payload of between 1,265 and 1,350 kg depending on the battery fitted. At its most spacious, the L3 H3 derivative is 5,995 mm long, 2,500 mm in height and 1,980 mm wide, providing users with a 13 m3 cargo volume and a payload of 1,035 to 1,045 kg depending on battery option.
An innovative payload monitoring system, fitted as standard on all models, uses ride-height sensors used to calibrate the vehicle’s weight. Providing an accurate payload read-out on the LCD driver’s display helps drivers and fleet operators with peace of mind that they are meeting gross vehicle weight regulations. Overweight loads are alerted to the driver.
Farizon SV users also benefit from easy loading and unloading, with all models featuring an extra-low loading height of just 550 mm. Flexible loading eyes can be used to secure cargo, while a fixed bulkhead and hard-wearing plastic load floor liner are fitted as standard. Pre-drilled holes in the interior side panels make it easy for users to install shelves, racks or other interior fitments. By combining accessories such as multi-hole slots, pull rings, straps, and net bags with the anchor points in the cargo compartment on the floor, users can secure goods effectively, preventing displacement, collisions, or tipping during transit.
With no B-pillar to impede access on the nearside, driver and passengers also benefit from an 82- degree front door opening for easier ingress and egress. The pillarless bodyside combined with a 1,000 mm sliding side door opening on the L1 model and a 1,300 mm sliding side door opening on the L2 and L3 models presents users with a 1.8 metre-wide side opening on L1 and L2 models and a 2.1 metre- wide opening on the L3 model. Rear doors with a 270-degree opening angle are optional in place of the standard 180-degree layout, allowing for easy loading in tight spaces.
Distinctive styling; functional high-tech interior
The Farizon SV’s distinctive exterior and interior design embraces spacious and super lightweight philosophies, with a strong focus on ergonomics and practicality.
With styling influenced by Farizon’s ‘Urban Efficient Aesthetics’ design language, the SV features a clean, modern look. The front and rear feature distinctive LED light signatures, while an aerodynamically optimised body and a unique curved side profile ensures a low drag factor of just 0.29 Cd.
A range of exterior colours are available. In addition to the standard white finish, buyers can choose from optional Cyan, Black, Blue, Gold and Grey paint finishes, at a cost of £550 plus VAT.
For occupants, aside from achieving the highest standards for safety, the SV’s interior incorporates the latest technology for comfort, convenience and ease of use. To minimise driver distraction, physical buttons are retained on the dash and centre console for key functions, including air conditioning, driving modes and energy recovery. These measures aimed at reducing driver distraction are complemented by systems such as automatic headlights with Intelligent High Beam Control, Traffic Sign Interpretation (TSI), Hill Hold Control (HHC) and an advanced 360-degree surround view.
The heated multi-function steering wheel allows for easy and intuitive access to the Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Speech Assistant and answer / end call functions on the left spoke, and switchable control of either digital display on the right spoke.
Behind the steering wheel is a seven-inch full-colour digital driver display to present key instrument clusters, gauges and warning lights. Multiple combinations of key information can be easily configured by the driver via the steering wheel controls.
A 12.3-inch floating touchscreen is positioned at the top of the SV’s centre console and provides access to navigation, multimedia playback, online streaming, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, advanced air conditioning controls and the vehicle’s primary settings, including the ADAS systems. Powered by an advanced ECARX E02 chip shared with other Geely brands, including Lotus, Polestar and Volvo, the system provides quick response times to user inputs and a sharp screen resolution.
In order to minimise driver distraction, physical centre and side console buttons cover all core functions, including air conditioning, headlight height adjustment, drive mode selection, energy regeneration level, electronic stability control, front fog lights and vehicle-to-load mode.
Aiding interior comfort are standard-fit heated and ventilated seats for the driver and primary passenger, while a column-mounted gear shifter frees floor space, allowing a flat, step-through cabin, helping to enhance the feeling of space, and optimising the well-being of all three occupants.
Convenience features to make the daily workload easier include power side mirror adjustment, rain- sensing wipers, a heated windscreen and parking sensors front and rear, all of which are fitted as standard across the Farizon SV line-up.
Numerous storage cubbies and door pockets mean passengers have plenty of space to store items on the move. Multiple door cubbies and cup / mug holders along with centre console and under-seat areas provide complete flexibility. A USB Type-C port enables occupants to fast-charge portable devices at up to 60 W with an additional USB Type-A port for full compatibility.
Built-in safety
The Farizon SV is designed around a robust high-strength steel and hybrid aluminium-steel structure. The body is made from 70 per cent high strength steel, 10 per cent from press hardened steel, with the vehicle’s lower body made from a steel-aluminium hybrid mix. Aluminium alloys and plastics are used for the front bumper beam, sill beam, bonnet and partition. While inherently strong, the intelligent blend of materials has resulted in a 13 per cent weight saving, making the SV 38.5 kg lighter than its competitors, with the lightest body in its class.
Supporting the driver and ensuring superior safety is a comprehensive suite of intelligent, active and passive safety features, including:
o Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) / Urban/Highway Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) / Traffic Sign Interpretation (TSI)
o Forward Collision Warning (FCW) / Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
o Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) / Lane Keep Assist (LKA) / Emergency LaneKeeping Assist (ELKA) / Lane Change Assist (LCA)
o Forward Collision Warning (FCW) / Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) / Rear Collision Warning(RCW)
o Speed Limit Reminder (SLR) / Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
o Door Open Warning (DOW) / Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock
o Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
o Driver Monitoring System (DMS) / Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW)
o Hill Hold Control (HHC) / Hill Descent Control (HDC)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) / Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) / Antilock BrakingSystem (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Traction Control System (TCS) o Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
o 360° Surround View
o Driver and passenger airbags
o Full-size spare wheelReinforcing Farizon’s strong safety credentials is a Euro NCAP Platinum crash test rating, positioning the SV among the safest vans on sale in Europe, and the safest Chinese van the organisation has tested to date. Over 30 real-vehicle crash tests were undertaken during the SV’s development, with more than 70 crash test projects and hundreds of real-vehicle safety tests carried out by the development team. The SV has passed the EU’s frontal, offset, side and rear impact and pedestrian protection tests, with all crash performance metrics meeting EU regulatory requirements.
Specifications
Exterior
- Manual single sliding door (nearside as standard; offside no cost option)
- B-pillarless bodyside on sliding door side
- 180-degree rear doors
- LED headlights with automatic intelligent high beam control
- LED daytime running lights
- Front and rear fog lamps
- Power adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn indicators
- Heated front windscreen
- Automatic rain sensing wipersSafety / security
- Full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features
- Driver and primary passenger airbags
- Seatbelt reminder / alarms
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Door open warning
- Automatic door locking
- Overspeed alarm
- Automatic collision power-off system
- Automatic collision door opening system
- Electric parking brake with auto hold function
- Four-point front parking assistance
- Four-point rear parking assistance
- Keyless start system with smartkey
- Vehicle finder system with whistle / double-flash
- Immobiliser and alarm
- E-call+ emergency / rescue services alert systemInterior
- Three-seat configuration
- Driver’s seat heated and ventilated, four-way manually adjustable
- Primary passenger’s seat heated and ventilated
- Dual passenger seat four-way manually adjustable
- Heated multi-function steering wheel
- LCD driver instrument display
- Glove box
- 1 x 12v power outlet
- 2 x USB-C power outlets
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with access to…
o FM/AM/DAB radio
o Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling o 360-degree surround view display
o Wireless Apple Carplay integration- Two-speaker audio system
- Automatic air conditioning
- Electric windows with one-click raise / lower function
- Fixed rear compartment partitionCargo and towing
• Hard-wearing PVC cargo bay load liner
- Payload monitoring system, with display and alert on centre console touchscreenOptions
- Exterior paint finish: Cyan, Black, Blue, Gold and Grey: £550 + VAT
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) system (220 v / 3.3 kW): £500 + VAT
- Towing package, fitted (crossbar, towball, towing electrics module): £400 + VAT
- 270-degree rear doors: £300 + VAT