Farizon, the Geely subsidiary, has not yet taken off in Germany, but the new commercial vehicle brand is starting up in more Euro-markets within the group. It plans to roll out a portfolio ranging from small transporters to heavy trucks, driven alternatively, mostly battery-electric, but also equipped with methanol range extender drives in the truck segment, worldwide.
Further details about market entry are expected to follow at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show (April 29-May 1). Recently, the Chinese announced the launch in the Czech Republic, Serbia, as well as in the UK and Spain. A potential overlap with the portfolio or interests of the other Geely commercial vehicle subsidiary LEVC (London Taxi) and their ambitious van plans is not addressed by the manufacturer. It would be plausible for LEVC to focus on passenger transport, particularly the growing segment of luxury shuttles, with models like the L380.
Farizon is set to start with two models in the popular segments up to 2.8 and 3.5 tons of the midsize and large vans, the V6E and the SV. According to a Czech press release, the V6E is a compact van with a total weight of 2.7 tons, offering a payload of 1,070 kilograms and a cargo volume of six cubic meters despite being purely electric. The
interior dimensions of the panel van are 2,800×1,730×1,320 mm (LxWxH), indicating good space utilization.
Rear-wheel drive in the small van, compact battery
A space-saving rear-wheel drive, which is powered by a small 42-kWh LFP battery from the Chinese battery giant CATL, is also intended to contribute to this. The range is thus 195 kilometers according to WLTP and 265 kilometers according to WLTP City. So much confidence is placed in this setup that a warranty of 300,000 kilometers and six years is granted in the Czech Republic.
The E-van is equipped with an anti-slip aluminum floor, half-height side and ceiling cladding, standard 270-degree opening rear doors, a 10-inch touchscreen with a reversing camera in the cabin, a smartphone interface for data transfer, and heated and ventilated seats and steering wheel. In the Czech Republic, the model starts at around 29,000 euros, about the level of a Kia PV5 or Ford E-Transit Courier, which is indeed a statement.
Supervan comes in six body styles
The "Supervan" SV, announced as the first model as early as 2023, is then positioned higher, functioning as a classic 3.5-tonner. Styled by Renault Trucks designer Hervé Bertrand, it is tailored specifically for European customers. In terms of safety, the manufacturer already claims a top rating with the EuroNCAP Platinum
ranking for the vehicle. The N1 transporter is expected to offer a wide range of body and battery options and achieve the best net payload values in its class. Six versions are available (L1-L3 and H1-H3) with an exterior length of 5 to 6 meters and cargo volumes from 6.7 m³ to 13 m³. Unlike the smaller model, the Supervan relies on front-wheel drive. The payload is expected to range from 1,480 kg (6.7 m³) to 1,070 kg (13 m³), a high value for a fully electric vehicle.
LFP and NCM batteries
The weight is said to have been reduced through advanced battery technology (LFP and NCM) and the so-called drive-by-wire platform, where conventional hydraulic and mechanical systems (such as steering, brakes, and throttle control) are replaced by electric wires. This approach is intended to significantly reduce the number of moving parts and weight, while also increasing steering precision and overall efficiency. This promises a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional construction.
Five battery sizes to choose from
A dense range of battery options is intended to cover a wide variety of applications. The spectrum ranges from 49 through 66/67 kWh to 83 kWh and up to a long-range 106 kWh battery. This is intended to cover not only urban
use but also long-distance traffic. The range according to WLTP is between 200 and 359 km, and between 262 and 551 km in the city, which does not yet speak for excessive efficiency of the drive.
The general warranty for the SV model is 5 years or 200,000 km, while the warranty for the battery is 8 years or 200,000 km. In the interior, high quality is to be offered according to Geely's standards, along with practical design and numerous storage options.
Ample equipment
Equipment includes leather seats with heating and ventilation, a heated multifunction steering wheel, and a 7-inch instrument display. The center console is equipped with a high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD smart display, supporting multimedia playback, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity, and quick vehicle function settings. Additionally, an AVM panoramic monitor is available, combining four video images into a complete view. The vehicle's sales price with a cargo space of 6.9 m³, excluding VAT, starts at just under 41,000 euros in the Czech Republic.
Last but not least, the manufacturer promises the lowest total operating costs in the competition. But new players like Kia, Flexis, or Maxus promise that as well, not to mention already established electric brands like Ford. The key to success will probably be the establishment of a service and sales
