Farizon returns to this year’s EV Rally with its latest electric vans for logistics crew and its own team. Kate McLaren discusses the new V7E, busting EV myths, and how Farizon’s vans are challenging diesel on range, charging, payload and capability.

We are delighted that Farizon is joining us again on the EV Rally. Could you tell us what motivated you to return?

Last year, the EV Rally was a great opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Farizon SV to the great and the good of the fleet and commercial vehicle worlds. It was the first time the vans had been put through their paces in the UK, and they acquitted themselves very well. The data showed that each of the vans exceeded their official WLTP combined efficiency ratings, proving that they really do deliver in the real world.

This year we have our new medium-sized van joining the rally, the V7E, which we launched in April at the Commercial Vehicle Show. We look forward to further dispelling the common EV myths, and showcase how our latest generation born-electric vans can outperform diesels in capability, versatility, refinement and convenience.

Please tell us about team Farizon - who will be driving and in what vehicles?

Team Farizon will consist of a couple of familiar faces – but we’re keeping their identities under wraps for now – who will be driving two new V7E vans. Four of our SV large vans will be used by the event crew again this year as we’ve signed up once again to support the Rally as the Official Logistics Partner. It’s great to see the vans taking part in the Rally, and even better knowing that the event is running so smoothly thanks to a fleet of SVs working hard behind the scenes!

Do you anticipate any challenges on the EV Rally, especially given you will be in vans? If so, what strategies do you plan to use to overcome them?

In terms of the capabilities of the vans, I see no issues whatsoever.

I think the only challenge we faced last year was that some of the charging bays at smaller charging stations were designed for cars and not vans. That was a year ago, though, and I know a lot of charge point operators have improved their spacings and there are more larger charging hubs being installed across the country with better provision for vans designed in from the outset.

There will also be a focus on trucks this year, with visits to some new e-HGV charging hubs in the UK. Why does this matter?

The transport industry is a key part of what makes our economy grow, so anything that lowers the carbon footprint of the industry is a positive change. Many transport firms operate a variety of vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and it’s crucial that the experience for firms transitioning to electric is a positive one, whichever vehicles in their feet they start with. 

This year's rally theme is busting EV myths and misinformation. Is there a particular myth that you would like to challenge on the rally?

I think three main myths that we want to bust are that electric vans take a long time to charge, have very little range, and have limited payload. Those are outdated perceptions, because the rapid pace of innovation and progress means that the latest generation electric vans have overcome those compromises. The Farizon SV and V7E are born-electric vans, designed to be electric from the outset, and boast load-hauling capabilities, refinement, range and fast-charging times that make them more than a match for the equivalent diesels for the vast majority of operations.

The V7E has a range of up to 204 miles (WLTP combined), offers a 20-80 per cent charge time in as little as 18 minutes, and delivers a payload of up to 1,338kg. The SV has a range of up to 247 miles (WLTP combined), can charge from 20-80 per cent in just 36 minutes, and has a payload of up to 1,350kg. Both vans are compelling propositions for both sole traders and fleets.

Please tell us about Farizon's future plans – any exciting launches on the horizon?

We have just launched our SV Sport, which is an exciting addition to the Farizon range in the UK. It’s been converted by CPD Bodies, our authorised converter and also one of our growing number of dealer partners. The SV Sport is loaded with stylish enhancements designed and manufactured in Britain, and is also available in a selection of bold new colours. It gives buyers further scope to stand out from the crowd.

Beyond that, we’re working on a number of further exciting variants and enhancements to broaden the appeal and available use cases for our vans, but we’re not quite ready to announce them. Watch this space!

^{Kate McLaren is head of marketing and sales operations at Farizon Auto UK.}