The Ford Transit has been one of the go-to vans for many decades, but in the age of electrification, a subsidiary of Geely wants a piece of the pie. Farizon Auto gives us a first look at its new electric van, known as the SV. While Lamborghini might not be too happy with that name, sales are scheduled to start in the first half of 2025.

Farizon is first introducing the SV in the UK and will sell it through Jameel Motors, the nation’s local Geely distributor. It’s been designed to meet the needs of European fleets and, according to the firm, has completed more than one million miles of testing, getting it ready for its market launch. Pricing details have not yet been announced.

Read: Zeekr Mix Electric Minivan Aspires To Rival The VW ID.Buzz

Underpinning the electric van is a modular architecture that includes ‘cell-to-pack’ technology, boosting battery capacity by 10%, improving body rigidity by 20%, and reducing weight by 4%. Shoppers will be able to choose between 67 kWh and 83 kWh battery packs at launch, while a 106 kWh battery will follow at a later date. Three different lengths and three body heights will also be available, ensuring companies can get the perfect-sized van for their needs.

The Farizon SV is the first van of its kind to use dual-redundancy drive-by-wire for the steering and braking systems. According to the company, this doesn’t just reduce stopping distances and improve steering response, but it also helps to increase load capacity and reduce weight by 8%. It’s expected to have load capacities ranging from 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg) to 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg), depending on the configuration. Cargo capacity will also vary between 6.9 cubic meters and 13 cubic meters.

A peek inside the cabin reveals that it’s quite basic, but that’s to be expected of a commercial van like this. The key standout is a large infotainment screen on the dashboard, joined by a digital instrument cluster. The SV also features a center front seat.

VW recently launched the GTX performance flagship trim of the ID.Buzz, but what about buyers of the Cargo version who want something sportier? The answer lies in an optional accessory package that dresses the LCV with a cool bodykit while dropping the bland panel-val looks with the help of fake windows.

At first, we thought that the pictured van was the work of an aftermarket company, but it turns out it is an option offered by VW Netherlands. The “glass-look panels” make the ID.Buzz Cargo look like the passenger version of the ID.Buzz with tinted windows. These don’t serve any functional purpose as they are applied on top of the body-colored panels of the LCV.

Review: VW ID.Buzz Is The Coolest Minivan On The Block, But There’s A Catch

Another interesting option is the Styling package, which includes a pronounced front splitter, protective side skirts, and a fancy rear spoiler. The bodykit can be optionally combined with the Red Accent package, adding a bit of color to the front bumper and the mirror caps, alongside a protector for the rear bumper.

VW also offers individual customization options, including different designs of 20-inch alloy wheels, black badges, high-gloss mirrors, and a black finish for the area around the bumper intakes. The latter makes a big difference in the design, looking more aggressive than the ID.Buzz GTX. Finally, the interior can be upgraded with a “hard-wearing and animal-friendly eco-leather” upholstery.

Photos of the customized ID.Buzz Cargo had appeared online a few months ago, but the packages were just made available in the Netherlands. Setting aside the LCV-specific glass-look panels, the accessories are also available for the regular ID.Buzz.

In terms of powertrains, the VW ID.Buzz Cargo is available with three options. The single-motor RWD versions produce 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) respectively, while the dual-motor AWD model is good for a GTX-matching 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).

If you’re wondering about the cost of the visual upgrades, you’ll need €1,795 ($1,900) for the Styling package, €1,790 ($1,900) for the 20-inch alloy wheels, €695 ($740) for the glass-look panels, €495 ($520) for the Red Accent package, and €305 ($320) for the black badges.

Adding it all up, the sporty treatment will set you back €5,080 ($5,400), on top of the price of the VW ID.Buzz Cargo that starts from €39,990 ($42,500) in the Netherlands.

VW Netherlands

Toyota is pressing forward with its electric Hilux project, unveiling a new prototype built for Australian roads. This Hilux BEV double-cab marks Toyota’s first venture into the all-electric utility truck market, developed in partnership with mining giant BHPP. This zero-emissions workhorse isn’t just for show, as it’s set for a full-year trial in the unforgiving conditions of Australia’s mining operations. Toyota’s goals is gather raw, unfiltered data to shape the future production model and demonstrate that an electric Hilux can meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty work.

The original Toyota Hilux BEV concept was unveiled in Thailand in December 2022, featuring a single-cab bodystyle. The new prototype is based on a double chassis-cab Hilux, and it looks just like the ICE-powered version, albeit with a charging port on the front fender. Toyota’s given it a few extra touches too, like a fortified front bumper with embedded LEDs and a sturdy bull bar.

More: Toyota Hilux Transforms Into A 6×6 Military Truck Ready For Battle

BHP will deploy this new BEV prototype at Port Hedland, one of the world’s largest iron ore hubs, situated in Western Australia. For the next 12 months starting in late November, it’ll replace diesel trucks across a “range of applications”. This is no gentle proving ground; if the Hilux BEV can survive here, it can survive almost anywhere.

Toyota is keeping the powertrain details close to its chest. In fact, nearly two years after debuting the concept, we’re still in the dark about the motor’s power output, battery capacity, and expected range.

Matthew Callachor, President and CEO of Toyota Australia said: “Toyota has long advocated a multi-pathway approach towards decarbonization, and when we do something, we want to make sure we do it right”, adding that the trial will provide valuable insights for testing in “harsh and demanding mining environments.”

Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Australia, added: “Our ambition to electrify our light vehicle fleet and lower greenhouse gas emissions across our operations depends on enabling technology that can only be achieved through collaborations like this, with leading suppliers like Toyota. With around 5,000 light vehicles at our sites across Australia, we look forward to putting the Battery Electric HiLux through its paces and seeing the potential it can bring, not only to reduce diesel use in mining but eventually for all HiLux drivers too”.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Toyota Australia and BHP in August 2023 to collaborate in safety, engineering, and product development, towards decarbonization.

Electric Hilux For Mining And Private Use

This is not the first time we hear about a fully electric Hilux aiming to replace diesel-powered trucks in mining facilities. Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced an AU $1 billion (US $700 million) deal for building 8,500 EVs over the next five years, based on the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser. A similar project for a BEV-converted Hilux had been under development since 2022 by the Australian-based startup ROEV, before being scrapped in 2024 due to limited funding.

As for factory-backed programs, Toyota began testing ten FCEV prototypes of the Hilux in the UK in mid-2024, after unveiling a hydrogen prototype in September 2023.

More importantly, the first commercially available version of the fully electric truck will arrive by the end of 2025. The BEV will initially roll out in Thailand and could be followed by other markets, including Europe.

The eighth generation of the Toyota Hilux has been around since 2017 with subsequent facelifts in 2020, and 2024. This makes us believe that the fully electric variant could be based on the next-generation model. Depending on the market, the BEV will join more traditional diesel and mild-hybrid powertrain options.