Farizon Auto: Big Plans with Heavy and Light Trucks

E-commercial vehicles are already running successfully in China

Light trucks and vans are already a reality in China, such as the Xingxiang V, an electrically driven three-tonner in VW Transporter dimensions, with a 42 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the 3.5-ton small truck Fengrui F 3 E with flatbed or tipper structure (62 kWh battery, 310 km range) as well as the 8-ton light truck Xingzhi H9E, available in two lengths, which should have a range between 260 and 390 kilometers with a 106 or 162 kWh battery and offers between 21 and 35 cubic meters of volume. The manufacturer even has an electrically driven 12-meter city bus with CATL batteries (350/422 kWh) in its portfolio with the Xingji C12E.

The provider is also flirting with a battery swapping system for the truck sector, following the example of the Chinese competitor Nio, and sees it as the fastest way to replace energy. In China, the manufacturer has already installed the first battery swap stations with local energy supply from sun and wind, which can be set up in 48 hours and dismantled in 24 hours. A battery swap reportedly takes three minutes, with up to 200 swap procedures per day possible. The system is supposed to handle up to 50,000 charging cycles.

Methanol synthesis as an alternative

Additionally, the manufacturer claims to conduct the "world's most advanced green methanol synthesis through CO2 hydrogenation technologies" to revolutionize the carbon cycle in commercial vehicles. Farizon's independently developed CO2 capture and purification technology recovers CO2 from industrial exhaust gases. The ETL technology enables one-step synthesis of green methanol using CO2 and H2 as raw materials. Innovatively, methanol is produced together with LNG to ensure that all active gas is fully utilized. Farizon has the world's largest industrial production facility for methanol synthesis through CO2 hydrogenation, the Anyang Green Methanol Factory. Four engines have been developed, with the last test drives completed in Denmark by the end of 2022. The company has already started with range extender technology in a refrigerated truck in China, where it sees itself as a leader.

The heavy-duty long-distance truck Homtruck is set to succeed with Level 4 technology and a front cab, equipped with sensors such as lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasonic radar, along with 5G and V2X communication. The Homtruck is also supposed to stay updated with software upgrades over the air (OTA). Going a step further is the fully autonomous Homtruck Cabless, designed for fixed routes or operation in closed hubs. Based on satellite connections for China-based customers, the aim is to ensure high-precision centimeter-accurate positioning and satellite communication at any time and anywhere, ensuring safe operation in complex environments and remote areas. All these plans are to be implemented in stages, with Level 3 by 2023 and Level 4 by 2026, reaching full realization by 2030.