The very first Farizon V7E medium electric van in the UK has joined the hire fleet at Shire Link.

The family-run business opted for the vehicle after testing similar-sized electric vans and selected the V7E for its range, payload and value. The latest addition to the firm’s hire fleet will be available to rent immediately, and is forecasted to cover between 15,000 and 20,000 miles a year.

The city-focused V7E, which debuted at the Commercial Vehicle Show in April, delivers cargo space of 6.95m3, a payload of up to 1,338kg and an ultra-low loading height of 500mm.

Priced from £28,000 (excl. delivery charge, VAT, VED, first registration fee and the Plug-in Van Grant), the V7E is available with 50kWh and 67kWh battery options, delivering up to 204 miles of WLTP combined range.

Matt Magee, managing director at Shire Link, said: “This is our first fully electric van, and we see it as the starting point for expanding our EV offering. Over time, we aim to introduce more fully electric vehicles to gradually replace our existing diesel fleet.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing our own customers experience the benefits of driving an electric van. I don’t doubt the word will quickly spread.”

The vehicle was handed over by Stockton-on-Tees dealer CPD Farizon North East.

Calum James, general manager at Farizon Auto UK, commented: “The V7E has been built for business, so it’s great to know that the first model to hit the streets is going to be put hard to work carrying out a wide range of duties. This is the first step in what I’m sure will be a successful rollout of vans across the country.”