Farizon Auto is aiming to have the truck on the road by 2024
Geely Holding Group’s commercial vehicle brand, Farizon Auto, has unveiled its next generation multi-choice drive system semi-truck, the Homtruck, with production and first deliveries said to be planned for early 2024.
Farizon Auto says that when first deliveries begin, the Homtruck will be one of the most advanced and cleanest commercial vehicles on the road which focuses on efficiency, driver and pedestrian safety, and boasts major breakthroughs in sustainable powertrains, and it’s this last point which is the most intriguing.
While many manufacturers are focusing either on electric (at least for the short term) or hydrogen, Farizon Auto says its Homtruck’s architecture has the potential option of carrying a number of powertrain options including range extender, methanol hybrid and pure electric with battery swapping option allowing the Homtruck to be charged at service stations in minutes rather than a substantial amount of time, much like Janus Electric’s converted trucks.
“Farizon Auto’s Homtruck is the result of the synergies between Geely Holding’s technological expertise and its partners in the global automotive industry.
The Homtruck represents a significant move towards a net zero-carbon freight transportation system and opens the door to a new era for the logistics industry”. says chairperson of Geely Holding Group, Eric Li.
Farizon Auto says the Homtruck is named after the original aspiration of its creators to make a prime mover that feels like home, meeting the living and emotional needs of its drivers.
Prime mover drivers around the world spend an inordinate amount of time in their vehicles, often more so than they do at home.
The mobile space created by the Homtruck integrates “work, life, and entertainment”, satisfying the vital needs of its driver.
Driver comfort has been brought forward as a major incentive to increase vehicle safety with the theory that well-rested drivers are more attentive and more focused.
Based on analysis of driver working conditions and itinerary, Farizon Auto is said to have designed a cockpit that applies the concept of home and optimizes space to create a driving and a living area.
The design includes a bathroom complete with a shower and toilet, single bed, refrigerator, tea maker, kitchen, and even a small washing machine.
The ergonomic seat design and high-definition camera aim to ensure drivers are well-rested and well-focused, whereas an intelligent AI assistant coupled with full 360-degree cameras help to keep the driver aware of any issues around the vehicle whilst in motion or whilst stationary.
Inside the Homtruck’s cabin, designers have applied natural soft-touch fabrics, sustainable plastics, and bamboo grain materials with a view to creating a healthy eco-friendly environment, which, it says, is inspired by the peaceful bamboo forests of China.
Within a growing number of selected routes, the Homtruck will be able to utilise L4 hands-off autonomous drive functions and will also introduce convoying features for longer journeys which allow trucks to communicate with each other to maintain safe speed and distance that will lower operator stress levels.
Hardware sensors such as LIDAR, millimetre-wave radar, ultrasonic radar will be standard equipment along with 5G and V2X communication.
The Homtruck will also be fully capable of being upgraded overtime using Over the Air (OTA) software upgrades.
Much like Tesla’s Semi, the Homtruck is a wait-and-see proposition for Australian roads.