Halfway through 2025, the new energy commercial vehicle market has been thriving with a significant growth trend. Among them, the new energy VAN market has performed prominently, with 144,217 units sold in the first half of the year alone, a year-on-year increase of 22.5%. Behind the excitement and buzz of the new energy VAN market, there is always an undercurrent of enthusiasm and restlessness among major automakers. Recently, in the public notice of the Announcement on Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products (Batch 397) released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, multiple new energy VAN models from various automakers have made their debut, as if a spectacular “battle of legendary vehicles” is about to unfold.
Among these new models, the quietly unveiled Foton’s all-new pure electric VAN – Forland U7 – has caught the author’s attention. Based on the currently announced information, this new pure electric VAN product shines in terms of space, power, and appearance. At a time when innovation in pure electric VANs has fallen into a template, can Forland U7 become the “catfish” that breaks the market balance? Let’s explore further.
Ample Space, Practical Loading Capacity
As “large space” becomes a key focus for new energy VANs, Forland U7’s space performance is equally impressive. Announcement parameters show that the Forland U7 has a body size of 4905mm × 1810mm × 1960mm, with a wheelbase of 3100mm. It is estimated that the cargo compartment volume exceeds 7 cubic meters, making its loading capacity stand out among models of the same class. Considering actual usage scenarios, it can meet the loading needs of goods such as fresh cold chain products, agricultural trade goods, hardware building materials, furniture, and home appliances.
Notably, the new Forland U7 will be available in 4-seat and 6-seat versions. The rear seats adopt a headrest-free integrated design, and the backrest can be folded forward. When folded forward，a huge and flat cargo space is formed from the second row to the rear of the vehicle. This extra-large space is more than enough to hold several large moving boxes, or even a super-sized refrigerator. This is sufficiently attractive for users who need to carry both people and occasional large items.
Impressive Power, Strong Enough for Heavy Loads and Climbs
The commercial nature of new energy VANs determines their need for high load capacity and strong power performance. No one wants insufficient power when transporting heavy loads, climbing slopes, or crossing obstacles. Announcement information shows that the Forland U7 is equipped with a drive motor with a maximum power of 100kW, and the declared maximum speed is 100km/h – practical and sufficient for a pure electric VAN.
Navigating through morning rush hour traffic or needing to accelerate to overtake, the 100kW peak power is fully capable, ensuring the vehicle doesn’t feel sluggish. Even when fully loaded, climbing a basement slope or crossing a small obstacle, the power reserve will give drivers greater peace of mind.
Striking Appearance, Stylish and Eye-Catching
Appearance is also a form of productivity – after all, everyone has an appreciation for beauty. A pure electric VAN with unique design aesthetics is bound to showcase distinctive visual economics and commercial value.
From the publicly announced exterior images of the Forland U7, the overall design adopts a minimalist language, but with clever details. The optimized body lines not only effectively reduce wind resistance but also give the vehicle a sense of futurism and style through smooth curves, breaking the stereotypical “clunky” image of traditional VANs.
The horizontal chrome grille on the front face is highly recognizable, paired with rounded headlights and strip-shaped daytime running lights. The “FORLAND” logo on the hood is clearly visible even from a distance. The through-type taillights and smoked LED headlights enhance the vehicle’s sense of technology and fashion. This design not only caters to the aesthetic preferences of young users but also highlights the vehicle’s sophistication and practicality.
The new energy VAN market is never short of followers; what it lacks is a disruptor that down – to – earth creates real value for users. As the market continues to be trapped in parameter competition, a “catfish” that dares to break the rules and return to users’ essential needs is the core driving force for the industry’s continuous evolution. Forland U7 is like this “catfish” – in terms of appearance, space, and power performance as revealed in the announcement, it takes practical value as the ultimate goal, awakening innovation and evolution in the practical value of the pure electric VAN market. We’ll have to wait for details on Forland U7’s specific configurations and price, but it’s sure to have more impressive features, making it well worth the anticipation.
