On the radar: 2024 Riddara RD6 electric ute confirmed for Australia as zero-emission Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux rival

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 John Mahoney 10281 Views geely, Radar, RD6

The 2024 Geely Radar RD6 dual-cab electric ute is set to go on sale in Australia, likely before the end of this year.

The anticipated arrival of the new RD6 – also known as the Riddara RD6 in international markets – comes following Geely Holding Group’s announcement that it will enter the Thai market in November 2024, paving the way for right-hand drive production.

In an online post the company has also confirmed it plans to launch in Australia as part of a header global push.

While listing Australia as a market it wants to expand in the Chinese manufacturing giant also said it would target Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, Thailand, the Middle East, Africa, New Zealand, Central and South America and “other countries and regions”.

Fuelling rumours Geely is gearing up for a local launch of the Riddara RD6 is the recent move to confirm its Zeekr brand for Thailand before confirming within days the premium EV brand was confirmed for our market.

It’s thought the battery-powered Ford Ranger- or Toyota HiLux-rivalling RD6’s announcement is now imminent after Geely posted this message on its Facebook channel: “Hello, Thailand! Riddara, the top-selling new energy pickup truck in China is arriving! Stay tuned for our grand show-off at the 41st Thailand International Motor Expo 2024!”

To prepare the ground for sales in markets such as Thailand, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, right-hand drive RD6 utes began rolling off Geely’s production line back in April.

Adding further fuel that Geely will launch the RD6 here, the Riddara name has already been trademarked for Australia, with an application made in June 2023.

There’s no word on what badging the all-electric ute will wear in our market, with it possible it could revert back to the Geely brand names.

Either way, it’s a very different ute to the Hiluxes and Rangers that dominate sales with more of a passenger car focus beneath the skin.

Rhe RD6 sits on a monocoque platform and is powered by a rear-mounted single electric motor that produces 200kW and 384Nm of torque, with the option of two battery capacities.

While entry versions get a 63kWh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 385km of range on the more lenient Chinese CLTC test cycle, there’s a larger 86kWh battery that is said to see the ute travel up to 571km before it needs plugging in.

Whichever you choose, both can hit 100km/h from rest in a claimed 7.6 seconds and can be fast charged from 30-80 per cent in a relatively lengthy 30 minutes. A peak charging rate has not been confirmed.

Measuring in at 5260mm long, 1900mm wide, 1865mm tall, with a 3120mm-long wheelbase the RD6 shares a footprint with the Isuzu D-Max dual-cab, although the Riddara can only carry a 755-775kg payload.

Towing is also limited to 2500kg.

Clawing back an advantage the RD6 should be among the best in its working class to drive, with McPherson-style struts up front and a coil-sprung multi-link rear-end.

When confirmed for our market the RD6 should be offered to Australian buyers in multiple trims, including a high-grade version with brushed aluminium trim, leather seats, sat-nav, a widescreen infotainment display, matrix LED headlights and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability that allows household appliances to be powered by the car.

When the Riddara RD6 lands here it will go head-to-head with the LDV eT60 and incoming 2025 BYD Shark and Kia Tasman as well as the existing Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux combustion-powered utes that dominate sales.

It’s thought, considering the Riddara RD6 less impressive payload and towing, Geely might aim its latest addition to its line-up towards the lifestyle end of the ute segment.