Chinese automotive giant Geely has launched its electric utility vehicle, the Riddara RD6, in New Zealand, setting its price at NZ$69,990 (approximately A$63,350) before on-road costs. This pricing aligns it with the popular BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, which is gaining traction in the region. The first customer deliveries of the RD6 are set to begin in September.
Geely confirmed last year that the RD6 would be available in international markets, including Australia, where it will be marketed as the Riddara RD6 due to a trademark issue that prevents the use of the name ‘Radar’ as it is known in China. This dual-cab electric ute enters the market at a competitive price point, comparable to the mid-range diesel-powered Ford Ranger XLT dual-cab 4×4, which could position it as a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle segment.
Should the RD6 launch in Australia at a similar price, it will become the most affordable all-electric ute available in the country. Currently, the only electric ute on the Australian market is the LDV eT60, which debuted in 2022 with a starting price of $92,990 before on-road costs. The eT60 is set to be replaced soon by the four-wheel drive LDV eTerron 9, while more electric options, such as the Isuzu D-Max EV, are also on the horizon.
The RD6 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that generates a total output of 315 kW, allowing for a remarkable 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.5 seconds. It is powered by a 73 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, boasting a claimed WLTP range of 360 km. Other markets will also offer single-motor variants and a selection of battery options, including smaller LFP batteries and larger nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries with capacities up to 100 kWh.
A notable distinction of the RD6 compared to other electric utes, including the eT60 and the plug-in hybrid alternatives like the Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, is its construction on a car-like monocoque platform rather than a more rugged ladder frame. Despite this, the New Zealand version of the RD6 boasts a maximum payload capacity of 1,030 kg and a braked towing capacity of 3,000 kg, which is lower than Australia’s most popular diesel utes but surpasses that of the Shark 6.
The name Riddara was officially trademarked by Geely in Australia in March 2023. The RD6 is expected to join the existing Geely lineup available through the Geely Auto Australia dealer network, which includes the mid-size electric SUV Geely EX5 and the plug-in hybrid SUV Starray EM-i. Geely also owns several other auto brands, such as Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Zeekr, distributed in New Zealand by the Giltrap Group’s new NordEast division.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, the arrival of the Riddara RD6 underscores a growing trend towards more affordable electric options, with potential implications for both consumers and the automotive industry.
