The Radar electric utility vehicle (ute), developed by Chinese automotive giant Geely and set to be launched in Australia under the name “Riddara,” is expected to reach local showrooms by the end of this year—barring any unforeseen delays.
Although both the all-electric and the newly revealed plug-in hybrid variants of the RD6 are being considered for Australia, it has yet to be confirmed which model—or if both—will be part of the initial launch. The RD6 is built on a platform derived from passenger cars rather than the traditional, rugged ladder-frame design commonly seen in utes, emphasizing comfort and on-road performance. Due to a trademark conflict with the Radar tyre brand, the vehicle will be sold in Australia under the Riddara name. While Riddara is technically a separate branding effort, the company may collaborate with Geely’s newly established Australian dealership network, which has already launched the EX5 electric SUV in the country.
In terms of size, the RD6 is similar to the Toyota HiLux, measuring 5260mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1865mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3120mm. The tub offers internal dimensions of 1525mm in length, 1425mm in width, and 540mm in height—slightly smaller than what’s offered in a HiLux or Ford Ranger. Powertrain options include a single 200kW/385Nm rear electric motor for rear-wheel-drive versions, with either 63kWh or 73kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, delivering estimated NEDC ranges of 373km and 461km respectively. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations offer a significant boost in performance, generating 422HP and 595Nm and pairing with either a 73kWh LFP or an 86kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. Claimed ranges for these variants are 424km and 455km respectively under NEDC testing, although real-world ranges based on WLTP standards are expected to be lower.
A plug-in hybrid version of the RD6 was also revealed in Shanghai, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor and LFP battery, offering a total driving range of around 1000km in hybrid mode. The RD6’s capabilities include a wading depth of up to 500mm for rear-drive versions, rising to 815mm for all-wheel-drive variants. Towing capacity is rated at 2500kg for rear-drive and 3000kg for AWD, with a uniform payload capacity of 1030kg across the electric lineup. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is estimated at 7.3 seconds for rear-drive and just 4.5 seconds for AWD models.
Charging speeds vary by battery size: 90kW for the 63kWh, 110kW for the 73kWh, and 100kW for the 86kWh battery, enabling a 30–80 percent charge in roughly 30–32 minutes. Standard features available in Thailand include a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and ventilated seats, and synthetic leather upholstery. While the RD6 does not offer locking differentials or a low-range gearbox, the AWD variants include multiple off-road traction-control modes.
Specific details, such as pricing and model variations for the Australian market, remain under wraps. However, considering the pricing structure in Thailand—ranging from approximately AU\$42,000 for the base rear-wheel-drive model with a 63kWh battery to AU\$60,500 for the top-spec all-wheel-drive version with an 86kWh battery—Australian pricing is expected to be competitive. This could potentially make the RD6 the most affordable electric ute available locally, notably undercutting competitors like the Deepal E07, which starts at AU\$64,900.
More detailed information on the Riddara RD6 is expected to emerge closer to its anticipated Australian release later this year.