Geely Holding Group has confirmed a battery electric vehicle (BEV) dual cab ute for Thailand, indicating an announcement for Australia and New Zealand may be imminent
The 2024 Geely Radar RD6 (the Riddara RD6 in markets outside China) will be in Thailand’s right-hand drive market in November this year, the group says.
The group’s Zeekr luxury EV brand has been confirmed for Australia and New Zealand a week after its Thailand introduction.
Geely says on social media the Riddara RD6 will be released in Thailand this November, after its launch at the 41st Thailand International Motor Expo, November 28-December 10.
The ‘Riddara’ name was secured for use in Australia by Geely.
Its electric powertrain is based around a single 200kW power 384Nm torque electric motor and two battery options with different capacities, says Carsales.com.au.
It says the entry-level power source is a 63kWh lithium-ion battery with 385km range China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), while a 86kWh battery has a claimed 517km range (CLTC).
Both can do zero to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can be fast charged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes when using DC power, although a maximum charge rate hasn’t been revealed, says Carsales.com.au.
It says the export-spec RD6 is 5260mm long, 1900mm wide, 1865mm high and rides on a 3120mm wheelbase, making it about the same size as a Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX dual cab.
Ground clearance is put at 220mm, braked towing capacity at 2500kg and payload at between 755kg-775kg, depending on the battery pack.
MacPherson suspension struts are in front and a coil-sprung multi-link at the rear.
Multiple grades and trims are likely to be offered along with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, says Carsales.com.au.
Other BEV dual cab utes are expected in New Zealand and Australia within the next few years, including versions of the 2025 BYD Shark, Kia Tasman and the Toyota Hilux.
