Electrically-powered pickup truck from Geely, the Riddara RD6 Pro, makes a comeback with a new electric flavor

New Zealand set to welcome its first fully electric ute: The Geely Riddara RD6

The automotive landscape of New Zealand is set for a shake-up with the arrival of the Geely Riddara RD6, the country's first fully electric ute. This innovative vehicle, poised to redefine expectations in the local ute market, will officially be available for test drives at dealerships from September 15th, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of October.

Manufactured by Capital Smart Motors (CSM), the Riddara RD6 is built on a dedicated EV platform and boasts a range of impressive features. At its heart, it is equipped with dual electric motors, offering a power output of 315kW and torque of 595Nm. This potent combination allows the Riddara to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 4.5 seconds, showcasing its sporty prowess.

The Riddara's design philosophy blends the comfort and dynamics of an SUV with the robust versatility of a traditional ute. A key highlight of its design is the cockpit, which is more car-like than any ute before, featuring ventilated front and rear seats for added comfort. The vehicle's interior also includes a large 14.6-inch "floating" infotainment touchscreen, providing an intuitive and modern user experience.

The Riddara's exterior is equally striking, with a 540-degree surround view monitor offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. This feature, coupled with an impressive torsional stiffness of 30,300Nm, ensures a stable and secure ride, whether on the road or off it.

Off-roading enthusiasts will appreciate the Riddara's seven drive modes, including multiple options specifically designed for off-road conditions. The vehicle's maximum gradability of 95 percent (43.5 degrees) and a wading depth of 815mm further underscore its off-road capabilities.

The Riddara's impressive performance is backed by a 73kWh battery, offering a range of 360km under the WLTP cycle. The vehicle also boasts a payload capacity of more than 1000kg and a tow rating of 3000kg, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of tasks.

The Riddara, also known as the Geely Radar in its home market, is not just a powerful and capable vehicle; it is also eco-friendly. With no emissions, it is an attractive option for those seeking a greener alternative without compromising on performance or versatility.

The Riddara will retail in New Zealand for $69,990, the same as the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6. This competitive pricing, combined with its unique features and capabilities, positions the Riddara as a compelling choice for those in the market for a new ute.

The Riddara's reveal took place at an event announcing the formation of NordEast, a new offshoot of the Giltrap Group, which will distribute the brand in New Zealand. Geely New Zealand brand manager Jordan Haines expressed his excitement about the Riddara's arrival, stating that it marks the return of the traditional ute, a pickup-style vehicle built on a monocoque car platform, which originated in Australia many decades ago and died out with the demise of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes.

Pre-sales for the Riddara are currently open, and those interested in experiencing this groundbreaking vehicle for themselves can look forward to test drives starting September 15th. With its blend of performance, versatility, and eco-friendliness, the Geely Riddara RD6 is set to redefine the New Zealand ute market.

Electrically-powered pickup truck from Geely, the Riddara RD6 Pro, makes a comeback with a new electric flavor