Riddara RD6 Debuts as South Africa’s First Electric Bakkie

South Africa is about to enter a new era of motoring. This May, Riddara RD6 (also known as the Radar Horizon in China) will make history as the country’s first-ever electric bakkie, officially approved for local sale through Enviro Automotive.

The RD6 isn’t just a new EV—it’s a bold statement from Geely’s electric commercial division, Radar, ahead of the brand’s return to South Africa. Built on Geely’s SEA platform, which underpins the popular Volvo EX30, the RD6 promises the rugged practicality of a bakkie with the clean, quiet efficiency of an electric powertrain.

Power Meets Practicality

At 5.26 meters long and over 1.9 meters wide, the RD6 is no lightweight. It features:

• A 1,030 kg payload

• 1,200-litre loadbin

• 3,000 kg towing capacity

• 225 mm ground clearance

• And even 70 litres of storage under the bonnet

This is no urban runaround—this is a true workhorse, designed for tough South African terrain.

Powertrains and Performance

Buyers will initially have two power options:

• Rear-wheel-drive: 200 kW / 384 Nm | 0–100 km/h in 7.3 seconds | 424 km range

• All-wheel-drive: 315 kW / 595 Nm | 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds | Same 424 km range

Both variants use a 73-kWh lithium-phosphate battery, supporting DC fast charging up to 110 kW—you’ll go from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Need to power tools or even your campsite? The RD6 offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability with up to 6 kW of output—turning your bakkie into a mobile generator.

Smart Tech, Inside and Out

While the rear-wheel-drive model includes solid features like:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

• 12.3-inch infotainment (Apple CarPlay, no Android Auto)

• LED lights, leather seats, reverse camera, and dual-zone climate

The all-wheel-drive RD6 ups the ante with:

• 14.6-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto

• Matrix LED headlights

• Transparent chassis camera

• 8-speaker audio

• Full suite of Level 2 autonomous driving tech: Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, and more

• Drive modes including Sand, Mud, Off-Road, and Wading

Local Support & Future Variants

According to Enviro Automotive CEO Gideon Wolfaardt, aftercare, parts, and servicing are already in place to ensure a smooth ownership experience.

More variants are also planned, including:

• A 63-kWh rear-wheel-drive model

• A 86-kWh four-wheel-drive version for even more range and power

Pricing hasn’t been released yet but is expected within the next few months.

Why It Matters

This launch is more than just another EV—it’s a game changer for South African drivers who want utility without the emissions. Whether you’re a contractor, farmer, or outdoor enthusiast, the RD6 offers practicality and performance with a sustainable edge.

South Africa’s electric motoring future is no longer on the horizon—it’s parked right in your driveway. The Riddara RD6 is proof that innovation can go off-road too.

{Source The Citizen}

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