Remember the opposition small business spokesperson Sussan Ley claims, electric utes don’t exist. Well since then, LDV has announced an electric ute for the local market, and now a new contender from Volvo parent Geely hints at a new wave of cheaper electric ute options. Chinese automaker Geely officially released a new car brand named RADAR. The company announced it is starting pre-sales of the RD6 today with the first vehicles already leaving the factory in preparation for deliveries.
With the prices starting at RMB 180,000 or $38,900 AUD at current exchange rates, the truck seems like a tempting option.
The Radar brand is Geely's answer to the US brand Rivian, which could be part of it completing its aggressive sales plan for the next few years.
Geely announced its "Smart Geely 2025" strategy on October 31 last year, aiming for total sales of 3.65 million units by 2025.
Radar is a fully capable independent brand with its own R&D facility in Hangzhou and a fully equipped EV production facility in Zibo, Geely said.
It is developing a complete portfolio of electric lifestyle vehicles, including pickups and SUVs as well as ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and other lifestyle products, Geely previously said.
The Radar RD6 is based on Geely's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) electric platform and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 7 seconds with a range of up to 600 kilometers, Geely previously said.
Radar today announced more specifications for the RD6, showing that the model is equipped with a 200 kW electric drive and has a maximum 120 kW fast charging capability.
Radar RD6 is not a full size pickup truck - it is only 5.2 meters long, that’s nearly 70 cm shorter than Ford F-150 Lightning. It is shorter than a Ford Ranger and about the same size as a VW Amarok - clearly, it’s more of a lifestyle pickup truck than a true workhorse.
Radar dimensions
5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm model, 1,830 mm high, wheelbase of 3,120 mm.
DC Charging info
The Radar R6 also has 120kW DC fast charging capability allowing it to add 120km range in 15mins.
A company as large as Geely Automotive which owns brands like Polestar and Volvo cars is already supplying EVs to the Australian market. This makes it even more likely that we may see a similar EV ute by Geely like the Radar R6 hitting our shores in the next 24 months.
Whilst many have openly doubted the EV potential in Australia, and have stated Australia's favourite vehicle segments are not available, well has to say, watch this space as this can only be a positive sign of what’s to come as the variety of EV segments become available over the next few years.
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