The top-spec Geely Riddara RD6 is the quickest-accelerating bakkie in South Africa, with the ability to go from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Geely has officially launched the Riddara RD6 in South Africa, the country’s most affordable fully-electric double-cab bakkie.
The Riddara is being offered in three configurations in South Africa. The most affordable Aspire Econ 2WD model boasts a single rear-mounted motor producing 180kW and 309Nm of torque.
It can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in nine seconds. A 63kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack supports a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range of 369km.
That testing system is widely considered outdated and often delivers overly optimistic range estimates for South African driving conditions.
Converted for the more realistic Worldwide Harmonised Light Duty Testing Protocol (WLTP), the range should be closer to 314km with a mix of urban and highway driving.
The battery will take roughly 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% at 90kW DC charging speed. AC charging is capped at 6.6kW.
Priced at R611,900, the entry-level Riddara is South Africa’s most affordable electric bakkie. It is also R53,400 cheaper than the new Toyota Hilux.
The middle-of-the-range Aspire 4WD features two motors, four-wheel drive, and a combined output of 280kW and 485Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0km/h to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
It also boasts a larger 73kWh LiFePO4 battery capable of an NEDC range of 390km, converting to around 332km WLTP. It is priced at R681,900.
The top-end Apex 4WD model — priced at R781,900 — is the quickest bakkie in South Africa, with acceleration from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
That is thanks to a dual-motor setup with 315kW peak output and 595Nm torque. That makes it the second most powerful bakkie in the country, beaten only by the BYD Shark Performance.
The Apex model’s top speed is limited to 190km/h, while the Aspire models are capped at 160km/h. The Apex also gets a 73kWh battery, but it is capable of a 424km NEDC range.
The top-spec option also gets faster 110kW DC charging, although AC charging remains limited to 6.6kW. Models in a similar price range typically feature 11kW or 22kW AC charging.
All Riddara models support vehicle-to-load (V2L), but only the Apex gets a discharge panel with 220V sockets in the cargo bay.
Riddara RD6 Econ imported to South Africa by Enviro Automotive, now sold as the Riddara RD6 Aspire.
For drivers concerned about practicality on rougher terrain, the ground clearance on the 2WD model is 220mm, while the two 4WD versions are 225mm off the ground.
All three models can carry over one tonne of cargo in their bays. The 2WD model can tow up to 2.5 tonnes, while the 4WD models can tow up to 3 tonnes.
Aside from the clearance, and motor and battery capacities, the Aspire models have identical feature sets.
Standard safety features across the range include electronic Stability Control, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISO FIX child safety seat interfaces.
The Apex model boasts a wide range of convenience features not available on the two Aspire versions, including a 70-litre front trunk, a panoramic sunroof, and an Advanced Driver Assistance System.
As it packs six airbags, including curtain airbags, it will also be the only model that could achieve a 3-star or higher safety rating under Global NCAP tests, which require side head protection.
All models come with a 6-year/120,000km service plan, 6-year/150,000km warranty, and an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty.
FeatureAspire 2WDAspire 4WDApex 4WDPower output/torque180kW/309Nm285kW/485Nm315kW/595Nm0-100km/h acceleration9 seconds7 seconds4.5 secondsBattery and range63kWh
369km NEDC
73kWh
390km NEDC73kWh
424km NEDCCharging speed6.6kW AC
90kW DC6.6kW AC
90kW DC6.6kW AC
110kW DCExterior17-inch alloy wheels
Halogen headlights
LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
Aluminium roof luggage rack17-inch alloy wheels
Halogen headlights
LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
Aluminium roof luggage rack
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
LED daytime running lights
LED taillights
Panoramic openable sunroof
Side steps
Aluminium roof luggage rack
Convenience features8.8-inch instrument panel
8-inch central control screen
6-way powered adjustable driver’s seat
Apple CarPlay
Carbit Link Phone Mirror Link
8.8-inch instrument panel
8-inch central control screen
6-way powered adjustable driver’s seat
Apple CarPlay
Carbit Link Phone Mirror Link
10.2-inch instrument panel
6-way powered adjustable driver’s seat
4-doors one-touch control powered windows
Apple CarPlay
Carbit Link Phone Mirror Link
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic wipers
Cargo trunk light
Premium leather seats
Wireless charging pad
70-litre front trunkADAS——Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Blind spot detection
Door opening collision warning
Emergency lane keeping
Front vehicle departure reminder
Lane departure warning
Lane change assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Rear cross traffic braking
Rear collision warningAirbags246Other safety systemsElectronic Parking Brake
AutoholdElectronic Parking Brake
AutoholdElectronic Parking Brake
AutoholdGround clearance220mm225mm225mmLoading capacity1,115kg1,235kg1,030kgTowing capacity2,500kg3,000kg3,000kgWarranty6-year/150,000km on vehicle
8-year/200,000km on batteryService plan6-year/120,000kmPriceR611,900R681,900R781,900
