Geely Auto South Africa has officially added the Riddara RD6 electric bakkie to its range, with the flagship derivative boasting 315 kW. Here’s a look at local pricing…
- Riddara RD6 officially launches in SA
- Trio of double-cab variants on offer
- Flagship Apex AWD makes 315 kW
Geely Auto South Africa has expanded its local portfolio with the official introduction of the Riddara RD6 electric bakkie, offering this unibody double cab in a trio of outputs – with the flagship derivative boasting 315 kW, enough for it to rank as SA’s 2nd most powerful bakkie.
Interestingly, this isn’t Mzansi’s first look at the Riddara, with Enviro Automotive – a multi-brand electric-vehicle importer and distributor – having brought in the battery-powered bakkie in low volumes from around the middle of 2025.
But now Riddara – which is described as an “independent brand within the wider Geely Holding Group” – is officially available under the Geely Auto SA banner. At launch, the Chinese automaker is offering a trio of derivatives, each with distinct outputs and claimed ranges.
The unibody RD6 measures 5 260 mm long (so, about 60 mm shorter from nose to tail than a 9th-gen Toyota Hilux double cab), while standing 1 880 mm tall, with a ground clearance of between 220 mm and 225 mm, depending on the derivative. It features multi-link suspension at the rear, rather than leaf springs.
The range kicks off with the Riddara RD6 Econ Aspire RWD, which is priced from R611 900. Featuring a single, rear-mounted electric motor, this derivative has listed peak outputs of 180 kW and 309 Nm, while its 63 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack facilitates a claimed range of 369 km (by the NEDC standard, anyway). Geely lists a payload of 1 115 kg.
Next is the Riddara RD6 Econ Aspire AWD, which adds a front-mounted electric motor (for all-wheel drive) and upgrades to a 73 kWh battery pack. Priced from R681 900, this variant has a claimed NEDC range of 390 km and total outputs of 280 kW and 485 Nm, according to the Chinese firm. Like the RWD version, top speed is limited to 160 kph, though the listed payload increases to an even loftier 1 235 kg.
Finally, the Riddara RD6 Apex AWD tops the portfolio, priced from R781 900 and boasting peak outputs as lofty as 315 kW and 595 Nm. That power figure sees it rank as South Africa’s 2nd most powerful double-cab bakkie, beaten only by the BYD Shark 6 PHEV (which makes 321 kW in Premium guise and 350 kW in Performance form).
Likewise employing a 73 kWh battery pack, the claimed NEDC range for this derivative comes in at 424 km. The company says the 0-100 kph sprint takes just 4.5 seconds (in “ideal operating conditions” and using highway-terrain tyres) and top speed is 190 kph, while the listed payload is 1 030 kg. The AWD derivatives are rated to tow 3 000 kg (braked), while the RWD variant has a max of 2 500 kg.
From what we can tell, the RD6 Econ Aspire RWD features halogen headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch central control screen, a 4-speaker sound system, a 6-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning, rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera, though only 2 airbags. The Riddara RD6 Econ Aspire AWD is very similarly specified but gains 4-way power adjustment for the front-passenger seat and upgrades to 4 airbags.
Finally, the flagship RD6 Apex AWD scores illuminated grille lettering, LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, side steps, 18-inch alloys, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, “premium” leather seats (with ventilation), dual-zone air con, a 360-degree camera system and a raft of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features. It also upgrades from indirect to direct tyre-pressure monitoring and features 2 extra airbags, for a total of 6.
What does the Geely Riddara RD6 cost in SA?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Riddara RD6 Econ Aspire RWD | R611 900 |
| Riddara RD6 Econ Aspire AWD | R681 900 |
| Riddara RD6 Apex AWD | R781 900 |
The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty, an 8-year/200 000 km battery-pack warranty and a 6-year/120 000 km service plan. Geely Auto SA says the first 200 units sold will each gain an additional year and 50 000 km on its vehicle warranty an additional year and 20 000 km on its service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the starting price for the Geely Riddara RD6 electric bakkie in South Africa?
A: The Geely Riddara RD6 lineup starts at R611 900 for the Econ Aspire RWD model. The mid-spec Econ Aspire AWD is priced from R681 900, while the flagship Apex AWD model tops the range at R781 900.
Q: How powerful is the flagship Riddara RD6 Apex AWD and how does it rank in South Africa?
A: The flagship Riddara RD6 Apex AWD delivers an impressive 315 kW and 595 Nm of torque. This output makes it South Africa’s 2nd most powerful double-cab bakkie, trailing only the BYD Shark 6 PHEV.
Q: What are the battery size, claimed range and towing capacities of the Riddara RD6 variants?
A: The entry-level RWD derivative uses a 63 kWh battery (369 km NEDC range, 2 500 kg braked towing capacity). Both AWD variants feature a larger 73 kWh battery pack, offering up to 390 km (Econ AWD) and 424 km (Apex AWD) of claimed NEDC range, with a 3 000 kg braked towing capacity.
