Latest news with #RiddaraRD6
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Shark-rivalling Riddara RD6 PHEV not for South Africa for now
Available with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, the Geely-owned Radar brand's only bakkie will be marketed solely as an EV locally. With pricing still to be announced, Riddara importer, Enviro Automotive, has confirmed that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Geely-owned brand's bakkie has, for the moment, not been given approval for the local market. Partial electrification Known as the Horizon in China and sold by Riddara under its domestic market name of Radar Auto as the Radar Horizon, the hybrid version made its world debut in May as the Horizon King Kong EM-P with an unchanged interior and exterior from the EV version. ALSO READ: Riddara RD6 no longer an EV-only as new plug-in hybrid debuts Renamed Riddara RD6 in certain other export markets, the EM-P combines Geely's in-house developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 19-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. The result is a combined output of 260kW/914Nm, a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds, and an all-electric range of 100 km on China's CLTC ratings. PHEV vs EV By comparison, the electric RD6, which had been expected to debut at the Nampo Agricultural Expo in Bothaville in the Free State that some months ago, makes use of a 73-kWh lithium phosphate battery pack that powers either a single or a pair of electric motors. Pricing for the Riddara RD6 in South Africa hasn't yet been given. Image: Enviro Automotive In the case of the single motor rear-wheel-drive variant, outputs stand at 200kW/384Nm, which enables it to get from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 185 km/h. The claimed all-electric range is 424 km. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive outputs 315kW/595Nm, which translates to a top speed of 190 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the same 424 km range. Reason… Inclusive of a five-year/150 000 km warranty and an eight-year/200 000 km battery warranty, the EV RD6's imminent price reveal won't lead to the arrival of the hybrid as a rival for the BYD Shark and the GWM P500 PHEV. In a reply to The Citizen, Enviro Automotive attributes this to the PHEV not being available with right-hand drive at present. As such, only the electric variant will prevail at a 'significant price reduction', the importer says, which will make it a 'compelling and economically sound alternative to [its] internal combustion engine counterparts'. NOW READ: Riddara RD6 plugged-in as South Africa's first electric bakkie
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Riddara RD6 no longer an EV-only as new plug-in hybrid debuts
Availability to key export markets, which could include South Africa, has been approved. Known as the Radar Horizon King Kong EM-P in China, the export version will again be sold as the Riddara RD6, affixed with the EM-P nomenclature. Image: Supposed to have been shown at the Nampo Agricultural Expo in Bothaville in the Free State last month, which never happened due to apparent shipping delays, Geely-owned Radar Auto has debuted a first-time plug-in hybrid version of the Horizon bakkie in China known as the Horizon King Kong EM-P. The latter suffix also used by Great Wall Motors (GWM) for its King Kong Cannon that sits below the Poer, known locally as the P Series and after its recent facelift, P300, the Horizon King Kong EM-P appears unchanged aesthetically from the electric derivative that has been on-sale in the People's Republic since 2022. Combustion joins EV Renamed Riddara RD6 in export markets, which will soon include South Africa, the plug-in hybrid setup combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 19-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. ALSO READ: Riddara RD6 electric bakkie penned-in for Nampo showing Hooked to a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), the Horizon King Kong EM-P has a combined system output of 260kW/914Nm, which Radar claims will see it get from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and in 8.6 seconds with its maximum payload of 1 000 kg in the loadbin. Geely launched the Radar King Kong EM-P pickup truck in China with a starting price of 19,400 USD. To launch overseas as Riddara RD6 EM-P. 👇 May 28, 2025 Able to travel 100 km on the electric hardware alone, based on China's CLTC measurements, the Horizon King Kong EM-P has a combined range of 1 068 km when taking the petrol engine into consideration, and supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging of up to 3.3 kW. What has stayed the same Dimensionally, the Horizon King Kong EM-P remains unchanged from the EV with an overall length of 5 260 mm, wheelbase of 3 120 mm, height of 1 865 mm and width of 1 900 mm. A long wheelbase version will, however, also be offered with dimensions of 5 550 mm, a wheelbase of 3 310 mm and the same height and width as the conventional variant. Regardless, both bodystyles have a ground clearance of 225 mm, the same the EV. Claimed loadbin capacity is 1 200-litres, though the figure for the long wheelbase wasn't disclosed. Being all-wheel-drive from the start also means the inclusion of four off-road modes; Snow, Mud, Sand and Off-Road. Inside, the Radar Horizon King Kong EM-P differs little from the EV, bar new instruments inside the 10.2-inch cluster due to the fitting of the combustion engine. The rest of the interior's layout is otherwise identical and will most likely to feature the same assortment of specification items as the electric model. South Africa awaits Now on-sale in China in three variants priced from 139 800 yuan to 159 800 yuan, which directly converts from R346 695 and R396 293, the Radar Horizon King Kong EM-P has been approved for export markets under the Riddara RD6 EM-P moniker from later this year. At present, it remains to be seen whether local importer, Enviro Automotive, will see it fit to offer the plug-in hybrid in South Africa as an alternative to the EV. For the moment, pricing of the latter is unknown, with the only hint being Enviro's promise that it has 'implemented significant price reductions' as a means of making the RD6 a 'compelling and economically sound alternative to [its] internal combustion engine counterparts'. Originally planned for introduction this month, which subsequently became the Nampo no-show, expect more details about the electric RD6 to be announced in due course. Additional information from and NOW READ: Riddara RD6 plugged-in as South Africa's first electric bakkie
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Maxus eTerron 9 electric bakkie makes surprise Nampo showing
Double cab claimed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds with a range of over 400km. The all-electric Maxus eTerron 9 could go on sale as soon as June. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe While the Riddara RD6 was a no-show at the opening day Nampo Harvest Day agricultural show outside Bothaville on Tuesday, another all-electric bakkie in the form of the Maxus eTerron 9 did make a surprise appearance. Maxus is a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor which also owns MG. Maxus' current local light commercial vehicle portfolio includes the eDeliver 3 van and eDeliver 3 Cab, as well as the T90EV double cab bakkie. Confusing matters locally is its affiliation with LDV. LDV is the moniker used by Maxus for export markets under which the range of T60 bakkies is sold locally. The shared design language is very clear between the Maxus T90EV and the LDV T60. ALSO READ: New Terron 9 bakkie coming as part of revised LDV product range Maxus eTerron 9 keeps badge But despite the new Maxus Terron 9 reportedly powered by a diesel engine heading for South Africa under the LDV badge via SAIC's Australian operations, the eTerron 9 will keep its Maxus badge in South Africa. The rear features a horizontal light bar. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Maxus told The Citizen Motoring there are currently three eTerron 9 homologation units in South Africa. It all goes well, the all-electric bakkie might go on sale at the end of June already. The Maxus eTerron 9 features a 102kWh battery powering dual electric motors with a total power output of 325kW. It is clamed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds with an electric range of over 400km. The bakkie supports DC fast charging of up to 115kWh. Seven-digit sticker Entry to the Maxus eTerron 9 range is estimated to be around R1.25-million, with the flagship model expect to cost R1.3m. The Maxus eTerron 9 features futuristic and American truck-like exterior styling reminding of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark bakkie. The interior is very posh for a bakkie. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The cabin features a wide dual-screen display and the interior is also finished in premium-like leather touches. Enviro Automotive confirmed on Monday that the all-electric Riddara RD6 bakkie was set to make its first public showing at Nampo, but was said to be 'delayed'. It will be offered in single motor 200kW and also dual motor 315kW derivatives.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Riddara RD6 electric bakkie penned-in for Nampo showing
South Africa's first-ever fully electric bakkie will be a double cab-only with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Announced last month as being lined-up for introduction in May, Enviro Automotive has confirmed that the all-electric Riddara RD6 bakkie will make its first public showing at the Nampo Agricultural Expo in Bothaville in the Free State from this coming Tuesday (13 May). 'The Riddara 4×4 electric bakkie is not merely an addition to our lineup; it's a declaration of intent. It unequivocally demonstrates the power and versatility of electric vehicles in tackling even the most demanding tasks,' Enviro Automotive Head of Sales, Francois Malan, said in a statement. Announcing well-known plant and agricultural firm Turner Morris as its distribution partner, Enviro Automotive further stated that it has 'implemented significant price reductions' across the RD6 range, which it adds makes it a 'compelling and economically sound alternative to [its] internal combustion engine counterparts'. South Africa's first EV bakkie While shown with a plug-in hybrid powertrain at the Shanghai International Motor Show last month, the RD6, known as the Radar Horizon in China, will be an EV-only offering in South Africa a choice of two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. On-sale in its home market since 2022, the Geely-owned brand's newcomer rides on the unibody Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by fellow brand Zeekr, and first introduced to South Africa last year as the underpinning for the Volvo EX30. ALSO READ: Riddara RD6 plugged-in as South Africa's first electric bakkie Seemingly not affiliated to Geely's imminent return to the local market, the double cab-only RD6 has a claimed payload of 1 030 kg, a tow rating of 3 000 kg, wading depth of 815 mm and ground clearance of 225 mm. Capable of accommodating 1 200-litres in its loadbin, the lack of an engine translates to an additional 70-litres of storage underneath it bonnet. Spec Known specification items on both variants will include the following: dual-zone climate control; keyless entry; push-button start; LED head and taillights; six-speaker sound system; 10.25-inch instrument cluster; leather upholstery; tyre pressure monitor; electric driver's seat; reverse camera; rear parking sensors drive mode selector (Eco, Comfort and Sport) Pictured four-wheel-drive will be fitted from the off with a 14.6-inch infotainment display. Image: Enviro Automotive Building on the two-wheel-drive, the four-wheel-drive will feature four additional off-road driving modes; Sand, Mud, Wading and Off-Road, Matrix LED headlights, an eight-speaker sound system, and the following safety and driver assistance systems: Automatic Emergency Braking; Adaptive Cruise Control; Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Reverse Automatic Braking; Lane Keep Assist Front Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning Blind Sport Monitoring; Lane Change Assist As standard, the two-wheel-drive comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and the four-wheel-drive with a 14.6-inch display, neither with Android Auto that is substituted by the Carbit Link mirroring app. Apple CarPlay integration is, however, standard. One or two motors On the power front, the initial range will consist of two powertrains; the single-motor powered by a 73-kWh lithium phosphate battery pack, and the dual-motor that adds a secondary electric motor to the front axle. In the two-wheel-drive, the RD6 will produce 200kW/384Nm and get from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The claimed top speed is 185 km/h and the all-electric range 424 km. With the added electric motor, the four-wheel-drive develops 315kW/595Nm, which will allow it to get from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The claimed all-electric range mirrors that of the two-wheel-drive, while the top speed is pegged at 190 km/h. Supporting DC charging up to 110 kW, the RD6's battery will require 30 minutes waiting from 30-80%. In addition, the setup's vehicle-to-load capability allows for as much as six kilowatts to be fed back into the grid. More soon Set to be sold with a five-year/150 000 km warranty and an eight-year/200 000 km battery warranty, expect details about the RD6's price tag to be announced soon. ALSO READ: Welcome back: Geely returning to South Africa before year-end
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
China's Riddara RD6 to become 1st double-cab EV bakkie in SA
In almost complete silence, Geely's Riddara sub-brand will become the first to offer an all-electric (EV) double-cab bakkie in the South African market, with the introduction of the RD6. Looking for a new or used Jetour? Find it here with CARmag! Enviro Automotive has announced that it will be bringing the Riddara RD6 4×4 Double Cab into South Africa, which will become the first fully electric 4×4 bakkie in the country. Built by the Geely Auto Group on a Volvo-derived platform, the Riddara RD6 will make history in South Africa, becoming the first zero-emissions powertrain employed in a commercially sold double-cab bakkie. The model is capable of dispatching the 0–100km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds, while the automaker claims it still retains the brawn and functionality of a traditional bakkie, although it is worth noting that this isn't founded on a ladder frame construction. Nonetheless, it is backed by a five-year/150 000km vehicle warranty and eight-year/200 000km battery warranty, with Enviro Automotive claiming real-world battery life is expected to stretch even further than that. Power in the 4×4 is generated courtesy of a 315kW dual-motor powertrain, which also delivers 595N.m and can hit a top speed of 190km/h. All of this is superficial for prospective bakkie buyers, the bed is capable of swallowing 1 200l or carrying a one-tonne payload while the bakkie can tow a maximum three tonnes. Enviro Automotive adds that the Riddara RD6 itself, in both 4×4 and 4×2 guises, promises to blur the line between performance vehicle and utility bakkie and break away from ladder-frame traditions for added driving smoothness and agility. 'The Riddara 4×4 electric bakkie is not just a new model – it's a statement,' says Francois Malan, head of sales at Enviro Automotive. 'Our partnership with Turner Morris ensures these vehicles aren't just technological showcases, but practical tools ready for the realities of African roads and businesses.' The bakkie will be displayed for the first time at the Nampo Harvest Day this week, alongside the business-oriented SRM T3 EV bakkie. Related: Enviro Automotive's All-Electric SRM T3 Bakkie Lands in SA Enviro Automotive adds that its EV lineup will see pricing reductions, courtesy of maturing battery tech and favourable trade conditions. This means that business-oriented panel vans like the DFSK EC35 panel van will be even more compelling for prospective buyers, according to the automaker. Enviro Automotive says that the model will see a R105 000 reduction during a current promotion, which also makes it the most affordable commercial EV in the country for now. Related: Road Test: Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T Deluxe In addition to this, Enviro Automotive has announced its strategic partnership with Turner Morris and hopes this collaboration will increase their footprint, with a combined 30+ outlets and workshops throughout South Africa. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post China's Riddara RD6 Will Become First Double Cab EV Bakkie in SA appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
