Geely Group has launched the first vehicle from its Radar Auto sub-brand, the Radar RD6 electric ute which is now on sale in China for approximately $NZ41,174 (RMB 178,800).
The RD6 was first announced back in July as an alternative to an SUV, targeting the more outdoorsy among us rather than for tradespeople. That’s not to say it can’t be used for commercial purposes though.
Diving into the specs, the entire RD6 range features a single rear-mounted motor that delivers 200kW of power output. That’s enough for a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of 6.9 seconds.
There are three battery options available.
The 63kWh battery allows for 400km of range on a single charge while the mid-level 86kWh option provide 550km. The biggest of the bunch is the 100kWh alternative which can achieve up to 632km.
In comparison, the LDV eT60 features an 88.5kWh battery with a maximum range of 325km.
However, it isn’t likely the RD6 will make its way to our shores any time soon meaning the eT60 will remain the only electric ute currently on offer in New Zealand.
Its bed can carry 1200-litres of cargo with the front storage compartment and rear seat storage adding a combined 118-litres to its overall capacity.
Geely states the electric ute can carry a payload of 450kg but hasn’t indicated its towing capacity. It does however claim the platform it’s based on can tow up to 3000kg.
The interior comes well appointed with tech for the price point too. A 9-inch head-up display for the driver adjoins two 12.3-inch screens while ambient lighting, A.I controlled voice features, a panoramic sunroof and more make up the cabin.
Production of the electric ute has already kicked off at Radar Auto’s Zibo Smart Factory in China with customer deliveries set for January, 2023.
