√Geely reveals Radar RD6 electric ute with 600km range

A new lifestyle brand from Chinese car giant Geely looks to be setting itself up as a direct competitor to US electric start-up Rivian.

Chinese automotive giant Geely has launched yet another brand, and with it comes the introduction of a fully-electric dual-cab ute.

Radar Auto is set to be Geely’s answer to Rivian, offering electric adventure vehicles in the form of utes and SUVs, “as well as ATVs and other lifestyle products”.

The first vehicle from the new brand is the Radar RD6, with the company confirming the dual-cab model will be based on its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

While full details of the RD6 haven’t been revealed, the carmaker says the ute will offer up to 600km of driving range from a single charge.

According to Car News China, the RD6 will be available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, with power ranging from approximately 150kW to 300kW.

Designed by famed automotive designer Peter Horbury (known for various Volvos and Fords), the RD6 has badging in both Chinese and English, while the ‘Geely’ debossed into the tailgate – seen on the camouflaged prototype recently – has disappeared.

The company has hinted at big plans for the Radar RD6, but wouldn’t be drawn on whether the electric ute will be offered in Australia.

“There are plans for global markets, but we can’t comment on roll-out plans and timings yet,” a spokesperson for Geely told Drive.

Radar’s CEO Ling Shiquan told Reuters the company is optimistic pick-ups can reach three million sales annually in China by 2030.

“More people are pursuing a healthy lifestyle with more outdoor activities, while the governments are also relaxing restrictions for pickups in cities,” he said.

“Those changes are supporting the growth of pickup trucks.”

Radar has teased a number of other models in the pipeline, including a full-size American-style pick-up, a sportier large dual-cab ute, and a large SUV.

The 2023 Radar RD6 is expected to launch in China on 9 September 2022.

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