Australia is drawing closer to its next electric ute – a car-derived dual-cab from China’s Geely – which could start from less than $60,000.
The Riddara RD6 electric ute from Chinese car giant Geely is closer to Australian showrooms – literally – as orders open in New Zealand at the same price as the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6.
Geely Australia is yet to confirm the car-derived Riddara RD6 – priced from $NZ69,990 ($AU63,300) plus on-road costs in New Zealand – for local showrooms, telling Drive “no decisions have been made at this stage”.
However, a Geely representative told Drive at the Shanghai motor show earlier in 2025 that the car would “hopefully” be in Australian showrooms “this year”.
MORE: Geely Riddara electric ute due in Australia by the end of 2025
It will be sold in New Zealand through Geely showrooms – rather than a standalone Riddara network, as in other markets – via the same distributor, Giltrap Group, used for the rest of the Geely range, plus sister brands such as Volvo, Polestar and Zeekr.
The RD6’s RRP of $NZ69,990 ($AU63,300) is the same as the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid, which retails in Australia for $57,900 plus on-road costs.
Given the converted New Zealand price of the Geely EX5 Inspire electric SUV – $NZ55,990, or $AU50,600 – is also dearer than its Australian equivalent ($AU44,990 locally), it’s conceivable the RD6’s price could start with a five in Australia.
MORE: BYD Shark 6 popularity in Australia ‘fully expected’ by Hyundai
Other electrified utes on sale in New Zealand, now that the electric LDV eT60 is off-sale, include the Ford Ranger PHEV from $NZ82,990 ($AU75,000) and GWM Cannon Alpha from $NZ64,990 ($AU58,800).
The same vehicles start from $71,990 and $59,990 plus on-roads in Australia.
Rather than a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, the Riddara electric ute is based on the Geely group’s SEA electric-car platform, as used beneath passenger cars and SUVs from the likes of Volvo and Zeekr.
It is rated to tow up to 3000kg braked, and quotes a 1030kg payload, but driving range is only a claimed 360km in European WLTP testing, from a 73kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
MORE: Ford Ranger-sized electric ute due in 2027 with petrol-rivalling price
Overseas tests of other electric utes have shown driving range is halved while towing.
It is powered by dual electric motors developing 315kW and 543Nm combined, for a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. Larger batteries and single-motor variants are offered in overseas markets.
A plug-in hybrid Riddara RD6 has been launched in China, and is “in the works” for New Zealand, according to NZ Autocar. It has been identified as on the wish list for Australia.
MORE: Isuzu D-Max electric ute could cost more than $100,000 in Australia, with 263km range
Available features include leather-like upholstery, ventilated front and rear seats, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, and a surround-view camera with a simulated under-floor view.
The 2026 Geely Riddara RD6 is available for pre-order in New Zealand, ahead of a formal on-sale date of September 15, and customer deliveries due to commence by the end of October 2025.
“With regard to the Radar/Riddara RD6 electric pickup truck, no decisions have been made at this stage,” a Geely Australia spokesperson told Drive.
“Any plans for its introduction to Australia will be based on thorough market research and consumer insights, and will be announced in due course.”
The post Geely Riddara RD6 electric ute one step closer to Australia as NZ orders open appeared first on Drive.
