South Africa’s bakkie section is getting extra fascinating as new plug-in hybrids and totally electrical pick-ups start getting into the native market.
Sizzling on the heels of BYD’s launch of the Shark 6 PHEV and Ford’s deliberate launch of a Ranger PHEV, Enviro Automotive – recognized for introducing the R400 000 Dayun S5 Mini EV in South Africa – has introduced the arrival of the Riddara RD6, a totally electrical double-cab bakkie manufactured by Chinese language automotive big Geely.
The Riddara RD6 would be the second electrical double cab obtainable regionally, following the Maxus T90 EV. Nevertheless, Enviro Automotive hopes the RD6 will carve its personal area of interest available in the market. Not like the normal body-on-frame Maxus, the Riddara contains a unibody development design. Crucially, it additionally marks the arrival of the primary all-electric 4×4 bakkie in South Africa.
Gideon Wolfaardt, CEO of the Enviro Automotive, stated: “The ICE Age is over with the arrival of the brand new Riddara RD6.” He was referring to the acronym extensively used for inside combustion engine autos.
At launch, scheduled for subsequent month, Enviro Auto will provide two distinct RD6 fashions:
- The RD6 4×4: The flagship mannequin provides a dual-motor setup, delivering a mixed output of 315kW and 595Nm of torque. This interprets to from a standstill to 100km/h of a claimed 4.5s, making it probably the quickest-accelerating bakkie on the South African market (for comparability, the BYD Shark 6 PHEV achieves this in a claimed 5.7s). The highest velocity is listed at 190km/h.
- The RD6 4×2: This rear wheel drive variant contains a single electrical motor producing a still-respectable 200kW of peak energy and 384Nm of torque.
Battery, vary and charging
Each preliminary fashions will likely be geared up with a 73kWh battery pack, offering a claimed vary of as much as 424km on a single cost. Recharging is designed to be handy, with Enviro Automotive stating that utilizing a 110kW DC quick charger can replenish the battery in about half-hour.
A standout function is the RD6’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, permitting the bakkie’s battery to discharge as much as 6kW of energy – sufficient to run worksite gear and even important family home equipment throughout energy outages.
Designed for each each day driving and off-road adventures, different key specs of the RD6 embody:
- Load bin: Providing a 1 200l capability with a 1t payload ranking;
- Towing: Able to towing as much as 3t; and
- Storage: Contains a 70l entrance trunk (“frunk”) and a further 48l of hidden storage inside the cabin.
Enviro Automotive has confirmed plans to increase the line-up additional at a later date with:
- An extended-range 4×4 mannequin with an 86kWh battery; and
- A extra reasonably priced 4×2 mannequin geared up with a 63kWh battery.
Patrons will obtain a complete guarantee package deal: 5 years or 150 000km for the automobile itself and eight years or 200 000km overlaying the battery pack. Enviro Automotive will deal with all after-sales companies and elements provide. Moreover, a distant monitoring resolution for the battery and automobile will likely be provided by way of Webfleet.
The primary Riddara RD6 items are anticipated to be obtainable to South African customers in Could. Pricing for the assorted fashions is but to be introduced however is anticipated shortly. — (c) 2025 NewsCentral Media
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