Geely Riddara Arrives in South Africa

The new electric bakkie combines SUV-like refinement with genuine bakkie capability, redefining what South Africans can expect from a bakkie.

Geely Auto South Africa has officially introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new-energy bakkie brand, to the local market.

Built from the ground up as a new-energy bakkie rather than adapted from a diesel platform, the Riddara brings together the practicality and capability of a traditional bakkie with the refinement, comfort and performance more commonly associated with an SUV. Its philosophy is simple: Function as a bakkie. Drive as an SUV.

“The Riddara changes the conversation around electric bakkies,” says Greg Maruszewski, Chief Operating Officer of Geely Auto South Africa. “It proves that electrification does not mean sacrificing versatility. You can have the response of a high-performance car, carry more than a tonne, tow up to three tonnes and still take on demanding terrain.”

A Bakkie Built Differently

Riddara is the only bakkie-focused brand within Geely Auto Group. The RD6 is based on the M.A.P Platform, China's first native new-energy bakkie architecture, and draws on the group's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

The result is a bakkie engineered from the outset for electric power. It offers a quiet, refined and spacious cabin, a low centre of gravity and instant torque, while retaining the structural strength, load capacity and towing ability expected of a hardworking bakkie.

“It's a bakkie that drives like an SUV but performs like a bakkie. We aim to reshape the way South Africa experiences bakkies, without the theft risk or operating costs that have become synonymous with other bakkies,” says Jateen Daya, Head of Product for Geely Auto South Africa.

Performance That Changes Expectations

At the top of the range, the Apex RD6 4WD uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 315 kW and 595 Nm. Under ideal conditions and fitted with highway-terrain tyres, it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

The electronic drivetrain can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in just 20 milliseconds, helping it adapt quickly to changing surfaces. Drivers can choose from Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Mud and Off-road modes.

With 225 mm of ground clearance, a claimed 815 mm wading depth, payload capacity of up to 1,030 kg and towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg on the flagship model, the RD6 is designed for work, leisure and demanding terrain.

Electric Power Without Compromising Utility

The flagship Apex model uses a 73 kWh battery and offers a claimed range of up to 424 km on the NEDC cycle. The high-voltage system carries an IP67 rating, while the battery is rated IP68 for additional protection against dust and water.

DC charging at up to 110 kW supports faster charging stops, while a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load system allows the bakkie to power tools, camping equipment and selected household appliances during load-shedding or outdoor activities.

SUV Refinement in a Bakkie

Inside, the RD6 is designed to feel more like an SUV than a conventional workhorse. A 14.6-inch infotainment display is paired with a 10.2-inch digital driver display, wireless smartphone charging and, on the Apex, premium eight-speaker audio.

Rear passengers benefit from a flat floor and generous legroom. The Apex adds a panoramic roof, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Practical storage includes 48 litres beneath the rear seats and a 70-litre front luggage compartment.

Geely Riddara Range

Both four-wheel-drive models use the 73 kWh battery. The Apex offers a claimed NEDC range of up to 424 km, while the Aspire Econ 4WD offers up to 390 km. The two-wheel-drive Aspire Econ uses a 63 kWh battery and offers a claimed range of up to 369 km.

The Aspire is available in black, white or silver with a black interior. Apex buyers can choose green, blue, silver, grey or white exterior finishes, paired with green, tan or refined black interior themes.

Ownership and Support

• Six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty
• Eight-year/200,000 km battery warranty
• Six-year/120,000 km service plan
• Five years of unlimited-distance roadside assistance

Owners are supported through Geely's national dealer network, trained technical staff and dedicated EV support infrastructure.

As a launch offer, the first 200 customers receive an additional one year or 50,000 km on the vehicle warranty and one year or 20,000 km on the service plan. Terms and conditions apply.

Designed to Look Like the Future of the Bakkie

The RD6 combines a broad, upright stance with clean surfacing, LED lighting and a neatly integrated cargo bed. Its proportions retain the road presence expected of a bakkie while introducing a more streamlined, SUV-inspired appearance.

Measuring 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,880 mm tall, with a 3,120 mm wheelbase and 6.6 m turning radius, it is designed to work as a weekday commuter, family vehicle and weekend adventure companion.

A New Chapter for the South African Bakkie

The Riddara challenges the idea that a bakkie must follow the traditional diesel and ladder-frame formula. Instead, it offers South African buyers a purpose-designed electric bakkie that combines performance, practicality and everyday refinement.

“This is more than another electric vehicle. It is an opportunity to start a new conversation about what the future of the bakkie can look like in South Africa,” says Maruszewski.

A bakkie that drives like an SUV. A bakkie that performs like a bakkie. And a bakkie designed to offer South Africans a new way forward.

Specifications, features and launch offers are subject to change. Claimed range and performance figures depend on operating conditions. Terms and conditions apply.

Contact Thorp Geely about the new Riddara.