A significant turning point in the market for reasonably priced electric pickup trucks was reached in 2022 when The Driven reported that Geely’s first fully electric ute, the RD6, had come off the assembly line.
Nearly three years later, NordEast Distributors has officially introduced this ground-breaking model in New Zealand under the name Riddara RD6 Pro. The RD6 Pro, which starts at about $NZD 68,500 (≈$A63,300), is starting to look like one of the most attractive EV utes in the area.
Geely Riddara RD6 Pro Key Specs for New Zealand
- Battery & Range: 73 kWh battery delivering up to 360 km (WLTP)
- Towing Capacity: 3,000 kg – outperforms the BYD Shark 6 PHEV Ute
- Payload: 1,030 kg
- Power Output: 315 kW electric motor
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): 6 kW discharge, with outlets in the frunk, cabin, side panels, and truck bed
- Drive Modes: 7 options – Economy, Comfort, Sport, Off-road, Wading, Sand, and Mud
Interior & Features
Interior & FeaturesInside, the Riddara RD6 Pro combines practicality with modern EV tech:
- Large centre touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel
- Standard air conditioning vents positioned beneath the screen
- Multiple custom driving modes for versatile use – from city driving to off-road adventures
 Global Expansion of Geely’s Electric Ute
- 2022: RD6 first rolled off the production line in China with a starting price under $A40,000
- July 2024: Geely announced right-hand-drive launches, starting with Thailand
- 2024–2025: Expanded into markets like Singapore, offering both 2WD and AWD versions
- 2025: Now available in New Zealand as the Riddara RD6 Pro
Geely, the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, is positioning the RD6 as a strong competitor in the global electric ute/pickup market.
🇳🇿 What This Means for New Zealand (and Australia)
For consumers seeking a zero-emission workhorse with true towing and payload capabilities, the Geely Riddara RD6 Pro’s release marks a significant advancement. Because of its superior specifications over plug-in hybrid competitors such as the BYD Shark 6 PHEV, it is a desirable choice for fleets, lifestyle buyers, and tradies.
Expressions of interest are currently being accepted for the ute, which is currently only confirmed for New Zealand. The RD6 is expected to cross the Tasman soon, though, given Australia’s fondness for utes and the rising demand for EV work vehicles.
Key Takeaway
One of the most intriguing electric utes to debut in New Zealand is the Geely Riddara RD6 Pro, which blends affordability, performance, and usefulness. With its extensive feature set, competitive pricing, and 3-ton towing capacity, it is poised to take on both more recent PHEV competitors and more established diesel utes.
Through NordEast Distributors, prospective purchasers in New Zealand can now submit expressions of interest.
