The electric utility vehicle (ute) market in Australia is about to get a boost with the introduction of a new ‘lifestyle’ model from Chinese automaker Geely, which is likely to be branded as Riddara in Australia.
The Radar electric ute, also known as Riddara, has been given the green light for an Australian launch after the first right-hand-drive models were produced. It was initially planned for right-hand-drive production and given a new name for export markets: Riddara. The announcement of its availability in Australia and New Zealand was made earlier this year.
Geely’s Radar Auto division has expressed its intention to expand into various overseas markets, including Australia and New Zealand. The company had originally attempted to trademark the name Radar in Australia, but faced opposition from a Singapore-based tire company. As a result, it is expected that the Riddara name will be used for the Australian market.
The Riddara is comparable in size to popular models like the Toyota HiLux, but features car-based underpinnings with independent suspension rather than a traditional ladder frame. The tray dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
In China, the EV ute has been updated with a new model name – Horizon – and all-wheel drive capabilities. However, for export markets, the Riddara is equipped with a single rear electric motor producing 200kW and 384Nm, along with battery options for different driving ranges.
The all-wheel-drive version of the Riddara boasts impressive acceleration figures, while the rear-wheel-drive variant offers different towing capacities and payloads. Considering the limited availability of electric utes in Australia, the introduction of the Riddara/Radar could provide consumers with more options in the market.
With only one electric ute currently on sale in Australia, the LDV eT60, the arrival of the Geely Radar electric ute could help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the introduction of electric utility vehicles like the Riddara/Radar demonstrates a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.