China’s Debut Electric Pickup Truck Sets Sail for Global Markets

An innovative all-electric pickup truck is poised to make its international debut, and it hails from an unexpected source – China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, also known as Geely Group. Geely Group has just announced that the inaugural batch of these electric trucks, destined for global export, has successfully rolled off the production line at the Zibo Smart Factory.

(Image: Radar Rd6)

Taking to Twitter to share the exciting news, Geely Group declared, “The first export batch of Geely’s electric pickup trucks was sent off today from the Zibo Smart Factory. Smooth sailing!”

While pickup trucks have been a sensation in the United States, their popularity has been less pronounced in many other parts of the world. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the advent of Tesla’s electric truck concept, followed by market entries from Ford, Rivian, and GM. The notion of electric trucks gained remarkable traction on a global scale.

Around a year ago, Geely Group unveiled its intentions to introduce a fresh brand known as Radar Auto, which it touted as “China’s first pure electric outdoor lifestyle brand.” Now, the Radar GD6, a fully electric pickup truck, emerges as the inaugural offering from this dynamic new brand.

Boasting an array of battery pack choices, the GD6 presents three options: 63 kW (248 miles/400 kilometers), 86 kW (341 miles/550 kilometers), and 100 kW (392 miles/632 kilometers). The vehicle’s 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor delivers an impressive 284 Nm of torque.

Notably, Geely’s pioneering Radar electric truck incorporates the capability to connect with home-based power sources and other devices. This feature aligns with the growing trend in the EV market, where the prospect of on-the-go external power sources holds significant appeal.

Formally introduced in February, the Radar RD6 has made astonishing progress, with the automaker already manufacturing the electric vehicle for international markets within a mere six months.

Turning attention to pricing, the RD6 boasts competitive pricing in its domestic market, China. The base model enters the market at RMB 178,800, the mid-level variant at RMB 198,800, and the top-tier offering starts at RMB 228,800. As Geely Group extends its electric prowess to the pickup segment, the RD6’s global journey marks a significant milestone in the evolution of electric mobility.