Geely Holding Group, a Chinese automaker, recently introduced its Riddara RD6 fully-electric double-cab pickup truck in Thailand. The launch event, organized by Geely-owned local distributor Riddara Automobile (Thailand) Company Ltd., took place in Bangkok. The Riddara RD6, developed for global markets by Riddara New Energy Automobile Company Ltd, a unit of Geely’s Radar Auto lifestyle new energy vehicle (NEV) division, is set to make its mark in Thailand’s crucial pickup truck segment.
Based on Geely’s Multiplex Attached Platform (MAP), the RD6 combines the capabilities of a pickup truck with the performance characteristics of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). It is designed to meet the needs of modern family lifestyles and cater to the demands of independent small business owners. The RD6 offers a choice of 63 kWh and 73 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, providing ranges of 373 km and 461 km respectively. The top-spec 4WD model features an 86 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, offering a range of 455 km. Prices for the RD6 start at THB899m (US$26,540) for the entry-level model and go up to THB 1,299,000 (US$38,352) for the top-of-the-range AWD model.
Notably, the RD6 is the first battery-powered pickup truck to be available in Thailand. Major producers like Toyota and Isuzu are also planning to launch locally-made battery-powered models in 2025. Thailand serves as a significant global production hub for pickup trucks, with 959,000 units manufactured for global markets last year, representing more than half of the country’s total vehicle output. Domestic sales of pickup trucks in Thailand reached 325,000 units.
The introduction of the Riddara RD6 reflects Geely’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. With its advanced features and eco-friendly design, the RD6 is poised to make a significant impact in Thailand’s automotive market and beyond. As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards electric vehicles, Geely’s Riddara RD6 sets a new standard for environmentally conscious pickup trucks.
