Geely launches its Riddara electric bakkie in South Africa

Geely has launched its Riddara electric bakkie in South Africa, with prices starting at R611,900. The Chinese brand is bringing three versions of the double cab to the local market, with one rear wheel drive model and two all wheel drive models. The range topping Riddara Apex RD6 4WD produces 315kW and 595Nm. This makes it the second-most powerful bakkie currently on sale in South Africa, behind the BYD Shark 6. The Riddara is also one of the few fully electric bakkies now available to local buyers.

The range starts at R611,900

The entry-level Riddara Aspire Econ 2WD costs R611,900. It uses a single electric motor producing 180kW and 309Nm. The Aspire Econ 4WD costs R681,900 and uses two electric motors, producing 280kW and 485Nm. At the top of the range is the Apex RD6 4WD at R781,900. It produces 315kW and 595Nm and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, according to Geely.

It can carry more than a tonne

The Riddara has a maximum payload of 1,030kg and can tow up to 3,000kg. It has 225mm of ground clearance and a claimed wading depth of 815mm. The two all wheel drive models also get six driving modes, including Sand, Mud and Off-road. The entry-level 2WD model uses a 63kWh battery. Geely quotes a range of 369km under the NEDC testing cycle and 314km under WLTP. The two 4WD models use 73kWh batteries. The Aspire Econ 4WD has a claimed range of 390km NEDC and 332km WLTP. The Apex is rated at 424km NEDC and 360km WLTP. All three models support DC fast charging of up to 110kW. The Riddara also has a 6kW vehicle-to-load system, which allows the vehicle to supply power to external equipment.

The Apex gets more equipment

The Riddara measures 5,260mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,880mm high, with a 3,120mm wheelbase. The Apex gets a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. It also comes with wireless smartphone charging, an eight-speaker sound system, a panoramic roof and leather seats. There is storage beneath the rear seats, as well as a 70-litre storage compartment at the front.

Prices and warranty

The three Riddara models are priced as follows:

• Aspire Econ 2WD – R611,900
• Aspire Econ 4WD – R681,900
• Apex RD6 4WD – R781,900

The vehicle comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 200,000km. A six-year/120,000km service plan is included, along with five years of unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance. Geely is entering a South African bakkie market that already has a growing number of Chinese brands, but the electric side of the market remains small. The Riddara will therefore have to compete on more than its power output. For buyers, the important questions are likely to be how the range holds up with a load, how often the bakkie needs to be charged and whether the available charging network fits the way they use their vehicle.