Geely, the parent company of brands like Volvo and Polestar, has confirmed its plans to export its electric ute to the Australian market. This vehicle, known as the Radar RD6 in its home market of China, has been renamed the Riddara RD6 for export markets, including Australia, where the Radar name is already trademarked.

The Riddara RD6 is a unique proposition in the ute segment. Unlike traditional Australian utes that are built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis, the Riddara RD6 is based on a passenger car platform with a unibody construction. This means it offers a smoother, more car-like ride and superior on-road handling, which is a major point of difference from its rivals.

However, this design does come with some trade-offs. Its payload of 775 kg and braked towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg are less than the 3.5-tonne capacity of a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux. The Riddara RD6 is therefore positioned more as a “lifestyle” ute, aimed at buyers who prioritize comfort and a more urban-friendly driving experience over heavy-duty hauling.

While an official launch date for Australia has not yet been announced, Geely has started producing right-hand-drive versions of the Riddara. The vehicle is expected to arrive in Australia sometime in 2026, though it’s now understood that Australia will receive a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the next-generation Riddara instead of the current all-electric model. This PHEV variant, with a petrol engine and a large battery, is designed to offer extended range and is seen as a better fit for the Australian market’s unique demands.