Riddara, an electric pickup truck marketed in Thailand, competes with new rivals like the Toyota Hilux Travo e, a battery-powered double-cab pickup. However, the Riddara RD6 offers a longer range thanks to its larger battery. By adapting an SUV chassis into a pickup format, it carries less load than a traditional pickup but gains a monocoque SUV-style suspension that provides a more comfortable ride and seating compared to the stiff leaf-spring suspension designed for heavy loads.
Geely Holding Group, the parent company of leading brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Smart, Zeekr, and Lotus, enables all these brands to leverage its extensive expertise in electric vehicles and hardware. Riddara's electric pickup also expands into markets like Australia and New Zealand. The Riddara RD6, the name used outside China including Thailand, was launched nearly two years ago.The vehicle's infrastructure is developed from Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which is also used in models like the Volvo EX30, Polestar 4, Smart #1, and Zeekr X. The version used in the RD6 is called the Multiplex Attached Platform.
RIDDARA RD6 73 kWh Single Motor 2WD priced at 999,000 baht.
As mentioned, Riddara differs from other electric pickups by using a monocoque chassis instead of a traditional body-on-frame. It features MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. This is what sets it apart from typical pickups. The rear-wheel-drive RD6 has a towing capacity of 2,500 kg and a payload of 755-775 kg depending on the variant. The AWD model impresses with an 865 kg payload and 3,000 kg towing capacity. Geely states the four-wheel-drive version can ford water up to 815 mm deep and has a ground clearance of 225 mm.
The RD6 4×2 has dimensions comparable to popular pickups like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, measuring 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,880 mm high, with a 3,120 mm wheelbase. The cargo bed measures 1,525 mm long, 1,450 mm wide, and 540 mm high, smaller than the Hilux and Ranger. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with Chaoyang radial RP76 tires sized 235/60R18 107H. The bed is lined with a McLiner protective material, offering 1,200 liters of volume. The RD6 includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system providing 21 kW of power through controls in the bed, supplying electricity to external devices like small refrigerators, lighting, and audio systems, ideal for camping and outdoor family activities. Geely reports that the RD6 underwent rigorous testing in the extreme heat of the Middle East, with battery and electrical systems designed to withstand the hot climate of Southeast Asia.
The RD6 is positioned more as a family vehicle than a heavy-duty work truck. It is fully equipped with a luxurious interior atmosphere, including a 10.2-inch digital dashboard, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 9.0-inch head-up display. The cabin lighting can be adjusted across 72 colors. Seats, dashboard, and door panels are upholstered in finely stitched leather with mostly soft-touch surfaces, except for a hard plastic center console. The interior layout is tidy, with most functions controlled via the 14.6-inch touchscreen.
The 14.6-inch central touchscreen is user-friendly, making it easy to configure settings. The stereo system includes eight speakers. The panoramic sunroof and side steps add comfort. Driver assistance features include seven driving modes: Economy, Comfort, Sport, Snowfield, Mud, Off-road, and Water. There are three regenerative braking levels (low, medium, high). Inside, the seats are comfortable, and visibility is good in all directions, except the test car had very dark window tinting, making night driving difficult.
The multifunction three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather and includes controls for phone, audio, voice commands, cruise control, and various modes. The steering wheel size and seating position are well designed. The front seats are electrically adjustable in six directions. The gear selector resembles that of an SUV, using a lever to shift between R, N, and D. Controls for air conditioning, hazard lights, wireless charging, and cup holders are present, though the cup holders are somewhat small. The interior color tone, combining seats, dashboard, and console materials, is notably well executed.
The rear seats are comfortable and consistent with the RD6’s design. The low door sill offers clear visibility. Rear air vents and conveniently located storage under the rear seats add functionality. However, the seatback angle is slightly too upright. Safety-focused design separates controls for side mirror adjustment, temperature, driving modes, and hazard lights from the touchscreen for convenience and safer operation.
The RD6’s electric drivetrain features a 73 kWh lithium-ion (LFP) battery and a single rear-mounted motor powering the rear wheels (2WD). It produces a maximum 272 horsepower and 385 Nm torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The claimed full-charge range is 461 km (NEDC), while real-world driving at normal speeds achieves approximately 380-400 km.Charging capabilities include AC charging at 6.6 kW and DC fast charging at 110 kW.Energy consumption averages between 15.6 and 16.7 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Riddara’s strengths lie in its smooth SUV-like suspension, enabled by the monocoque chassis and multi-link rear suspension rather than leaf springs, and versatile features supporting V2L (Vehicle to Load) power output of 6 kW for camping equipment.
The monocoque chassis, instead of body-on-frame construction, results in a smooth, quiet ride with minimal disturbance since there’s no engine noise. You hear only a soft whir from the electric motor at startup and wind noise around the A-pillars at speeds above 110 km/h.The RD6 accelerates impressively fast, requiring clear space ahead to avoid constant braking. The single motor rear-wheel drive provides ample torque for daily use, enabling easy overtaking of multiple vehicles with one press. However, continuous heavy acceleration consumes more battery. Traveling at 80-90 km/h is most energy-efficient; driving slower might be risky as empty eighteen-wheelers often exceed that speed.The RD6 appears ordinary but is surprisingly powerful, launching quickly from traffic lights and leaving diesel pickups far behind without contest.The RD6 handles dynamically well, maintaining stability through high-speed corners. The steering adjusts weight appropriately and delivers good feedback, connecting the driver well with the vehicle.
With a full charge, the RD6 2WD achieves a range of455 kilometers using its 73 kWh battery. In long-distance tests to Prachinburi, Nern Hom checkpoint, and Khao Yai National Park, it managed approximately 350-380 km when driven calmly without continuous heavy acceleration. When carrying a heavy load of 800 kg in the bed (up to 865 kg max) or towing a large 3-ton boat trailer, range drops significantly. This makes the RD6 suitable for daily city use or weekend trips within 200-300 km radius. Nowadays, charging stations are widespread, but home AC charging remains best for battery health.
The Riddara RD6 rear-wheel-drive model drives more like an SUV than a full pickup like the Ranger. Modern pickups have evolved far beyond purely utilitarian roots to resemble regular vehicles. The RD6 overcomes the rough leaf-spring suspension drawback of traditional pickups, offering superior smoothness. Its electric drivetrain with fewer moving parts and modest off-road capability lets it grip well on gravel roads. However, the highway-focused tires and modest front ground clearance make it unsuitable for heavy off-roading. A look at the suspension confirms it’s a family vehicle designed mainly for smooth roads, not rugged off-road use.
The RD6’s drawbacks include unsuitability for heavy loads exceeding 500-700 kg due to its car-like four-wheel independent suspension rather than leaf springs. Its range is more limited than diesel pickups, especially under heavy load or high-speed long-distance driving, with some body roll noticeable but not excessive. The suspension is not designed for heavy-duty or tough off-road conditions. Overall, Riddara suits urban family use better than commercial heavy-duty applications typical for pickups.
The steering is very light but doesn’t feel disconnected—lighter than any pickup the reviewer has tested. The RD6 single motor produces 272 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 185 km/h. The key factors for this pickup are comfort, smoothness, and good noise insulation. It’s not an off-road pickup; its monocoque frame makes it drive like an SUV with the roof cut off to make a pickup. Early electric pickups still can’t match diesel pickups in range or payload but offer a distinct alternative to typical EVs. While decent, its price tends to sway most buyers toward electric SUVs rather than pickups, which are declining in popularity.
Interesting facts about Riddara.
Models and Prices: Riddara ECON (focused on utility and economy): starting at 739,000 - 999,000 baht.
Riddara RD6 (premium model): priced approximately 899,000 - 1,299,000 baht.
Performance: Powered by the M.A.P. (Multiplex Attached Platform), the top variant can reach up to 503 km per full charge (NEDC standard).
Service: RIDDARA CARE after-sales service offers a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 200,000 km battery/motor warranty.
Riddara focuses on being a modern lifestyle electric pickup for flexible hauling needs requiring high agility.
Highlights of RIDDARA RD6.
- Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
- Maximum torque of 385 Newton-meters.
- European standard 6 kW power outlet in the pickup bed.
- Intelligent power delivery system capable of supplying electricity while parked, locked, charging, or even while driving.
- Quiet cabin achieved through Pure Electric NVH Silent technology.
- Large 14.6-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay.
- Carbit link with a 50W wireless smartphone charger.
- Dual-zone climate control system.
- The 2WD model offers four automatic drive modes and seven driving modes for various terrains (Sand / Mud / Off-road / Wading / Economy / Comfort / Sport).
- Water wading capability up to 815 millimeters.
- Maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kilograms.
- The body is constructed from high-strength steel comprising over 70% of the vehicle's structure.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with 73 kWh capacity, offering a 455 km range per full charge (NEDC standard).
Exterior features include LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, illuminated RIDDARA grille, long LED taillights, electrically powered tailgate, cargo bed lighting, electrically adjustable and heated/foldable side mirrors, automatic wipers, and 18-inch alloy wheels (features vary by trim).
Interior features synthetic leather seats with six-way electric adjustment for the front seats plus ventilation for front and rear seats, one-touch windows with anti-pinch on all four sides, 10.2-inch full LCD driver display, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air conditioning.
Safety features include intelligent driver assistance systems such as:
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC).
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).
Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).
Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Lane Change Assist (LCA).
Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
Door Opening Warning (DOW).
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB).
Rear Collision Warning (RCW).
Front Departure Alert (FDA).
Additional standard safety features include:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Traction Control System (TCS).
Hill Hold Control (HHC).
Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Six airbags.
Front seatbelt reminder system.
ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The body is available in five colors:
Nordic Green with Black Top.
White Cloud with Black Top.
Black Knight.
Moonlit Silver.
Serene Blue.