Not even the pickup segment is immune from electrification. These days, we’re seeing mild hybrid versions, as well as plug-in hybrids and full electric models. The Geely Radar RD6 is one of the several that have been rolling out lately.
We’ve seen it in the metal when we covered the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show badged as the Riddara RD6, and it’s safe to say that it’s more than just an Okavango with a bed. If anything, it rides on an extensively modified platform of that.
Since it was launched a few years ago, it’s only been available as a pure electric vehicle. But it seems that there has been demand for a different variant.
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Enter the Geely Radar RD6 PHEV, and we say it’s a much-needed variant of the pickup. After all, range is very important, especially for those who load up things on the bed.
Unfortunately, full specs have yet to be revealed. That said, there are a few details worth mentioning. For starters, it uses a 1.5-liter engine mated to a hybrid system that can also be plugged in. It then uses a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. Geely calls this arrangement the EM-i and it’s already present in the company’s home market offerings.
Two battery sizes for the Geely Radar RD6 PHEV will be available. The entry-level version uses an 8.5kWh pack, while higher variants benefit from a much larger 19.09kWh unit. Range is rated at 55km for the 8.5kWh battery, while it’s 120km for the 19.09kWh battery. Combined range is expected to be over 1,000km.
Its most obvious rivals are the BYD Shark 6 DM-O and the Changan Nevo Hunter K50 The difference is, the Radar RD6 isn’t a traditional pickup as it uses a unibody platform instead of a traditional ladder frame like its rivals. That should make it ride better than the BYD and Changan, though.
In other news, the odds of this model coming here are even greater. Recently, UAAGI, the distributor of BAIC, Chery, Foton, and Lynk & Co vehicles in the Philippines, have been confirmed to bring in the Radar brand to the country. With that, we’re curious if the company will bring in the plug-in hybrid model given the recent developments.
