Radar RD6

• Geely Radar RD6 EV pickup truck to debut in ASEAN starting with Thailand, the land of pickup trucks?

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Gerard Lye / 2 June 2023 1:24 pm / 12 comments

  

  Geely is looking to sell electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand and is currently considering models for import and local manufacturing, Reuters reports. According to anonymous sources that spoke with the news outlet, the Chinese carmaker is considering whether to market an entry-level EV as well as a fully electric pick-up truck from its Radar brand.

  Officially, Geely is not confirming any such plans, with a company media representative declining to provide details about any talks on investments. However, it is known that Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) organised a roadshow in China back in April to lure foreign funds.

  Narit Therdsteerasukdi, who is the BOI’s secretary-general, revealed discussions were held with five major Chinese EV makers during the roadshow, including Geely, BYD, Chongqing Changan Automobile, JAC Motors and Jiangling Motors, “All expressed keen interest in Thailand’s policy to develop a regional EV production base and an integrated EV supply chain,” Narit said.

  Thailand is aiming to have EVs account for 30% of its automotive production by 2030 and is offering financial incentives to car companies to attractive foreign investment. Meanwhile, subsidies are being offered to car buyers to promote the demand for EVs in the country.

  Thailand already has a love affair with pickup trucks, so what better way to embrace the government’s EV push than an electric pickup truck?

  

  The Geely Radar RD6 measures 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, which makes it about the same size as a double-cab Toyota Hilux, which measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

  Currently, all available variants of the Radar RD6 on sale are powered by a single rear motor, producing 272 PS, which propels the electric pick-up truck along the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds.

  Three battery choices are available for Radar RD6 buyers in China; and these are 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh. These offer maximum range figures of 400 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively, with the largest battery variant supporting DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the maximum AC charging rate for the RD6 is 11 kW.

  Geely has many brands in its portfolio, some of which are given working-level autonomy that complicates discussions. “They have to decide what model to bring to Thailand,” said one of the sources, who added that a local assembly plant is also being reviewed.

  The divisions within the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group include the Geely Auto Group that has Geely Auto, Geometry, Lynk & Co and Proton (49.9% stake). Others include Zeekr Intelligent Technology (Zeekr), Lotus Group (Lotus Cars), smart Automobile (a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz), Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars and Polestar), LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company), Radar New Energy Automobile (Radar) and Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely’s Radar RD6 electric pickup truck with up to 632 km range – would you buy a “Proton P90” in Malaysia?

  In Cars, China, Geely / By Paul Tan / 4 April 2023 5:11 pm / 42 comments

  

  In a statement made by Proton to clarify yesterday’s announcement of Zeekr as part of Pro-Net’s future plans in Malaysia, Proton said they planned to accelerate their plans to introduce NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) to Malaysia. This includes the possibility of introducing multiple models from Geely’s wide-ranging EV portfolio but not necessarily Zeekr.

  Could the Radar RD6 be one of the vehicles under consideration for a Malaysian introduction? The Radar RD6 made its debut in July 2022, and is basically an electric pickup truck built on Geely’s SEA platform.

  

  It measures 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, whcih makes it about the same size as a double-cab version of the Toyota pick-up, which measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

  If you think this interior looks familiar, you’re right – it’s the exact same interior as the Proton X90, which is based on the Geely Haoyue. Thus, is there a market for a Proton-badged pickup version of the Radar RD6 in Malaysia? But bear in mind it would be a fully electric car instead of sharing the 48V hybrid ICE engine as the Proton X90.

  

  Currently, all available variants of the Radar RD6 on sale are powered by a single rear motor, producing 272 PS, which propels the electric pick-up truck along the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds.

  Three battery choices are available for Radar RD6 buyers in China; and these are 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh. These offer maximum range figures of 400 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively, with the largest battery variant supporting DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the maximum AC charging rate for the RD6 is 11 kW.

  

  The Radar RD6 also provides a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) electricity output, enabling the pick-up truck to charge other EVs as well as power external electrical devices.

  In terms of cargo space, the Radar RD6 takes equivalent of up to 1,200 litres in the cargo tray, and without a combustion engine in the front of the vehicle, it can take an additional 70 litres of luggage space in its ‘frunk’.

  

  However we hear from unofficial sources that the payload capabilities are relatively low compared to proper body on frame pickups, which is understandable since this is not built from a proper ladder frame pickup platform.

  But still, the Radar RD6, or Proton P90 as we would imagine it to be called in Malaysia (P = Pickup variant of the X90), would certainly be capable enough to serve as a lifestyle vehicle for people who just want to do light offroading to a camping spot, or bring their bicycles around for trips.

  

  Geely has already said that the Radar RD6 is export-ready. Since the interior has already been converted to right hand drive for use in the Proton X90, and there already exists conversions to Type 2 AC/CCS2 DC charging in the SEA platform parts bin for use in the smart #1, we think it would be not a tough effort for it to eventually carry a Proton badge.

  The question is, is there a market for it in Malaysia? Would you buy an electric pickup truck for lifestyle usage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Radar RD6 EV pick-up truck ready for global exports

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Mick Chan / 27 February 2023 4:06 pm / 3 comments

  

  Radar has commenced deliveries of the Radar RD6 to customers in China this month, and exports of the fully electric pick-up truck are due to follow over the course of this year, parent firm Geely said in a statement.

  “So far the interest in the Radar brand and electric pick-up trucks has been immense. We hope to continue on this trajectory as we explore new markets both in China and the rest of the world,” Radar CEO Ling Shi Quan said. The RD6 saw its market launch in China last November, with prices starting from 178,800 yuan (RM116k) in its home market.

  Having made its debut in July last year, the Radar RD6 is a mid-sized pick-up truck that is built on the Sustainable Experience Archtecture (SEA) and will be offered in single- or dual-motor powertrain configurations, the company said at the model’s debut.

  Currently, all available variants of the Radar RD6 on sale are powered by a single rear motor, producing 100 kW or 272 PS, which propels the electric pick-up truck along the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds.

  

  Three battery choices are available for Radar RD6 buyers in China; and these are 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh. These offer maximum range figures of 400 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively, with the largest battery variant supporting DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the maximum AC charging rate for the RD6 is 11 kW.

  Conversely, the RD6 also provides a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) electricity output, enabling the pick-up truck to charge other EVs as well as power external electrical devices.

  Measuring 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, the Radar RD6 is similar in size to the Toyota Hilux, which measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

  

  

  In terms of cargo space, the Radar RD6 takes equivalent of up to 1,200 litres in the cargo tray, and without a combustion engine in the front of the vehicle, it can take an additional 70 litres of luggage space and 48 litres for other valuables.

  Inside, dashboard architecture shared with the Geely Haoyue brings dual 12.3-inch displays, plus a nine-inch full-colour head-up display for the driver. Further design cues in the RD6 cabin include 72-colour ambient lighting.

  Level 2+ driving assistance, including intelligent pilot, autonomous emergency braking, rear collision warning and others bring a total of 12 active safety functions to the RD6, which also gets six airbags.

  GALLERY: Radar RD6

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Radar RD6 launched in China – Proton X90-based EV pick-up truck with 632 km range, priced from RM116k

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Mick Chan / 16 November 2022 12:22 pm / 11 comments

  

  Having made its debut in July, the Radar RD6 electric pick-up truck has been launched in China with a starting price of 178,800 yuan (RM116k). This is based on the Geely Haoyue VX11 SUV, which will form the basis of the Proton X90 seven-seater SUV due to launch next year.

  Measuring 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, the Radar RD6 is similar in size to the Toyota Hilux, according to Car News China; the double-cab version of the Toyota pick-up measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

  The RD6 is offered in China with several battery choices, beginning with the base variant offering that features a 62 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that yields a claimed 400 km of range.

  

  Next in the range are two 86 kWh battery variants which use a NMC (nickel-cobalt-manganese) ternary battery that offers a range of 550 km, while the range-topping RD6 pick-up gets a 100 kWh NMC ternary battery that is good for 632 km, and supports 120 kW charging, according to Autohome. Home charging can be done at up to 11 kW AC, according to the Radar website.

  Motive power for the Radar RD6 comes from a single rear axle motor producing 200 kW or 272 PS, which will propel the RD6 from 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds. The RD6 also has a minimum turning radius of 6.1 m, according to Radar. Though this means the RD6 does without front axle propulsion for full 4WD, the SEA architecture it is built on offers that possibility.

  Inside, much of the cabin’s front end appears carried over from the Geely Haoyue, as we have seen from earlier images of the RD6 interior. This sharing of the dashboard architecture means the use of the dual 12.3-inch displays, along with a nine-inch full-colour head-up display for the driver, and the cabin of the pick-up truck gets 72-colour ambient lighting as voice as voice-controlled functions.

  

  In terms of safety equipment, the Radar RD6 gets Level 2+ driving assistance, including intelligent pilot, autonomous emergency braking, rear collision warning and others for a total of 12 active safety functions. Passive safety is by six airbags.

  The cargo bed of the Radar RD6 features six electricity outlets that can supply up to 2,000 watts, which Radar says is equivalent to the supply of up to five household air-conditioners. In addition to the 1,200 litres of external cargo, the RD6 will also accommodate 70 litres of luggage space, as well as 48 litres for valuables.

  In China, the Radar RD6 starts from 178,800 yuan (RM116k) for the base variant, and goes up to 268,800 yuan (RM173k) for the top version with the largest 100 kWh battery that yields driving range of up to 632 km.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely Radar RD6 electric pick-up reveals its interior

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Paul Tan / 9 August 2022 3:10 pm / 4 comments

  

  The first photos of the Radar RD6 electric pickup truck have surfaced online, a set of four photos posted on Geely PR Ash’s Twitter account.

  The Radar RD6 is the first product under Geely’s new Radar Auto sub-brand, which will focus on outdoor lifestyle products. The photos show a left-hand drive Radar RD6 with a black interior. It’s a relatively traditional looking cockpit, which to us is a plus point for a pickup truck.

  The front end of the cabin may also look a bit familiar. That’s because it is – the presentation is similar to that of the Haoyue VX11 (also known as the Okavango). The RD6’s steering wheel design, the dual LCD instrument/infotainment screens, air-conditioning vents and the layout of the centre console are pretty much identical to that of the Haoyue/Okavango, with only the top half of the dashboard – and gearshift knobs – differentiating both.

  

  

  

  Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the RD6 will be offered with single- and dual-motor configurations. Previously, it was reported that it would have a range up to 600 km depending on the battery configuration, with power outputs ranging between 200 hp and nearly 400 hp.

  Radar Auto has its own R&D facility in Hangzhou and an EV plant in Zibo, Shandong. The company will offer a full portfolio of electric lifestyle vehicles that will not only include pick-up trucks, but also SUVs, ATVs and other “lifestyle products.” Lin Shi Quan, a veteran engineering lead at Geely Auto Group that has worked on the Lynk & Co and Geely Auto brands, is the CEO of Radar Auto.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely Radar RD6 debuts – Hilux-sized EV pick-up truck built on SEA platform; Q4 2022 launch; 600 km range

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Gerard Lye / 13 July 2022 11:18 am / 12 comments

  

  Chinese automaker Geely recently launched Radar Auto, which is described as a pure electric outdoors lifestyle vehicle brand. The first model to be introduced wearing the Radar badge is this, the RD6 all-electric pick-up truck.

  Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the RD6 will be offered with single- and dual-motor configurations. Official specifications will be announced in due course, although CarNewsChina reports a range of 600 km and power outputs ranging between 200 hp and nearly 400 hp

  Also unknown are the RD6’s dimensions, but judging from the photos, it appears to be about the size of a Toyota Hilux/Ford Ranger/Mitsubishi Triton. Design-wise, the RD6 sports a rather modern-looking face, with a dashed light bar set upon a polygon-themed trim piece that links the DRLs integrated into the headlamps.

  

  Meanwhile, the lower apron consists of two large faux intakes flanking a slim lower intake with a silver-coloured skid plate. The Radar badge is prominently displayed on the bonnet that hides a front trunk (frunk), as well as on the doors.

  Along the sides, we find recessed creases over the wheel arches and conventional door handles, while the charging port is located on the left side just above the rear wheel. As for the rear, there are two-piece taillights and a bed, the latter replete with a variety of charging outlets. These can be used for on-site work equipment or for other electrical accessories like when camping.

  

  We don’t get a clear shot of the interior, but we do spot a pair of screens inside, with one likely being a digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. Production and sales of the RD6 will begin in fourth quarter of 2022, although the company hasn’t confirmed if the EV pick-up truck will be exported to markets outside of China.

  Radar Auto has its own R&D facility in Hangzhou and an EV plant in Zibo, Shandong. The company will offer a full portfolio of electric lifestyle vehicles that will not only include pick-up trucks, but also SUVs, ATVs and other “lifestyle products.” Lin Shi Quan, a veteran engineering lead at Geely Auto Group that has worked on the Lynk & Co and Geely Auto brands, is the CEO of Radar Auto.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely Radar EV – additional images show unibody pick-up truck based on upcoming Proton X90 SUV

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Mick Chan / 4 July 2022 7:31 pm / 2 comments

  

  Following the release of initial teaser images of the Geely Radar battery-electric pick-up truck, the automaker has revealed more of its unibody-based dual-cab pick-up in a new set of teaser images.

  Its closest relation appears to be the Geely Haoyue, or Okavango in international markets, from which the forthcoming Proton X90 SUV will be derived. Here, the Radar seems to draw certain design elements from the Haoyue/Okavango, namely the square-topped wheelarch crease lines above both wheels.

  Here, we can also see that the front fascia of the Radar has LEDs spanning its grille, forming a full-width arrangement of light in front. Meanwhile at the rear, both tail lamps are also joined by a full-width light bar, and this image confirms that the Radar’s rear license plate mount is on the tailgate.

  Having been indicated to use Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, this would make the Radar a pick-up truck of unibody construction, and the SEA platform also underpins the likes of the Zeekr 001 crossover and the smart #1 SUV.

  

  

  While the forthcoming Radar EV pick-up truck resembles the Proton X90 and its Geely group relatives, the SUV continues to employ internal combustion power. In the case of Proton’s upcoming SUV, the automaker showcased a version of the 1.5 litre TGDi turbocharged petrol three-cylinder engine which incorporates a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) which operates on a 48-volt electrical architecture.

  Already commissioned for use on the Okavango and Haoyue as well as the Geely Azkarra (also known as the Boyue Pro, itself forming the basis of the Proton X70), the engine is rated to produce 190 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

  As for the Geely Radar electric pick-up truck, its previously released teaser images add weight to indications of its use of unibody construction as its depiction with cyclists suggest a purpose that is more recreational than commercial, the latter being the domain of traditional ladder-frame construction for pick-up trucks.

  GALLERY: Geely Radar EV camouflaged prototype

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely RADAR electric pick-up truck teased, built on unibody SEA platform – future electric Proton Arena?

  In Cars, Geely / By Paul Tan / 3 July 2022 1:07 pm / 12 comments

  

  Here are the first official teaser images of the upcoming Geely RADAR electric pick-up truck. These teasers were posted on Geely’s Twitter account and shows a Geely RADAR lightly wrapped in blue camo.

  The truck is seen being used by a group of cyclists in the teaser set, hinting at a lifestyle/outdoor hobby product positioning instead of a commercial workhorse.

  

  Judging by the size of the truck in comparison to the bicycles loading on it as well as the cyclists, the RADAR looks like a compact pick-up truck like the Toyota Hilux/Ford Ranger instead of something bigger like the Ford F150, which means it’s physical size would be suitable for the Malaysian market.

  We also see the word GEELY embossed in the tailgate design, which could point to the product carrying the Geely brand instead of RADAR being a standalone brand as previously speculated.

  

  

  

  Patent images of the Geely RADAR were seen in May this year. It shows a more traditional shape for the RADAR, making for a better looking pickup truck compared to the Farizon FX, another Geely pickup which looks more like a Proton X70 with a short bed grafted onto the rear.

  It is said to be built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which would make it a unibody platform instead of a body on frame construction like typical pickup trucks. SEA is a flexible platform which also underpins the Zeekr 001 coupe SUV and the Smart #1 SUV.

  

  Since the Smart #1 is coming to Malaysia, could a pickup truck also be in Geely’s plans for the Malaysian market? Would you be interested in an electric pickup?

  Imagine using it as a support vehicle for cycling events – zero emissions means cyclists won’t have to breathe in internal combustion engine fumes, sounds good doesn’t it?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely electric pick-up truck leaked in patent images – first vehicle under new Radar brand due this year

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Gerard Lye / 12 May 2022 6:01 pm / 5 comments

  

  Patent images of Geely’s first electric pick-up truck have surface online, although the upcoming model will reportedly not be sold under said brand. Instead, NetEase Auto reports that the unnamed EV will be placed under Radar, which is Geely’s pick-up truck division spun off from its commercial vehicle division in November last year.

  The report also pointed out that Shandong Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle will focus on R&D, production and sales of electric pick-up trucks catering to the mid- and high-end segments, likely including the Radar model you see here. For this, Geely said to invest 2.42 billion yuan (around RM1.56 billion) to establish a manufacturing facility in Shandong Province.

  It should be noted that Geely already has a pick-up truck in the form of the Farizon FX, which is based on the Boyue Pro. Farizon (the English name for Yuan Cheng) is a brand of Geely Commercial Vehicles, which is the commercial vehicle division of the Chinese automaker.

  

  The vehicle you see in these patent images looks more “normal” compared to the FX and isn’t as aggressive in its design compared to other pick-up trucks. Notable cues include headlamps that are linked by a closed-off grille at the front, joined by large faux inlets at the corners of the bumper that flank the lower intake and what appears to sensors for the driver assistance systems.

  Down the sides, we find recessed creases on the wheel arches, with those at the rear integrating the charge port doors. As for the rear, we find two-piece taillights laid out horizontally with a light bar linking them, joined by a blacked-out step portion of the bumper.

  Based on the images, the truck bed doesn’t appear to be very roomy, suggesting the Radar pick-up truck will be of a unibody construction instead of using ladder frame. Chinese reports suggest that the Haoyue, which is larger than Boyue Pro, will be the basis for the Radar model – the shut lines and creases do appear to be very similar.

  

  

  

  Geely’s commitment to electrification has seen the introduction of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which it said will underpin a wide range of new, unibody electric models, including commercial vehicles that use the SEA-C version of the platform.

  Whether or not the mystery Radar model will be the first to showcase it remains to be seen. Geely’s first EV pick-up truck will reportedly make its debut this year, with a reveal said to take place as soon as tomorrow (May 13, 2022), so stay tuned.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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