First Drive Review: Riddara RD6 — The Most-Affordable Electric Pickup Impresses

The Riddara RD6, manufactured by Riddara under the Geely Group umbrella, has entered the UAE market with an impressive feature set and an attractive price tag. Recently launched at a starting price of AED 139,500, with AGMC as the official distributor, the RD6 is already drawing the right kind of attention. 

Available in two trims, this bold electric pickup is designed to combine urban utility with off-road capability. In this DubiCars first drive review, we explore what makes the Riddara RD6 stand out in the rather niche electric pickup truck segment.

Before we get into the details, here are five things you need to know about the RD6:  

The RD6 is a good-looking pickup truck with sharp LED headlights and a sleek closed-off grille featuring the Riddara logo. This minimalist front end, typical of electric vehicles, gives the truck a modern, clean look. The truck rides on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, which further elevate its premium appeal.  

At the rear, the RD6 impresses with sleek LED taillights that stretch across the tailgate. Opening the tailgate reveals multiple power outlets. These outlets can power everything from camping equipment to work tools, adding versatility for outdoor adventures. Riddara offers the RD6 in seven vibrant color options, three of which are particularly unique, setting it apart from traditional pickup truck palettes.  

The dashboard is dominated by a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen, which acts as the command center for everything, from navigation and media to HVAC settings. Complementing this is a 12.3-inch instrumentation display with customizable views, ensuring that essential driving data is always at your fingertips.  

The RD6 doesn’t compromise on comfort. Soft-touch materials, brushed metal accents, and premium leather upholstery create a refined ambiance. The RD6 offers ample legroom in both rows, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. The seats also offer a ventilation function, which is a blessing in the UAE summer heat. 

Adding to the cabin’s premium feel is a panoramic sunroof that enhances the airy atmosphere. The sunroof, however, is only available on the top-spec 86kWh trim. A wireless charging pad and USB ports ensure seamless connectivity and convenience. 

The Riddara RD6 boasts an advanced dual-motor electric powertrain that delivers impressive performance numbers:

While the Dubai Autodrome isn’t the most conventional place for a pickup truck test drive, the RD6 certainly was impressive. The straight on the 1.6km-long hill-handling circuit was perfect to test its acceleration while the next 6 corners showcased its excellent handling.

To showcase its off-road capabilities, Riddara set up a special off-road course for media testing. On the steep incline, the RD6’s hill hold and descent control systems performed flawlessly. The electric drivetrain had no trouble maintaining traction during articulation tests. Despite being equipped with standard road tires, the RD6 navigated soft sand pits with surprising ease, proving its mettle as a capable off-road pickup truck.  

While we haven’t actually tested the range & charging speeds, here’s what Riddara claims.

Charging is quick and convenient with DC fast-charging support, which takes the battery from 30 to 80 percent in under 32 minutes. However, AC charging will take around 11 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging at home.  

The Riddara RD6’s modern design, feature-rich interior, and impressive performance make it a great choice. What truly sets it apart, however, is its affordable pricing. In a segment dominated by trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hummer EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Rivian R1T, the RD6 offers similar versatility and features at a fraction of the cost. 

With prices ranging from AED 139,500 to AED 169,500, the Riddara RD6 costs between three to six times less than its American competitors, something worth serious consideration. In addition, of the aforementioned electric pickup trucks, only the Hummer EV having been launched earlier this year, is officially available in the UAE. 

The Riddara RD6 is priced at AED 139,500 for the base variant with a 73kWh battery and AED 169,500 for the top-spec variant featuring an 86kWh battery.

The Geely Radar RD6 offers a range of up to 424km with the 73kWh battery and 455km with the larger 86kWh battery.

Riddara is an electric vehicle brand under the Geely Group, focused on manufacturing premium, feature-packed electric pickup trucks like the RD6.

Riddara is made in China and operates under the Geely Group, a major Chinese automotive conglomerate.

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