Geely NZ launches fully-electric ute in Shark’s territory
Words by Richard Edwards
Geely has confirmed its first all-electric ute for New Zealand, the Riddara RD6 Pro, with pricing set at $69,990 through Geely outlets under NordEast Distributors.
The Riddara breaks with tradition from the outset. Rather than being built on a ladder-frame chassis like most utes, it uses Geely’s SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, the same passenger-car base shared with Zeekr, Polestar and Volvo. That makes it more car-like in ride and refinement, but Geely insists it hasn’t compromised the workhorse credentials that Kiwi buyers expect.
Learn more about the Riddara RD6
On the numbers, it certainly looks competitive. Power comes from a dual-motor AWD system producing 315kW, good for a 0–100km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds — a figure that would leave many performance SUVs behind, let alone other utes. Energy is drawn from a 73kWh battery delivering an official 360km WLTP range. The chassis is rated to carry a 1030kg payload and tow 3000kg braked, with a wading depth of 815mm.
Inside, the Riddara takes clear cues from Geely’s premium passenger cars. Ventilated front and rear seats, a 14.6-inch floating central screen, and a 540-degree surround-view monitor with transparent chassis mode all feature. The tray itself sports an ultra-durable anti-corrosion coating while Vehicle to Load is standard.
Facing its rivals
The Riddara arrives at a pivotal moment. The BYD Shark PHEV is priced almost identically at around $69k, but takes a hybrid approach, combining petrol power with around 100km EV range. Its towing capacity is rated at 2500kg, with a more modest 730kg payload.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is already on sale from $64,990, bringing 3500kg towing and roughly 1000kg payload. The Ford Ranger PHEV has just entered the market, retaining the Ranger’s headline 3500kg tow rating and offering payloads of 973kg (XLT), 885kg (Wildtrak) and 808kg (Stormtrak).
That makes the Riddara the only fully-electric ute currently available here. For some buyers, that will be a deal-sealer. For others, especially those travelling long distances or working in areas with limited charging, it could be a sticking point.
Geely knows this, which is why a plug-in hybrid Riddara is already in the works for New Zealand. Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show and launched in China in May, the PHEV uses the brand’s Thor EM-P drivetrain — a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed hybrid transmission and dual-motor AWD. It’s designed to offer long electric running with the reassurance of petrol backup, bringing the Riddara closer in concept to the Shark and Ranger.
Farizon vans extend the play
NordEast is also introducing Farizon, Geely’s commercial EV brand. Its large vans will be offered in 5.5m and 6m lengths, while the SuperVAN line-up spans four models priced from $74,990 to $89,990. With only LDV’s eDeliver and Ford’s Transit Custom PHEV as competition, Farizon could give Geely a foothold in the fleet and logistics space where electrification has been slow to take off.
