China’s Radar electric ute gets all-wheel drive, more power

Volvo and Lotus parent Geely released its first electric ute in 2022, but it has been available only with rear-wheel drive. That’s about to change.

The Chinese giant’s fledgling Radar brand has revealed an all-wheel drive version of its RD6 ute called the Horizon, which includes all-wheel drive and more power.

According to Chinese media, it’ll launch in that market in the second quarter of 2024.

Outputs are up from 200kW of power and 384Nm of torque in the RD6 to 315kW and 594Nm, respectively.

Radar claims this makes it capable of doing the 0-100km/h dash in just four seconds.

There’s an intelligent all-terrain system and seven selectable drive modes, including ones for snowy conditions, mud, and wading. Maximum wading depth is 815mm.

If you want to use the vehicle to power appliances, there’s external discharge capacity of up to 21kW and outlets under the bonnet, on the side, inside the cabin and inside the tub.

Radar claims the Horizon has an 865kg payload and 3000kg towing capacity.

The tub on the RD6 – expected to be the same size in the Horizon – measures in at 1525mm long, 1450mm wide, and 540mm tall, with a volume of 1200 litres. This is slightly smaller than the tubs of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

The RD6 is underpinned by a version of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which also underpins models like the Volvo EX30, Zeekr X, Polestar 4, and Smart #1.

Beyond the key stats mentioned above, Radar hasn’t released much in the way of information on the Horizon. It has also released little in the way of imagery, though we can see the Horizon is distinguished visually from the RD6 through a new grille, front bumper and wheels.

Interior images have yet to be released, though it may closely mirror the RD6.

Inside, the RD6 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9.0-inch head-up display, and 72-colour interior ambient lighting.

On the safety front the Radar RD6 offers six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

The Horizon enters a market where electric utes remain a rarity. Rival SAIC Motor has its LDV/Maxus eT60, which is an electric version of a combustion-powered ute, while Dongfeng introduced an electric Nissan Navara derivative called the Rich 6 and GWM has teased an electric version of its Ute/Poer/Cannon.

There are more options available in the US market, with the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck on sale and the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV and Ram 1500 REV set to join them.

Geely wants to take Radar global, though an Australian launch has yet to be announced. Another brand under the Geely umbrella, Volvo, had previously indicated in 2022 it would like to handle sales and distribution of the brand locally.

While Radar hasn’t confirmed any plans for Australia, another Geely brand is coming here.

Zeekr is due here in the third quarter of 2024, and has confirmed its 009 electric people mover as its first offering.