Geely has launched Radar Auto, a new outdoor lifestyle vehicle brand that will exclusively sell EVs. The brand’s first vehicle, a pick-up truck called the Radar RD6, will spearhead a wide-ranging line-up consisting of trucks, SUVs, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). While the scope of this line-up will vary, Geely confirmed that all Radar Auto EVs would utilize its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).
In the Radar RD6, SEA was leveraged by Geely’s engineers to optimize space throughout. Here, it enabled room for a front trunk designed for storage, as well as a truck bed that features external charging facilities. As with other vehicles built on SEA, the RD6 will use the architecture to provide single or dual-motor powertrain configurations.
In addition to selling EVs, Radar Auto will spawn a dedicated lifestyle sub-brand called Radar Weekends. This division will offer products that develop what the brand describes as a fun, diverse, outdoors ecosystem. In doing so, it will collaborate with a range of different partners – having already secured partnerships with NatureHike on camping equipment for Radar Auto EVs, and National Geographic China on an environment conservation program.
Radar Auto will operate as an independent brand under the ownership of the Geely Holding Group, which counts Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo in its brand portfolio. Much like the other brands in this portfolio, Radar Auto will be able to access the Group’s technologies and shared EV components. In preparing for the production and delivery of the RD6, Radar Auto has already opened its own R&D facility in Hangzhou and established a full EV manufacturing plant in Zibo, a city in central Shandong province.
The brand confirmed that production on the RD6 will commence in the last quarter of this year, with deliveries expected to begin at the same time. The EV’s pricing and full technical specifications will be revealed closer to its market debut. For now, Radar Auto’s operations will be limited to China – though its CEO, Ling Shi Quan, advised that potential opportunities to expand to South East Asia and sell its pick-up truck in the U.S. are currently being reviewed.
