Rising From the East: Can China's Latest Electric Behemoth Outshine Tesla's Cybertruck?
Step aside, Tesla Cybertruck – there’s a new contender revving up in the electric pickup truck arena, promising to stir the pot in a segment that's increasingly getting crowded. The automotive world has been electrified with news from Geely’s electric outdoor brand, Radar Auto, as they unveil their latest marvel, the AWD version of the R6, poised to challenge the status quo and carve a niche for itself. But the million-dollar question remains: Can it truly hold its own against the vaunted Tesla Cybertruck?
East Meets West in an Electric Showdown
Introduced with a bold claim as “China’s first pure electric outdoor lifestyle vehicle brand,” Radar Auto’s foray into the electric truck sphere has been anything but ordinary. Launching its first vehicle, the Radar R6 pickup in November 2022 with a starting price that turns heads, it's no wonder the automotive community has been abuzz. The R6, resting on the innovative shoulders of Geely’s SEA platform – the same that underpins notable vehicles like the Polestar 4, Volvo EM90, and ZEEKR EVs – represents a blend of technological prowess and affordability.
With three battery options (63, 86, or 100 kWh) offering a CLTC range of up to 392 mi (632 km), the Radar R6 has not only set the bar high but swung for the fences with the announcement of an even more robust 4WD model. The CEO of Radar, Ling Shiquan, has thrown down the gauntlet, boasting of a vehicle that can match Tesla’s Cybertruck on acceleration, and even surpass the GM Hummer EV in wading depth, setting the stage for a titanic tussle.
The announcement of the 4WD version’s blind reservations recently opened, has added fuel to the fire of anticipation, even though the automaker remained coy about the pricing. However, what was revealed spells promise – boasting up to 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) towing, 32.1" wading, and a sprint from 0 to 100km/hr (0 to 62 mph) in an impressive 4.5 seconds. This achievement not only marks it as the fastest electric pickup in China outside the Cybertruck but casts a long shadow for the competition to reckon with.
Against the backdrop of the Tesla AWD Cybertruck’s 11,000 lbs towing, 4.1 sec 0 to 60 mph, and 340 miles range, the Radar R6’s dimensions, slightly smaller, promise a David versus Goliath scenario in the making. Furthermore, if Radar’s claims hold water, their 4WD R6 will edge out the RWD Cybertruck in a 0 to 60 mph showdown.
The Radar R6 doesn’t stop at just brute force. It offers seven driving modes including off-road options, and a structure fortified with six layers of protection and 25% galvanized steel plate, inviting drivers to “play with confidence”. Available in varying price ranges, with the 4WD version expected to be slightly higher, Radar’s ambition is clear – to offer a compelling alternative that does more than just keep up with established names.
Revealing its strategy of dominance in the electric truck market, the Radar R6 claimed over 60% of the electric truck share in China last year, and with plans to export models overseas, it’s clear that Radar is not content with just being a powerhouse in the East.
But will the automotive world wake up to a new dawn where the Radar R6 becomes as synonymous with electric adventure as Tesla's Cybertruck? As this narrative unfolds, enthusiasts and skeptics alike wait with bated breath. Whether you’re a die-hard Tesla fan or a curious onlooker, one thing’s for sure – the electric vehicle landscape is getting more exciting, and the Radar R6 is a testament to that.
As the electric pickup war heats up, the choice between embracing a pioneering spirit or sticking with established giants becomes more intriguing. With the Radar R6, Radar Auto invites us to envision a future where innovation knows no bounds and where every mile driven is a statement. Would you join the revolution?