LAHORE – Pakistan's automotive industry has officially entered a new era with the launch of the Riddara RD6, the country's first-ever fully electric pickup truck. Capital Smart Motors has revealed the official price for the groundbreaking vehicle at PKR 13,299,000, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's transition towards sustainable e-mobility. The launch is set to send shockwaves through a market traditionally dominated by diesel-powered utility vehicles.
The arrival of the Riddara RD6 is a landmark event, following closely on the heels of the BYD Shark 6 PHEV debut, and solidifies a burgeoning trend towards high-tech, lifestyle-oriented pickup trucks in Pakistan. With its blistering performance, substantial driving range, and a suite of advanced technology and safety features previously unseen in the segment, the Riddara RD6 is not just a new vehicle; it's a bold statement about the future of transportation in Pakistan.
The Shifting Automotive Landscape
For years, the Pakistani auto market has been defined by a predictable landscape of sedans, hatchbacks, and, more recently, a surge in SUVs. The pickup truck segment, while consistently strong, has been largely dominated by a single name: the Toyota Hilux, valued for its rugged, utilitarian nature. However, a fascinating transformation is now underway.
A new appetite has emerged for pickup trucks that offer not just utility, but also performance, comfort, and advanced technology. The launch of the Riddara RD6, being a pure electric vehicle (EV), is the most radical and forward-looking of these new entrants, promising a completely new ownership experience.
Riddara RD6: Performance Specifications
| Performance Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Maximum Power | 315 kW (approx. 422 hp) |
| Maximum Torque | 595 Nm |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,000 kg |
Performance and Power: The Electric Advantage
The Riddara RD6 brings a level of performance that is simply unattainable for traditional combustion-engine trucks. Powered by a potent permanent magnet synchronous motor, it delivers an astonishing 315 kW (approximately 422 horsepower) and a massive 595 Nm of torque.
What sets an electric motor apart is the delivery of this torque: it's instantaneous. This allows the RD6 to achieve a blistering acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km/h. Beyond speed, this power provides immense capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 kilograms.
To manage this power, the RD6 is equipped with seven distinct driving modes, including Sand, Mud, Off-road, and Wading, ensuring optimal performance across various conditions.
Battery, Range, and Charging: The EV Experience
Addressing the core concerns of any EV buyer, the Riddara RD6 is equipped with a substantial 86 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, enabling a confident driving range of 455 km (NEDC) on a single charge. This range is more than sufficient for multiple days of city commuting or for inter-city travel.
Charging is designed to be fast and convenient. The RD6 supports DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in just 32 minutes using a 100 kW charger. For overnight home charging, a standard 6.6 kW AC charger can take the battery from 20% to 100% in approximately 11 hours. The vehicle also features regenerative braking to boost efficiency.
Riddara RD6: Battery, Range & Charging
| Charging Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Ternary Lithium Battery |
| Battery Capacity | 86 kWh |
| Driving Range | 455 km (NEDC) |
| DC Fast Charging (30-80%) | 32 minutes @ 100 kW |
| AC Charging (20-100%) | 11 hours @ 6.6 kW |
A New Standard for Features and Technology
The Riddara RD6 aims to redefine the interior experience of a pickup truck, offering a cabin packed with technology and comfort features that rival premium sedans.
Futuristic Interior and Connectivity:
The dashboard is dominated by a large 14.6-inch floating central control screen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. The system supports Apple CarPlay and includes smart features like voice vehicle control and a 50W wireless phone charger. The seats are wrapped in synthetic leather and are ventilated for added comfort.
Advanced Safety Suite (ADAS):
Safety is a major focus, with the RD6 offering a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes a 540° surround camera system with a "transparent chassis" view, which uses cameras to create a virtual view of the ground beneath the truck. It also features a full range of active safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Detection.
Riddara RD6: Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 5,260 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,880 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,120 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 225 mm |
Market Impact and the Road Ahead
Priced at PKR 13,299,000, the Riddara RD6 is a premium offering for early adopters of EV technology. Its launch by Capital Smart Motors is a significant milestone, representing a major private sector investment in the future of e-mobility in Pakistan.
While the company has confirmed these key global specifications, it has noted that the full details specific to the Pakistani variant are yet to be disclosed. The success of the RD6 will undoubtedly depend on the parallel development of a robust public charging infrastructure.
However, its arrival is undeniably a game-changer. It introduces a new level of performance, technology, and environmental consciousness to the utility vehicle segment, setting a bold new benchmark for the future of pickup trucks in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the price and booking amount for the Riddara RD6?
The official price of the Riddara RD6 in Pakistan is Rs. 13,299,000. The booking amount has not been officially announced by Capital Smart Motors yet.
2. What is the real-world driving range of the Riddara RD6?
The Riddara RD6 is equipped with an 86 kWh battery pack that provides a driving range of 455 kilometers under the NEDC standard. Real-world range may vary depending on driving conditions and usage.
3. How long does it take to charge the Riddara RD6?
Using a DC fast charger, the truck can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 32 minutes. Standard AC home charging from 20% to 100% takes approximately 11 hours, making it convenient for overnight charging.
4. Is the Riddara RD6 powerful enough for off-roading and towing?
Yes. With 595 Nm of instant torque, a 3,000 kg towing capacity, and seven different driving modes including Off-road, Mud, and Sand, the Riddara RD6 is designed to be highly capable for both work and adventure.
5. What are the key safety features of the Riddara RD6?
The RD6 comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features (ADAS), including a 540° surround camera with a transparent chassis view, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Detection.