Geely is looking to sell electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand and is currently considering models for import and local manufacturing, Reuters reports. According to anonymous sources that spoke with the news outlet, the Chinese carmaker is considering whether to market an entry-level EV as well as a fully electric pick-up truck from its Radar brand.

Officially, Geely is not confirming any such plans, with a company media representative declining to provide details about any talks on investments. However, it is known that Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) organised a roadshow in China back in April to lure foreign funds.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, who is the BOI’s secretary-general, revealed discussions were held with five major Chinese EV makers during the roadshow, including Geely, BYD, Chongqing Changan Automobile, JAC Motors and Jiangling Motors, “All expressed keen interest in Thailand’s policy to develop a regional EV production base and an integrated EV supply chain,” Narit said.

Thailand is aiming to have EVs account for 30% of its automotive production by 2030 and is offering financial incentives to car companies to attractive foreign investment. Meanwhile, subsidies are being offered to car buyers to promote the demand for EVs in the country.

Thailand already has a love affair with pickup trucks, so what better way to embrace the government’s EV push than an electric pickup truck?

The Geely Radar RD6 measures 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, which makes it about the same size as a double-cab Toyota Hilux, which measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

Currently, all available variants of the Radar RD6 on sale are powered by a single rear motor, producing 272 PS, which propels the electric pick-up truck along the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds.

Three battery choices are available for Radar RD6 buyers in China; and these are 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh. These offer maximum range figures of 400 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively, with the largest battery variant supporting DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the maximum AC charging rate for the RD6 is 11 kW.

Geely has many brands in its portfolio, some of which are given working-level autonomy that complicates discussions. “They have to decide what model to bring to Thailand,” said one of the sources, who added that a local assembly plant is also being reviewed.

The divisions within the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group include the Geely Auto Group that has Geely Auto, Geometry, Lynk & Co and Proton (49.9% stake). Others include Zeekr Intelligent Technology (Zeekr), Lotus Group (Lotus Cars), smart Automobile (a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz), Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars and Polestar), LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company), Radar New Energy Automobile (Radar) and Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group.

Tags: Radar RD6