A shift towards an electric vehicle landscape in South Africa will get another boost with the soon-to-be released Geely Riddara double cab 4x4 and 4x2 bakkies locally by Enviro Automotive.
The bakkie, which uses Volvo electric architecture as both brands are part of Geely Auto Group, will join Enviro Automotive’s DFSK EC35 electric panel and the robust SRM T3 EV bakkie, a workhorse boasting a 1.6-tonne payload and a 6kWh Vehicle-to-Load functionality to be shown at NAMPO.
Fuelling this transformative movement is a powerful new alliance with Turner Morris, a titan in the construction plant rental and burgeoning renewable energy sectors, poised to supercharge the accessibility of Enviro Automotive's cutting-edge electric vehicles across Southern Africa.
The arrival of Geely’s Riddara 4x4, coupled with our strategic synergy with Turner Morris and the unprecedented price adjustments we've implemented, represents a giant stride towards realising this vision. “We are not just introducing vehicles; we are empowering a nation to embrace a new era of driving."
While the initial fleet of the revolutionary Riddara 4x4 bakkies will make its public debut shortly after the NAMPO Harvest Day Expo (May 13-16), Enviro Automotive's electrifying presence will be strongly felt at the agricultural showcase through their collaboration with Turner Morris.
The Riddara RD6 itself heralds a new chapter for electric vehicles in South Africa. The fully electric bakkie ranges are engineered from the ground up on an advanced Volvo-derived platform (eschewing the traditional ladder frame).
With a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds, the Riddara boasts a comprehensive 5-year/150 000km vehicle warranty and an industry-leading 8-year/200 000km battery warranty.
Although the prices of the Riddara bakkie range have yet to be confirmed, the top-of-the-range model could go for around R1 million with the lowest price model at around R900 000.
In a move to democratise electric vehicle ownership, Enviro Automotive has implemented significant price reductions across its model range. These adjustments, made possible by evolving battery technology costs and favourable global trade dynamics, position electric vehicles as a compelling alternative to their internal combustion engine counterparts, says the manufacturer.
The DFSK EC35 electric panel van, available in both 2- and 4-seater configurations cumulative fuel expenses for a comparable petrol or diesel van over 200 000km will now substantially exceed the purchase price of the zero-emission EC35. Adding further incentive, a current promotion offers substantial savings of up to R105 000 on the EC35 bringing the price to between R400 000 and R500 000.
The strategic alliance with Turner Morris will dramatically expand Enviro Automotive's national footprint, integrating their 13 strategically located outlets and workshops with the existing DFSK dealer network. This partnership will create a network of over 30 accessible locations nationwide.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
Audi is preparing to roll out its biggest SUV yet in the United States (US) this summer, betting that demand for high-end, three-row models will hold up even as trade tensions threaten to raise import costs.
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Nissan’s decision to drop a planned $500 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) production at its Canton, Mississippi plant is the latest indication that established manufacturers are reassessing how quickly the market will shift to battery power.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
Volvo Cars has started building the fully electric EX60 at its Torslanda factory outside Gothenburg, with first customer deliveries due in early summer.
