Pretoria, South Africa – 9 May 2025 – A new chapter is being written in South Africa’s automotive history, and it’s electric. Enviro Automotive has pulled the wraps off its most ambitious endeavour yet – the national debut of the Riddara 4×4 Double Cab, a rugged all-electric pickup produced by the Geely Auto Group, marking a seismic shift in the country’s path toward cleaner, more sustainable mobility.
This launch is more than just a product reveal. It’s a statement of intent. Accompanying the Riddara’s arrival is a sweeping price reduction across Enviro Automotive’s entire electric vehicle range, a move designed to make zero-emission driving more accessible than ever before. Fueling this push is a potent new alliance with Turner Morris, a heavyweight in the construction plant hire and renewable energy sectors, poised to accelerate the reach and impact of Enviro’s electrified offerings throughout Southern Africa.
A New Era of Electric Utility
At the heart of this revolution lies the Riddara RD6 – South Africa’s first fully electric 4×4 and 4×2 double cab bakkie. Unlike traditional ICE-derived electric conversions, the RD6 is built from the ground up on an advanced Volvo-derived skateboard platform. The result? A new standard in performance, versatility, and refinement for electric utility vehicles.
Capable of rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, the RD6 offers thrilling acceleration with none of the tailpipe emissions. But this EV isn’t just about speed. With a 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200,000 km battery warranty, the Riddara is engineered for both excitement and endurance.
“We are not just introducing vehicles; we are empowering a nation to embrace a new era of driving,” said Gideon Wolvaardt, CEO of Enviro Automotive. “Our commitment is clear: we want to lead South Africa into a cleaner, more sustainable future by offering innovative, attainable electric mobility.”
Strength in Synergy: Turner Morris Joins the Charge
Integral to this bold vision is the newly formed partnership with Turner Morris. Known for its strength in construction plant rentals and renewable energy, the company brings a strategically located national footprint of 13 outlets and workshops. When integrated with the existing DFSK EV dealer network, the alliance will establish over 30 access points nationwide, vastly enhancing Enviro Automotive’s reach and aftersales support capabilities.
“This partnership ensures these game-changing EVs reach every corner of Southern Africa,” noted Francois Malan, Head of Sales at Enviro Automotive. “The Riddara 4×4 is a declaration of intent — it shows electric vehicles can take on the toughest tasks with confidence and capability.”
A Standout Presence at NAMPO Harvest Day
Though the Riddara RD6 will make its official debut shortly after NAMPO Harvest Day (13–16 May), Enviro Automotive and Turner Morris will already be showcasing their EV expertise at the prominent agricultural expo. Visitors will get hands-on experience with the SRM T3 EV bakkie, a robust commercial-grade vehicle boasting a 1.6-tonne payload and 6 kWh Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capacity – perfect for powering tools or equipment in off-grid conditions.
Driving Down Costs, Opening Doors
Enviro Automotive’s 2025 strategy goes beyond product launches — it’s about democratising electric mobility. Thanks to favourable battery technology advancements and global trade shifts, the company has introduced sweeping price cuts across its EV portfolio.
Standout among the updated lineup is the DFSK EC35 electric panel van, available in 2- and 4-seater variants. With a compelling cost-of-ownership argument, the EC35 is now more affordable than ever. In fact, over 200,000 km, the fuel savings alone on a petrol or diesel van would now exceed the purchase price of the EC35. For a limited time, customers can also enjoy discounts of up to R105,000.
Long-term value is a key theme across the lineup. While the RD6’s lithium battery is covered by an 8-year warranty, real-world data suggests lifespans of 15 to 20 years, reinforcing the total cost advantage and durability of Enviro’s offerings.
As the first shipment of Riddara RD6 units touches down in Durban, Enviro Automotive is delivering more than vehicles — it’s delivering on a promise of progress.
The electric future is here, and it’s built for Africa.
Explore the full range and embrace the movement at www.enviroauto.co.za.
