Electric pickups are becoming a practical choice for Africa’s roads, adapting to both city streets and rugged terrains. Here’s a quick look at four models designed for the region:

• Radar RD6: Affordable starting at $24,600, offers up to 392 miles of range, 4WD capability, and a 21 kW power management system for areas with unreliable electricity.
• Chevrolet Silverado EV: Long range (up to 450 miles), fast charging (350 kW), and a 10,000-lb towing capacity, but its nearly 9,000-lb weight may pose challenges on rough roads.
• Lordstown Endurance: Independent wheel motors for better torque control on unpaved surfaces and regenerative braking for extra range.
• City Blitz Pickup: Compact and cost-effective for urban deliveries, with a 100-mile range and charging via a standard 220V outlet.

These vehicles address Africa’s diverse road conditions and limited charging infrastructure, offering solutions for urban and rural needs.

Quick Comparison

These pickups highlight Africa’s shift toward electric vehicles, balancing cost, range, and durability for the continent’s unique challenges.

Electric Pickup Trucks In South Africa – 88kWh SAIC MAXUS …

1. Radar RD6

The Radar RD6 is built for the challenges of African roads, handling everything from city streets to rugged rural paths. It sits on Geely’s SEA platform, designed to deliver performance and adaptability for diverse conditions.

This electric pickup comes with three battery choices – 60 kWh, 86 kWh, and 100 kWh – offering a maximum CLTC range of 392 miles.

The 4WD Radar Horizon variant includes impressive specifications:

For utility, the RD6 provides a 1,200-liter cargo bed and a 70-liter frunk. It can handle a payload of 992 pounds (450 kg) and tow up to 6,614 pounds (3,000 kg), making it suitable for both work and personal needs.

One standout feature is its power management system, ideal for areas with unreliable electricity. The RD6 includes a 6 kW discharge panel, while the 4WD Radar Horizon model can supply up to 21 kW of power.

Durability is another strong point, with dimensions that ensure stability and space:

The RWD version delivers 268 hp and accelerates to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The 4WD Radar Horizon variant also offers seven driving modes, including options for off-road conditions, making it a versatile choice for African terrains.

Starting at $24,600 USD, the RD6 offers an affordable entry point for those looking to embrace electric vehicles on Africa’s varied roads.

Up next, we’ll take a closer look at another electric pickup designed for Africa.

2. Chevrolet Silverado EV

The Silverado EV stands out on African roads, offering an impressive mix of range, power, and practicality for both city streets and rural landscapes.

Here’s a breakdown of its range capabilities:

The RST model, in particular, delivered 401 miles in highway testing. During fast-charging trials, it added 236 miles of range in just 30 minutes – a solid performance for long-distance travel. Let’s take a closer look at its key features:

Drivers have noted its ease of handling, thanks to the four-wheel steering system, which makes it easier to navigate tight urban spaces and rough rural roads. However, its hefty weight – nearly 9,000 pounds – might require some planning when choosing routes.

"The driving dynamics were super impressive however, even on dirt roads. Chevy recommends a surprisingly high 61 PSI on the wheels and ours were showing 63 PSIs, yet the ride was incredibly smooth." – Seth Weintraub, Publisher and Editorial Director, 9to5/Electrek

One thing to keep in mind is how the truck handles under load. Aggressive acceleration, especially in WOW launch mode, can cause noticeable sway when towing heavy items.

Charging options are another strong point. The Silverado EV supports both DC and AC charging, making it adaptable to the available infrastructure.

When it comes to ride comfort, the truck generally performs well on Africa’s diverse surfaces. However, the 24-inch wheels and low-profile tires can make sharp impacts and vibrations from uneven terrain more noticeable in the cabin. This is worth considering when planning routes across challenging landscapes.

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3. Lordstown Endurance

The Lordstown Endurance is built to handle the challenges of Africa’s rugged roads. It features independent wheel motors that provide precise torque control, making it well-suited for unpaved surfaces. Its thermal management system keeps the battery at the right temperature, even in Africa’s high heat.

The truck’s reinforced chassis, protected battery housing, and upgraded suspension improve durability and ground clearance, making it ideal for rural driving conditions. Its charging system supports both fast charging and overnight options, helping drivers navigate areas with limited charging infrastructure while allowing for careful route planning.

Regenerative braking adds extra range on hilly terrain and reduces wear, making it a practical choice for Africa’s diverse landscapes. These features make the Endurance a strong contender as we explore more electric pickups designed for the region.

4. City Blitz Pickup (EV Africa)

The City Blitz Pickup offers a practical electric vehicle solution tailored for African businesses, designed to handle a variety of road conditions with ease.

Built for durability, it features a monocoque safety cell and an impact-resistant design. The McPherson independent front suspension and rear trailing arm system provide steady handling, while its 20° climbing angle makes it suitable for both urban streets and rugged rural roads.

This pickup runs on a maintenance-free 7.5 kW brushless AC motor paired with a 10 kW lithium battery. It delivers a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) and can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h), making it well-suited for city deliveries and short regional trips.

The operating cost is approximately 13 cents per kilometer. Its IP67-certified battery has been tested to withstand extreme conditions, including seawater submersion and temperatures up to 1,472°F (800°C).

The compact design makes it ideal for navigating crowded city streets while also handling remote routes. It charges using a standard 220V outlet, addressing the challenges of areas with limited charging infrastructure. Plus, its zero-emission operation allows for safe use in indoor environments.

Model Comparison

Here’s a look at how these electric pickups measure up for the African market:

This table highlights the differences that matter most for navigating Africa’s varied conditions. The Radar RD6 shines in long-distance travel, as demonstrated during a 2,400 km round trip from Kigali to Nairobi in September 2024.

On the other hand, the City Blitz Pickup is ideal for urban deliveries and shorter regional routes. Its range of just over 90 miles (150 km) may be modest, but its sturdy design and high ground clearance make it well-equipped for Africa’s evolving infrastructure.

For tougher terrain, the 4WD Horizon variant adds off-road capability, making it a strong choice for areas prone to flooding or requiring water crossings.

"An EV is actually perfect for Africa because they are super cheap to operate and maintain. That makes them a great fit with a service business model. What we’ve done is develop the first purpose-designed electric truck for Africa." – Simon Davis, CEO of Ox

Pickup trucks are hugely popular in African markets. For example, in Zimbabwe, pickups account for 67% of new vehicle sales. This underscores the potential for electric trucks to compete with traditional models, offering lower running costs while meeting – or exceeding – performance expectations.

The Radar RD6 also brings an extra advantage with its Vehicle-to-Load feature, which provides backup power in areas with unreliable electricity. Field tests confirm its reliability on Africa’s roads.

Summary

Our analysis shows a clear shift toward electric mobility in Africa, with electric pickups adapting to handle the region’s diverse road conditions. Fleet operators are increasingly drawn to these vehicles due to their lower operating costs, which align with the changing dynamics of the market.

In Kenya, imports of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have averaged 11,575 units per year over the last five years, signaling a strong opportunity for electric alternatives.

This trend is evident in real-world examples: Ghana’s SolarTaxi has introduced the Dongfeng Rich 6 EV, equipped with a 119 kW motor and a range of around 400 km. It also boasts fast charging, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has started using BYD models for airport shuttles, further showcasing the practical adoption of electric vehicles.

South Africa, the continent’s largest vehicle market, offers promising opportunities for pickups with ranges exceeding 300 km (186 miles). Major fleet operators like Eskom are already considering the switch to electric vehicles, which could significantly boost market growth.

As charging infrastructure expands, these vehicles will play an even greater role, offering both economic and environmental advantages. These developments are set to accelerate the region’s transition to electric mobility.

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