UAAGI Auto Group, the Philippine distributor of the battery-electric Radar RD6 pickup, said it sold 112 units in June, more than doubling the 44 units delivered in May. While the company did not disclose cumulative sales, the month-over-month increase suggests growing interest in electrified pickups, a segment that has recently expanded with models such as the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 (which has registered over 2,140 vehicles) and Dongfeng EV truck (about 50 units). Although pickup trucks remain overwhelmingly diesel-powered in the Philippines, manufacturers are increasingly introducing electrified alternatives as businesses and private buyers look for lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and new technologies that conventional trucks cannot offer. The Radar RD6, marketed globally as the Riddara RD6, enters one of the country’s most competitive vehicle segments with a starting price of P1.438 million (about US$25,230) for the rear-wheel-drive Econ variant. That places it within reach of many mid-range diesel pickups while offering a fully electric powertrain. Unlike conventional pickups built on ladder-frame chassis, the RD6 uses a dedicated unibody electric platform with an independent multi-link rear suspension. The design prioritizes ride comfort while maintaining cargo-carrying capability, giving it handling characteristics closer to an SUV than a traditional work truck. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version produces 381 horsepower and 485 Newton-meters of torque, allowing the truck to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds. Instant electric torque gives it performance comparable to or exceeding several diesel-powered competitors. One feature that distinguishes the RD6 from conventional pickups is its vehicle-to-load capability. The truck can supply up to 3.5 kilowatts of electricity through power outlets in the cabin and cargo bed, allowing it to operate power tools, appliances, or emergency equipment without requiring a separate generator. The feature could appeal to contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency response teams that need portable power in remote locations. The battery-electric version is equipped with a battery pack of up to 73 kilowatt-hours, providing a claimed driving range of as much as 443 kilometers under the New European Driving Cycle standard. UAAGI also offers the RD6 EM-P plug-in hybrid variant, which combines electric driving with a gasoline engine for a claimed combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers. Operating costs are another selling point. UAAGI estimates the fully electric RD6 Econ costs about P2.64 (about US$0.05) per kilometer to operate, while the plug-in hybrid version costs roughly P3.86 (about US$0.07) per kilometer. The company also projects substantially lower maintenance expenses than comparable diesel pickups — although, real-world ownership costs will depend on electricity prices, fuel costs, driving conditions, and maintenance practices. The RD6 offers a payload capacity of up to one metric ton for the electric Econ model and up to 800 kilograms for the plug-in hybrid version. It also has a rated wading depth of 815 millimeters, specifications intended to appeal to both commercial operators and private buyers. The emerging electrified pickup segment remains too small to establish a clear market leader. Unlike UAAGI, competing manufacturers have not released model-level sales figures. The BYD Shark 6, introduced in the Philippines in 2025, has become one of the country’s most prominent electrified pickups, while Dongfeng has entered the segment with the Z9 plug-in hybrid. Both models reflect the growing participation of Chinese automakers in the Philippine pickup market, where electrification has largely been driven by brands from China. Industry observers expect additional competition over the next few years as more manufacturers introduce electric and plug-in hybrid pickups to Southeast Asia. Falling battery costs, expanding charging infrastructure, and government incentives under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act are expected to encourage broader adoption — although, charging availability outside major urban centers and buyer familiarity with the technology remain challenges. UAAGI has been expanding its dealer network and aftersales support as it works to establish the Radar brand in the country. The company said the RD6 comes with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty for its high-voltage battery. As this article is being filed, UAAGI is also showcasing the RD6 lineup during its “UAAGI on the Move” roadshow from July 16 to 19 at the country’s most expansive mall, SM Megamall, where prospective buyers can view the vehicles and participate in test drives.
