First drive: Radar RD6 Econ

Even as the Philippine market is currently seeing the rise of electric vehicles (EV),  the pickup truck segment is still dominated by diesel-powered nameplates. 

The aforementioned has been true for years now, but new energy (NEV) pickup trucks are catching pace locally. This is demonstrated by the likes of the Changan Nevo Hunter K50 REEV and the BYD Shark 6 DM-O - both of which are hybrids that are now sold in the Philippines.

As of September 2025, however, United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated has brought in the Radar RD6 Econ all-electric model, which, instead of looking to capture the lifestyle truck-buying crowd, is looking to get a slice of the commercial and fleet scene. 

So, how does the Radar RD6 Econ drive? We found the answer to this question when UAAGI invited Zigwheels Philippines to drive its two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) variants at the R33 Drift Track in Pampanga. 

Powertrain, driving

Propelling the Radar RD6 Econ 2WD is a single-motor permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) paired with a 63-kilowatt-hour (kWh) or 73-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The top-spec 4WD variant also gets a 73-kWh battery, but is powered by a dual PMSM (front and rear axle) motor setup. 

The most powerful of the Radar EV truck trims is the 4WD dual-motor version. Its front motor can churn out 134 horsepower (hp), while its rear motor can dish out 241 hp. It also has a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range of 390 kilometers (km), and a zero to 100 kilometer per hour (kph) time of 5.7 seconds. 

Comparatively, the mid-spec 73-kWh 2WD trim’s single PMSM can produce up to 241 hp, and has a slightly more generous range of 443 km (according to NEDC).

Mind you, we didn’t get to drive the Radar RD6 Econ on public roads; instead, we had the freedom to test the capabilities of the EV truck in the safe and controlled environment of the R33 Drift Track. 

On the acceleration test, the vehicle can supply abrupt acceleration via its instantaneous torque. The model was likewise highly capable of staving off wheelspin and is thus effective in keeping down traction. It did display an initial delay when fully depressing its acceleration pedal in a quick manner, but this was very abrupt, and it isn’t like ordinary users will need the vehicle’s full power in most daily driving scenarios. 

Additionally, the organizers of the test drive event made the Radar RD6 Econ go through a short suspension test run and a slalom run, culminating in continuous full-wheel-lock turn corners. 

During the suspension test, the model’s front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear end did a good job of staving off vibrations and harshness. At the same time, the model didn’t show diving when accelerated hard or body rolls during the slalom test. 

But even while the model has a rear multi-link suspension system, the UAAGI says the model retains a one-ton carry capacity. Also, the pickup truck demonstrated a tight turning radius, coupled with a straightforward but numbed steering feel. The latter, though, is par for the course for modern vehicles, so it doesn’t take much from the RD6 Econ’s overall capabilities. 

Other noteworthy EV-related features of the Radar RD6 Econ include a Type 2 direct current (DC) charging port, a vehicle-to-load feature, and regenerative braking. At maximum, the vehicle’s DC port provides a capacity of 100 kilowatts. 

Other stories: Changan Nevo Q05: efficiently speedy ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 3 - When simplicity just works First drive: Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e

 

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the Radar RD6 Econ doesn’t look like a typical pickup truck. Due to its unibody, it carries a lower-slung stance that’s more akin to a crossover. 

Sure, most of its main exterior sections appear upright, but  the vehicle has a ground clearance of 225 millimeters (mm), which is markedly lower compared to other pickup trucks. On the one hand, it has short overhangs, but again, one cannot expect this nameplate to deal with hardcore off-road trails. 

In addition, the model doesn’t have the usual “tough” details that one can find on locally available pickup trucks. It doesn’t get big and muscular wheel arches, nor does it have a beefy front bumper. 

Instead, the model sports a sleek and modern styling rich with very appealing character lines. It also gets a wide cargo bed equipped with a sturdy bedliner that is seamlessly installed on the vehicle’s main body.

For its other size figures, the Radar RD6 Econ 4x4 73-kWh is 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,865 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,120 mm.

Other notable exterior features of the Radar RD6 Econ include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Halogen headlamps
• LED daytime running lamps
• LED taillights
• Rear fog lamps
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-adjust side mirrors
• Bed sports bar
• Tailgate assist

Interior

Inside the Radar RD6 Econ is a five-seater layout that the author found to be comfortable and roomy. The aforementioned applies to both the front and rear seats. 

Sure, the front seats only have manual adjustability, but that’s par for the course considering the price point of this all-electric pickup truck. The rear cabin is also notably spartan, but as mentioned above, it has sufficient room for heads and legs even for moderately tall (Five-foot, eleven-inch and above) Filipinos. 

On the one hand, the all-electric vehicle does have some niceties for its occupants. For one thing, it comes with a single-zone climate control system, leather upholstered seats, and an ample amount of soft-touch surfaces. 

It does get plenty of hard plastic surfaces as well, but these appear to be durable and are well-fitted. 

For the driver, the Radar RD6 Econ provides a push-to-start button, a keyless entry system, cruise control, and an eight-inch DOT Matrix gauge cluster. 

On-board entertainment and navigation, meanwhile, is handled by an eight-inch touchscreen headunit. This is underpinned by an easy-to-use interface and feels quick to respond to inputs. Unfortunately, its smartphone connectivity options are limited to EasyConnect and Bluetooth. 

Other amenities found inside the Radar RD6 Econ include: 

• Four-piece speaker set
• LED cargo bed light
• Frameless day & night rearview mirror
• 60:40 split fold rear seat function
• Electronic parking brake
• USB charging ports
• 12-volt accessory outlet

Safety

For its basic safety kit, the Radar RD6 Econ comes standard with dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hydraulic brake assist, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and tire pressure monitoring. 

During the closed-course driving session with the pickup truck, we didn’t get much time to test out the aforementioned safety equipment. Otherwise, they are a reassuring presence for would-be buyers. 

Price

In the Philippines, the Radar RD6 Econ is currently sold with introductory prices starting at P1.358 million for the 4x2 63-kWh trim, P1.548 million for the mid-spec 4x2 73-kWh, and P1.698 million for the top-of-the-line 4x4 AWD 73-kWh. The said trim’s regular prices, on the other hand, are set at P1.398 million, P1.598 million, and P1.748 million, respectively. 

Included with each purchase of the Radar truck is a five-year, or 150,000 km (whichever comes first), bumper-to-bumper warranty. This is paired with a high-voltage battery warranty of eight years, or 200,000 km (whichever comes first). 

Radar RD6 Econ: specifications

Model	Radar RD6 Econ 4WD 73-kWh
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,260x1,900x1,865
Wheelbase (mm)	3,120
Ground clearance (mm)	225
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	Halogen/LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Leather seats Eight-inch DOT Matrix gauge cluster Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button USB ports 12-volt accessory outlets Four-piece speaker set Cruise control 60:40 split-folding rear seats Power-adjust side mirrors Automatic headlamp function
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, EasyConnect
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Dual PMSM
Range	390 km (NEDC)
Battery capacity	73 kWh
Horsepower	134 hp (front), 241 hp (rear)
Other EV components	Regenerative braking Type 2 port Vehicle-toload function
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags ISOFIX child seat anchors Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Hydraulic brake assist Hill-start assist Hill-descent control Rear parking sensors Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring
Price	P1.698 million

Final thoughts

Based on how its variants are priced and its array of interior amenities, the Radar RD6 Econ is clearly positioned as a utilitarian ride fit for fleets or as a logistics solution for businesses. This is also backed up by its one-ton cargo capacity. 

But while a tad light on creature comforts, the straightforwardness of the RD6 Econ’s interior is something to commend. Almost everything inside is easy to find and use, which, of course, does away with overcomplicating the user experience. 

On the one hand, the model’s driving capability is commendable as well. It offers a smoother ride compared to ladder frame pickup trucks, plus, one cannot deny that its instant torque will prove to be bundles of fun on backroads. 

Overall, the vehicle is well worth the money, but we reckon that a full review of the Radar RD6 Econ is necessary to see how it really handles in real-world situations. Also, we didn’t get to drive its Radar RD6 EM-P hybrid counterpart - so stay tuned for that as well. 

Also read:

All-new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro CVT: affordable, capable

ELECTRIA: Chery eQ7 could stir UAAGI’s EV journey

First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM

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