When we hear “pickup,” we often associate it with a gasoline- or diesel-powered engine. We often think of it as rugged and heavy. Maybe even for towing or transportation—most notably, for off-road use. This time, Radar Philippines gave us a different view of the brand’s EV pickup, the RD6.

The test drive for the first full-EV pickup in the Philippines was held at the R33 Drift Track in San Simon, Pampanga. It was not the dirt track most were anticipating for this kind of ride, but that was what made it different. It was a controlled environment, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t push the car to its limit.

The distributor (United Asia Automotive Group Inc.) set up a makeshift gymkhana with five different obstacle courses—highlighting different aspects of the vehicle. The team also provided guidance before and during the actual driving. There were three people per car; instructors were mandatory.

I managed to test out a charcoal gray RD6 Econ 2WD with a 73kWh battery. Other units—such as the RD6 EM-P 4WD—were also available.

The first portion was testing both the accelerator and the brakes. I was instructed to fully press on the throttle and then hit the brakes once at the flag. Even now, I can still feel the torque. This 0-80km/h acceleration run was no joke. Props to the brakes, too—they were strong and smooth, without the jerking sensation that I normally felt on other EVs.

Next was the high-speed slalom test. It surprised me when I entered that part; the steering wheel was like a feather. I could speed up or slow down, and the heaviness of the wheel was still the same. It was great for doing turns as there was not much resistance, and this—coming from a pickup—was impressive.

I may have missed a turn on my try, but it gave me a chance to experience the other features, like the backup guide and the back-facing camera via the eight-inch infotainment system.

The next one was honestly underwhelming. We tried a few speed bumps at two different speeds. The unit, as expected, cushioned it very well. I admittedly hoped to have more humps with different heights and lengths so I could fully assess the suspension’s capabilities and how the 17-inch wheels made a difference.

The fourth one felt more like a challenge to my driving skills than the car itself. Sure, I was not the best driver out there, but I managed to navigate the pylons without any issues. It was not hard to avoid the cones on a narrow path because of how effortless the steering was. Yes, even if the unit I was using had a long bed.

Lastly, the roundabout. Pickup trucks are not the ideal vehicles for turning, but the RD6 made me forget about the stress of making U-turns with long cars.

Overall, driving the unit felt more like a sedan than a pickup, and I mean that in a good way. You can drive unrestricted with the benefits of a typical pickup. Originally, I didn’t appreciate the strong brakes, but now that I know which instances the brakes are useful for, I’m warming up to the idea.

It was initially weird driving a silent pickup, but I could appreciate the power and the torque. Let’s have more electric workhorses, yes?

I’m looking forward to exploring the Radar RD6 in different environments. Seeing some of the units with Overland Kings accessories made me imagine it in the mountains, going through unpaved terrain and through streams. I’m hoping to see it tow another vehicle or have its cargo bed filled to the brim. We might see that soon, but let’s appreciate first how roadworthy and exciting it is.