Automotive

No terrain too deep for this Shark

The BYD Shark 6 DMO gave me the confidence to conquer any terrain.

Published

March 27, 2025

MJ Jucutan

I’ve always loved driving pickup trucks.

Not just because they dominate the road with a presence that says, “my way or the highway,” but because they promise adventure.

A pickup truck is built to withstand whatever I throw at it. Whether that’s a spontaneous road trip or a full-fledged off-road expedition.

But as much as I love the trail, I’ve never been completely confident behind the wheel when the pavement disappears.

Unlike running through rough terrain, where every step is my own, off-roading demands trust. Not just in myself but in the machine I’m driving.

That all changed over two days with the BYD Shark 6 DMO.

Inside a familiar battlefield

Our journey started at Seda Vertis North, where we set off for Alviera in Porac, Pampanga. It’s a destination estate I hold close to my heart.

It’s the battleground where I’ve crushed personal records at the Spartan Race year after year (and where I plan to do it again soon).

Alviera’s terrain is the perfect storm of challenges. Rugged soil, jagged rocks, mud, and lahar left behind by Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption. If anything could test the Shark 6 DMO, it was this.

Whether behind the wheel, in the backseat, or lounging on the truck bed, the ride remained effortless.

BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) system worked seamlessly, letting the Shark 6 DMO adapt to shifting surfaces with ease. I played with the electric and hybrid power, finding the optimal torque as I drove it through its battlefield.

Its Dual Wishbone Suspension absorbed every bump, keeping the ride smooth, while the high ground clearance meant no second-guessing obstacles ahead.

Fun fact: I misjudged a stone that was supposed to help me transition from the road to the off-road path and ended up bumping into the gutter, but we barely felt it.

Inside, it was another world entirely. The cabin was comfortably quiet, sealing us while the trail outside raged in dust and debris. It was the kind of insulation that made me forget we were off-roading at all.

By the time we pulled into Widus Hotel Clark for the night, I realized something else. I wasn’t just impressed. I was confident. For the first time, I trusted a pickup to handle what lay ahead.

Chasing breathtaking views

The next morning, we hit the road by sunrise, heading towards Daang Kalikasan Viewpoint in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

This leg was different. Here, the challenge wasn’t just terrain but elevation. We tackled a near-endless incline leading to one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.

I’ve raced across countless mountain ranges, but this felt different. Pangasinan’s hidden paradise was revealing itself to me.

The climb was relentless, but the Shark 6 DMO didn’t break a sweat. We were on full electric mode as we ascended, opting to switch to hybrid power and use regenerative braking to keep energy flowing when we descend.

But nature wasn’t as forgiving. The month of March in the Philippines is hellish, with the sun beating down mercilessly. Sweat poured down my back, my skin stung under the midday sun, and the open landscape offered no relief.

However, it was an entirely different season inside the Shark 6 DMO.

Even without tinted windows, the cabin stayed cool thanks to BYD’s climate control system. We didn’t even have to crank the AC past 20°C. It was like stepping into an oasis after wandering the desert.

Finding moments of stillness

By the second day, I expected more tough climbs, and the Shark 6 DMO delivered. Its intelligent all-wheel drive handled the terrain like a pro, gripping the earth with unwavering control.

Feeling bold, I stood in the truck bed to take in the view. It was a rare privilege to experience untouched landscapes in complete silence. Dust swirled around us and the heat was punishing, but I didn’t care. This was a moment worth enduring.

Crossing sandy banks and rock beds, the Shark 6 DMO moved effortlessly, adjusting to any terrain it takes. Then we reached Mangatarem River.

Here, BYD showcased its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, powering an entire outdoor setup including a portable air conditioner and a sound system.

As we sat by the water, the Shark 6 DMO transformed from an off-road beast into a mobile basecamp. When the aircon battery drained, the truck recharged it instantly.

And just like that, we had a cool, shaded tent by the river which made it perfect for an impromptu karaoke session, though we kept it low to respect nature’s peace.

Taming the freeway

The last stretch of the journey wasn’t through rugged landscapes but the open freeway, making it a different kind of test.

Falling behind at a tollgate mishap at Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union-Expressway (TPLEX), we had to catch up to the convoy fast.

With 430 horsepower under my control, I floored the BYD Shark 6 DMO, effortlessly overtaking slower vehicles. High-speed stability was impeccable, while lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring worked like a silent co-pilot, keeping me in check.

The 360-degree surround-view camera, usually a tool for tight corners, became my eyes on the road, ensuring no surprises as we closed the gap.

At the heart of it all was the 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, which became my command center for maps and music.

What should have been a stressful sprint turned into an adrenaline-fueled game of precision and control. The Shark 6 DMO didn’t just keep up; it delivered.

The ride home was exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping, yet somehow I felt victorious as I’ve truly tested what this machine — and I — were capable of.

A drive to remember

Driving is only half the experience. As we took turns in both the front and the back seats, especially on the last leg of driving, there was no fatigue on my body compared to when we drove the BYD Seal 5 DM-i for 800km in three days.

The memory foam seats provided excellent lumbar support, and the rear seats had a slight recline function that made it perfect for stretching out.

There was ample legroom, enough to fit my large backpack, and the panoramic sunroof made our interior feel even more spacious.

Whether behind the wheel or on the backseat, the experience was nothing short of luxurious.

Built for trust

Over the course of two days, the BYD Shark 6 DMO proved itself worthy not just an off-road beast, but as a comfortable companion for the long haul.

Somewhere between conquering rugged climbs and high-speed chases, I realized the drive wasn’t just about testing the Shark 6 DMO. It was about testing myself.

I’ve always loved pickup trucks for their promise of adventure, but this drive gave me something more: Trust.

Trust in the machine, in the terrain, and most importantly, in my own ability to take on the unknown.

Because confidence isn’t just about horsepower or torque. It’s about knowing that whatever lies ahead, you and your vehicle are ready to take it on.

The BYD Shark 6 DMO is a machine built to conquer on- and off-road. It’s a showcase of confidence and capability. It proved it could handle anything thrown its way. But more importantly, it showed me that I could, too.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.