Automotive

Tesla Cybertruck: A design failure or stroke of genius?

Weirdly futuristic

Illustration by MJ Jucutan

Published

December 18, 2019

Joash Maramara

As a pickup truck lover, I make it a point to stay updated with new models coming up through launches and announcements. Several companies are gearing up to launch their EV trucks like the Rivian R1T and Lordstown Endurance to name a few, and they already got me hyped for the future of trucks and off-roading.

So when Tesla announced that they were making their own truck, it got me excited. Plus, seeing the concept design renders on the internet got my expectations high.

Although when the launch day came and I first saw posts about Tesla’s Cybertruck and what it looks like, I ignored it thinking it was just a prank. I knew Musk has a sense of humor so I waited thinking he’ll soon announce that it was all a joke. But days passed and I realized that this guy wasn’t kidding at all.

I kept asking “Why? Why does it look like an old school iron? Why is the roof triangular? Why is it so weird?” But, I only needed to watch one video to change my mind. It seemed weird at first, but then you’ll realize that this truck is a potential game-changer.

The body may seem simple and minimalistic but it is in fact designed as an exoskeleton. Let me paint you a quick picture: the body is made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless-steel structural skin which is so rigid, a 9mm bullet will literally shatter on impact. This type of metal is extremely difficult to mold and cannot go through traditional sheet metal stamping. Basically, the metal used is harder than the stamp itself and only through folding can this material be formed. Thus the shape of the Cybertruck.

If you still haven’t figured it out, this thing is pretty much a tank.

Unlike any other truck bed, the Cybertruck seems to be the most versatile of them all. Boasting 100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage, plus it comes with a magic tonneau cover that’s strong enough to stand on.

It is a vault on wheels and it’s exciting to see what modular upgrades you can do with this truck bed. It also features an adaptive and self-leveling air suspension system that can give up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Being able to adjust the ride height makes it super easy to access and load the truck bed.

Stepping into the Cybertruck, you will find a very clean and minimalist design. The interior matches the exterior in uniqueness and simplicity. It will seat six people comfortably and features an all-new 17-inch touchpad.

Tesla’s reputation on performance has set the standard high on EVs and we can expect no less on the Cybertruck. A powerful all-electric drivetrain with extraordinary traction control will catapult this heavy truck from 0-60 mph in only 2.9 seconds! That is hyper-car car territory. And though horsepower and torque have not yet been revealed, we can be sure that they will not disappoint. There will be three models in the line-up: A single motor RWD with 250 miles of range, a dual-motor AWD with 300 miles, and the top-spec tri-motor AWD with 500 miles. All models will come with the full self-driving autopilot system.

Even though the window demonstration failed, the rest of the truck is ingeniously purpose-built. People don’t prefer change and we normally reject something we’re not used to, but most of the time we end up loving it. The same thing applied to me — the more I got to know about this truck, the more I started loving it.

A truck this bold could only disappoint people or make them love it. And though I still haven’t been in one, I still would have to say it is a genius piece of work — a game-changer and a trendsetter. It will be the start of a new era of pickup trucks and the start of the futuristic-looking trend. My first impression of this truck was close to an off-the-street, put-together vehicle. But after learning all about it, I see it as a stealth F-117 Nighthawk bomber. And I absolutely love it.

But that’s just a pickup fanboy’s opinion. What do you think about the Tesla Cybertruck? Is it something you’d even consider?

Automotive

ACMobility launches EV safety program to help drivers make the switch

The new “Drive Electric” curriculum covers everything from charging safety to actual EV ownership costs.

Published

September 9, 2026

MJ Jucutan

ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s mobility arm, launched its “Drive Electric. EV Safety Program,” and it’s aimed at pretty much anyone curious about EVs.

That means advocates, people thinking about buying one, fleet operators, and just regular folks who want to understand what they’re getting into.

The goal is straightforward: clear up the misconceptions around EVs by giving people practical, easy-to-follow information on how the technology and charging infrastructure actually work.

The program covers safety guidelines, the real costs of ownership, and how charging works, so people can decide for themselves if going electric makes sense for them.

At the launch, ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala talked about the bigger picture, saying the company’s priority is to empower drivers to shift to a more sustainable and cost-effective transport option.

He framed the program as part of that commitment, aiming to give drivers practical tools and accessible technical knowledge on EVs.

Building the curriculum with actual experts

ACMobility didn’t build this alone. The program came together with professional instruction partners and close coordination with the Department of Energy, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine EV Community.

The curriculum runs five modules deep, and it tackles the questions people actually ask before buying an EV: what it really costs to own one long-term, how much you can save, how to charge safely, what to do in an emergency, and how the technology itself works.

What comes after the launch

ACMobility says this is just the start. The company plans to roll out educational seminars nationwide for drivers looking to make the switch, expanding into corporate sessions, community workshops, and showcases at bigger industry events.

Future sessions will pair the technical side with actual test drives, so people get hands-on time with EVs alongside the expert guidance.

Automotive

Ford’s new Everest lineup brings V6 engine to the top, tech down the line

A new V6-powered Platinum flagship leads the range, while driver-assist tech spreads further down to the Sport and Active.

Published

September 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Modern mobility is no longer defined strictly by mechanical horsepower. Instead, intelligent software, sensor suites, and connected interfaces shape how we move through the world.

Ford Philippines is recalibrating the Everest lineup for 2027, putting advanced vehicle technology at the heart of the daily commute and weekend escapes.

Intelligence at the Core

The most significant shift happens inside the cabin, where driver-assist features transition from luxury upgrades to non-negotiable standards.

The Active trim redefines entry-level technology by embedding Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Warning into the baseline drive for PhP 1,949,000.

New Ford Everest Active

Combined with a central 12-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers, the system processes environment data continuously to protect passengers before a driver even reacts.

Stepping up to the Sport trim at PhP 2,219,000 expands this digital protective bubble. Here, the 12-inch ecosystem integrates Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Centering, and a 360-degree camera system.

Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert and automatic braking turns tight urban parking and congested highway navigation into effortless single-button maneuvers.

New Ford Everest Sport

Power engineered for precision

At the top of the technical spectrum sits the new V6 Platinum flagship, priced at PhP 2,849,000.

Its 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel V6 engine generates 250PS and 600Nm of torque, governed by an intelligent full-time four-wheel-drive system that actively routes traction across variable terrain.

New Ford Everest Platinum

Matrix LED headlamps adapt lighting patterns dynamically to prevent glare for oncoming traffic while maximizing peripheral visibility.

Inside, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 10-way power memory seats, and active heating and ventilation create a high-tech sanctuary on wheels.

Refined aesthetics and ecosystem support

The design-focused Wildtrak trim continues to pair its proven 2.0-liter Turbo 4×4 platform with updated visual cues at PhP 2,669,000. Featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and Ignite Orange accents, it bridges functional hardware with distinctive styling.

New Ford Everest Wildtrak

Reservations across all four variants is now open nationwide. To back its hardware and digital infrastructure, Ford includes its 5-Star Care Package through September 30, providing five years of warranty, scheduled maintenance, and roadside assistance.

Coupled with the Ford Family Guarantee digital service platforms, the refresh ensures the technology on board remains supported long after you leave the showroom floor.

Automotive

The new Ranger Raptor is now a connected truck, not just a fast one

Ford app connectivity finally lands on the Raptor, alongside two new V6-powered Wildtrak variants.

Published

September 4, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Power has never been the Ranger Raptor’s problem. It has always known how to command the trail, but living with a high-performance truck day to day usually demands a different kind of effort.

Ford Philippines is changing that balance by giving the Raptor a digital link to your phone, turning a raw performance vehicle into a thoughtful daily companion.

Smart connectivity for real life

Through the Ford app, the Raptor connects directly to your routine. You can start the engine remotely on a hot afternoon to cool down the cabin before stepping inside, track your vehicle’s location in a crowded lot, or check oil life without popping the hood.

The 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine under the bonnet still pushes out a fierce 397PS and 583Nm, but raw horsepower is no longer the only story worth sharing.

Underneath, the hardware receives an upgrade designed for total control on and off the road. New FOX 2.5 Live Valve Shocks automatically adjust to terrain, cutting internal damper friction in half for a smoother ride whether you are commuting or heading off-grid.

A selectable exhaust system lets you tailor the V6 rumble to your surroundings, switching smoothly between Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja modes.

The new Ranger Raptor is priced at PhP 2,879,000, supported by a PhP 20,000 cash discount with Ford’s 5-Star Care Package or a PhP 150,000 all-in down payment.