Chinese Kei Car BYD Racco Launches in Japan with Attractive Prices
BYD has launched sales in Japan of an electric microvan developed specifically for this country. The model is offered with a single motor and two battery options.
Chinese company BYD has been present in Japan for several years. It started with the electric Atto 3 crossover and Dolphin hatchback, then added the fully “green” Seal sedan and Sealion 7 crossover, as well as the hybrid Sealion 6 (some models have different names in their home market of China). The manufacturer has not achieved any outstanding results in the Land of the Rising Sun. However, sales have been growing recently. According to the company’s own data, 2,334 vehicles were sold in Japan in January-June of this year, which is 43% more compared to the same period in 2025. BYD intends to reach a new level with the electric van Racco, created specifically for the Japanese market and belonging to the extremely popular kei car class there. The microvan was first shown last fall. Now, Japan has announced the trim levels and prices and launched sales.
The BYD Racco features a rectangular body with a high roof, traditional for its segment. The van also gets C-shaped headlights, power-sliding rear doors (standard equipment) and a single-piece taillight. The dimensions are, of course, regulated by Japanese legislation for kei cars. Length is 3395 mm, width is 1475 mm, height is 1800 mm, wheelbase is 2520 mm. The Racco is fitted with 15-inch wheels. The official ground clearance is 130 mm.
Inside, there is a minimalist dashboard, a three-spoke steering wheel, and separate screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system (10.1 inches). Below the central tablet, there are two rows of physical buttons that control the climate control and other functions.
The BYD Racco is offered in three versions, all featuring a 64-horsepower electric motor located on the front axle. The cheapest van gets a battery with a capacity of 22.4 kWh, giving it a range of 210 km. The other trims have a 35.84 kWh battery, providing a range of 320 km.
The standard equipment list for the base Chinese kei car includes: fabric upholstery, the aforementioned displays, six airbags, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control. The next trim level adds fog lights, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and front doors can be unlocked by bringing a smartphone near them. The top-of-the-line BYD Racco also features contactless side door opening (simply swipe your foot under the chassis), “eco-leather” upholstery, a heated cup holder, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and surround-view cameras.
Prices for the “electric car” are quite attractive. Without subsidies, the BYD Racco will cost between 2,145,000 and 2,497,000 yen, which is equivalent to approximately 1.02 million to 1.2 million rubles at the current exchange rate. For comparison, prices for electric hatchbacks from local companies: the Mitsubishi eK X EV starts from 2,446,400 yen (1.16 million rubles), the Nissan Sakura from 2,448,600 yen (1.17 million rubles), and the tiny Honda N-One e: costs at least 2,699,400 yen (1.3 million rubles).
Meanwhile, next year Japan plans to launch sales of an electric kei car from a new brand, EMPTA, which also has Chinese origins. This is a project of Electric Mobility Technologies (EMT), established with the participation of several Chinese companies, including Chery.
