BYD Racco Electric Kei Car Launched in Japan with 320 km Range
Chinese EV giant BYD has entered Japan’s highly competitive kei car segment with the launch of the new BYD Racco, an all-electric compact vehicle developed specifically for the Japanese market.
Priced from 2.145 million yen (around USD 13,100), the Racco becomes one of the most affordable electric vehicles available in Japan. The launch puts BYD directly against popular Japanese electric kei cars, including the Nissan Sakura and Honda N-One e:.
The Nissan Sakura, currently Japan’s best-selling EV, starts at around 2.44 million yen and offers a range of approximately 180 km, while Honda’s electric N-One e: is priced higher at around 2.7 million yen.
First unveiled in October 2025, the Racco is another BYD model created specifically for overseas markets. Unlike most BYD vehicles sold globally, the company has not announced plans to introduce the Racco in China.
The electric kei car follows BYD’s strategy of developing region-specific vehicles, similar to the BYD Shark pickup, which was initially launched in international markets before the company later confirmed plans for a China introduction.
The BYD Racco is available in three variants — 200, 300 Plus and 300 Premium. The entry-level version comes with a smaller battery pack offering a WLTC-rated range of 210 km, while the two higher variants feature a 35.84 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a claimed range of 320 km.
BYD says the higher-spec versions make the Racco the first kei-class electric vehicle in Japan to cross the 300 km range mark.
Designed to meet Japan’s kei car regulations, the Racco measures 3,395 mm in length and 1,475 mm in width, while its tall 1,800 mm super-high roof design focuses on maximizing cabin space. It also becomes Japan’s first kei EV equipped with power sliding doors, which can be opened using a kick sensor.
The Racco is powered by an electric motor producing 47 kW (63 hp) and 160 Nm of torque. Charging capability includes 50 kW DC fast charging, along with battery preconditioning to improve charging efficiency.
Inside, the compact EV features a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, Level 2 driver assistance technology, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, heated seats and steering wheel, NFC smartphone key access, and other convenience features.
With the rear seats folded, the Racco offers up to 1,372 litres of cargo capacity, giving it practicality beyond its compact footprint.
Japan’s kei car segment remains one of the most important parts of the country’s automotive market, accounting for nearly 40% of new vehicle sales. These compact vehicles are popular due to their affordability, low running costs and suitability for Japan’s narrow urban roads.
