BYD Unveils Racco Electric Kei Car at Japan Mobility Show 2025

BYD has officially entered Japan’s popular kei car segment with the debut of its first electric mini vehicle, the BYD Racco, unveiled at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show. The Racco is set to go on sale in Japan by mid-2026, targeting one of the country’s most competitive and uniquely local market segments.

Kei cars, also known as “K-cars,” are a special category of compact vehicles designed to suit Japan’s narrow roads and urban living conditions. To qualify under kei regulations, vehicles must be no longer than 3.4 metres and no wider than 1.48 metres, with engine outputs limited to 64 horsepower. 

These small cars are not only easy to manoeuvre and park but also enjoy tax incentives and lower ownership costs, making them a popular second-car choice among Japanese households. Today, kei cars account for nearly one-third of Japan’s automobile market.

Adhering to these regulations, the BYD Racco features the tall and narrow proportions typical of a kei car, resembling a compact box on small wheels. 

The Racco’s exterior design incorporates a short hood, upright windshield, flat sides, and a vertical tailgate, all optimized to maximize cabin space within the limited footprint. Signature elements include C-shaped LED lighting at both ends and 15-inch alloy wheels, while sliding rear doors enhance practicality in tight parking spaces.

Powering the Racco is a fully electric powertrain supported by a 20 kWh battery pack, delivering an estimated 180 km of range (WLTC) on a single charge. Despite its small capacity, the model supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, enabling quick top-ups and improving usability for daily commuting. Disc brakes on all four wheels further enhance its handling and safety credentials.

BYD has priced the Racco at approximately 2.6 million yen (around NPR 24.12 Lakh) positioning it competitively alongside other electric kei cars such as the Honda N-One e: and Nissan Sakura. 

Once launched, it will join BYD’s expanding Japanese lineup, which currently includes the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and Sealion 7.