The 2023 Japan EV of the Year award was organised by EV industry media EVsmart and energy consultancy Enechange, with candidates voted on by journalists and readers. This year's shortlist included examples from many countries: Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model S, X and 3, Fiat 500e and Hyundai Kona were among the judges' choices.
But the all-electric BYD Dolphin compact hatchback came out on top this time, with the automaker pointing out that the Japan-specific version of the EV is slightly shorter than those sold in other markets to fit into the mechanical parking systems common in Japan.
The BYD Dolphin scored 241 points. The Korean Hyundai Kona EV came in second with 151 points. The BYD Atto 3 crossover, the Chinese company's first model in Japan, came third in the same competition with 145 points.
Of the 18 contenders, only four were Japanese: the Lexus RZ and then three electric vans.
In Japan, the BYD Dolphin is available with either a 44.9 kWh or 58.56 kWh battery pack for a WLTC-rated range of 400 km to 476 km. The starting price for the compact EV is 3,630,000 yen (around $24,500).
Last year, the popular Nissan Sakura electric compact car took top spot.
Source: InsideEVs
