The Chinese car manufacturer BYD presented its first kei car at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. The electric BYD Racco was specifically developed for the Japanese market.

Kei cars are compact cars that are only popular in Japan and make up about 40% of the new car market there. Tax benefits are granted upon purchase, provided certain requirements regarding dimensions and engine performance are met.

Until now, kei cars were only produced in large quantities by Japanese brands, but BYD has surprisingly decided to challenge local manufacturers on their own turf. The BYD Racco is a compact electric "box" with a short hood, high ceiling, and rear sliding doors. 15-inch wheels and compact dimensions make the model ideal for narrow city streets.

The car is equipped with a 63 hp electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 20 or 40 kWh, offering a range of about 180 km. A fast-charging function with a power of up to 100 kW is also expected. The price of the model is expected to be around 2-2.5 million yen (11,300-14,100 euros), similar to Japan’s most popular electric car – the Nissan Sakura.

Source: Carscoops

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
16 years driving