KATHMANDU: BYD has officially entered Japan’s highly competitive kei car market with the launch of the Racco, an all-electric mini vehicle that the company claims is the world’s first software-defined vehicle (SDV)-based kei EV.
The Racco is BYD’s first electric kei car developed specifically for Japan. It targets one of the country’s largest vehicle segments, traditionally dominated by domestic brands such as Honda, Suzuki and Nissan.
The electric hatchback is available in Racco 200 and Racco 300, with three trim levels: Base, Plus and Premium. Prices start at around $13,100.
The entry-level Racco 200 is powered by a 22.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTC-certified driving range of 210 km.
The Racco 300 Plus and 300 Premium feature a larger 35.84 kWh LFP battery, increasing the WLTC range to 320 km. BYD says it is the first kei EV in Japan to offer more than 300 km of driving range.
The Racco measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width and 1,800 mm in height, making it similar in size to the Honda N-Box, Japan’s best-selling vehicle.
Customers purchasing the Racco are eligible for a government subsidy around $900, reducing the effective starting price to about $12,200.
The company says the Racco is built on a new SDV architecture with a redesigned chassis, body and electric drive system. Like a smartphone, the vehicle’s software can receive over-the-air updates to add new features and improve functionality.
Inside, the cabin follows BYD’s Ocean Series design language. It features a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a compact digital instrument display.
BYD is positioning the Racco as an affordable alternative to Japan’s best-selling electric car, the Nissan Sakura. While the Sakura starts at around $15,000, it offers a maximum WLTC range of 180 km, giving the Racco an advantage in both price and driving range.
