- BYD Racco, the brand’s first kei car, has been unveiled in Japan.
- Features upright stance with styling inspired by Japanese rivals.
- Expected to offer 112 miles of range and generous equipment.
BYD is preparing to make its move into one of Japan’s most tightly defined and popular vehicle segments with the Racco, a tiny EV that marks the brand’s first kei car. The pint-sized newcomer was introduced earlier today at the Japan Mobility Show as BYD’s first model designed exclusively for overseas markets.
At first glance, the Racco doesn’t stray far from established kei design cues, and that’s no surprise given the strict size and proportion rules governing the segment.
The windowline and fin-shaped pillars echo the previous-generation Mitsubishi ek Space, while the headlights and stance appear to draw inspiration from the Daihatsu Tanto.
More: Mitsubishi’s New Kei Van Channels Its Inner Pajero
The Racco features a short hood, upright windshield, sliding doors, flat sides, and a near-vertical rear end with almost no overhang. It has a C-shaped LED lighting signature on both ends, and rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, it comes fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels.
The model measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) long, in line with the narrow framework for kei cars.
Inside the four-seater cabin amenities include a digital cockpit with a small instrument cluster and a larger free-standing infotainment that is not usually found in the segment. We also expect a comprehensive ADAS suite and a heat pump for the A/C.
Powertrain Specs
BYD didn’t release the detailed specifications of the electric powertrain, but confirmed that the Racco will be front-wheel-drive. We also know it will be fitted with a “Blade” Lithium iron phosphate battery pack, available in two different capacities (short-range and long-range).
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According to reports, the 20 kWh battery will offer around 180 km (112 miles) of WLTC range although numbers remain unconfirmed. The EV is also expected to be compatible with fast charging of up to 100 kW. The floor-mounted battery will give it a lower center of gravity compared to ICE-powered kei cars, improving handling.
BYD plans to open pre-orders for the Racco in the summer of 2026, with sales commencing shortly after. Pricing is estimated to start at around ¥2.5 million ($16,500) before subsidies, positioning it squarely against the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV.
New LCV For Japan
Besides the kei car, BYD has also unveiled a new light commercial vehicle designed to comply with Japanese regulations that allow it to be driven with a standard driver’s license.
The BYD T35 features a cab-over design and will be available in box van and flatbed configurations. It with fitted with a fully electric powertrain generating up to 201 hp (150 kW / 203 PS) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. The Blade lithium iron phosphate battery is good for a WLTC range of 250 km (155 miles).
The flatbed version is exhibited with a mobile sauna stove and cold bath chiller, both using power from the battery. The market launch of the BYD T35 in Japan is scheduled for 2026.
BYD
