BYD Racco
| BYD Racco | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BYD Auto |
| Production | 2026 (to commence) |
| Assembly | China |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 5-door microvan |
| Layout | Front-motor, front-wheel-drive |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
The BYD Racco (Japanese: BYDラッコ, Hepburn: BYD Rakko; lit. 'sea otter') is a battery electric kei car to be manufactured by BYD Auto in 2026 for the Japanese market.[1][2] It is the carmaker's attempt to making an electric kei car for the Japanese market and also the first dedicated pure kei car model from a non-Japanese brand.[3][a] It was revealed at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show,[5] and will be made in China and exported to Japan in late 2026.[6]
Powertrain
The Racco uses a 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate BYD Blade battery that gives the Racco a range of 180 kilometres (112 mi). The Racco also rides on a platform unique to it.[7][8][9]
See also
Notes
- ^ Previously, several foreign-manufactured cars compliant with Japanese kei regulations were marketed in Japan; however, these were modified versions of existing models rather than purpose-built designs. Between 2001 and 2004, Yanase marketed a modified version of the Smart Fortwo that complied with kei car regulations.[4] The conversion was undertaken independently by Yanase without the involvement of Daimler.[4] Since 2013, Caterham Cars has marketed several Caterham Seven variants developed specifically to meet kei car regulations.[4] In 2021, Caterham was acquired by its Japanese importer.
References
- ^ Leung, Adrian (28 October 2025). "BYD's first K-Car 'RACCO' to launch with 180 km range and 17,000 USD in Japan". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- ^ "比亚迪Racco纯电K-Car展前曝光 解读比亚迪全球2.0战略路径". www.dongchedi.com. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- ^ Lee, Jonathan (2025-10-28). "BYD kei EV leaked ahead of Japan Mobility Show – 20 kWh Blade battery, 180 km WLTP, debuts tomorrow". Paul Tan. Malaysia: Driven Communications. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
- ^ a b c Schmitt, Bertel (2017-03-05). "Japan Hands British Caterham Unfair Advantage: 'Sorry, Suzuki, Daihatsu And Honda.'". Forbes. Forbes Media. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ^ "BYD to unveil first all-electric K-car in Japan at 2025 Tokyo Motor Show". GlobalChinaEV. 27 October 2025.
- ^ "BYD, China's EV Giant, Challenges Local Kei Market with New Car". Oiwa Garage.
- ^ Johnson, Peter (23 October 2025). "BYD previews its first 'light EV' with its big reveal just days away". Electrek.
- ^ "BYD Racco revealed as brand's first kei EV for Japan - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2025-10-29. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
- ^ Rivers, Stephen (22 October 2025). "BYD Just Did What No Foreign Carmaker Dared To Try In Japan". Carscoops.