Kei cars are popular in Japan, and BYD wants in on the action. At the ongoing Japan Mobility Show, the Chinese company presented the Racco, a kei electric vehicle (EV) that will go on sale in Japan in the summer of 2026. If you’re wondering what the name means, it is the Japanese translation of sea otter.
As with most cars in this class, the Racco has compact dimensions to make it meets local regulations. According to BYD, the EV measures 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide, 1,800 mm tall and will accommodate up to four people. A boxy body is no surprise given the need to maximise interior space, with notable design cues meant to make the Racco stand out being a closed-off front grille that is highlighted by C-shaped daytime running lights surrounding the main headlamps.
There also appears to be fog lamps in the lower apron, which features a downturned black accent that funnily gives the car a “frowny” look. Much like the latest Honda N-Box, there is a double-A-pillar structure that sees the fitment of larger-than-normal triangular side front windows.
Progressing down the sides, we find the charge port door on the front right fender, partially blacked-out C-pillars for a “floating roof” look, sliding rear doors and a recessed area for the door handles. As for the rear, it’s an tailgate with full-width taillights arranged vertically along the sides, with the number plate sitting in the middle.
In terms of the powertrain, the Racco will be front-wheel and drive and come equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the latter in different capacities corresponding to the unnamed long range and short range grades announced today. Reports suggest the long range will have a 20-kWh battery that is good for an estimated 180 km of range following the WLTC standard. DC fast charging up to 100 kW is also being touted.
The Racco is a big deal for BYD, as it is the brand’s first model that is specifically made to enter Japan’s kei segment. Expected to retail from 2.6 million yen, the Racco will take on other kei EVs like the Honda N-One e:, Mitsubishi eK X EV and Nissan Sakura.
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Suzuki has expressed welcome for new Kei car from a Global Player.
Congratulations to BYD for providing a competition boost to the Japanese Kei.
byd can enter jdm and wipe out japs on their own turf
Finally BYD has heard my suggestion to build small MPV to kill the Avanza line. Small affordable MPV EV or real hybrid will destroy Toyota and all Japanese car. Launch it in SEA please
this is not merely “small” mpv, this is kei-car whcih is a whole different class of tiny .