BYD launches the ‘world’s first’ SDV kei EV, starting at just $13,000

The Racco went on sale as the “world’s first SDV-based” light EV, BYD said, with a low starting price of around $13,000.

BYD Racco debuts as a new type of kei EV

BYD held a launch event for the Racco on Tuesday, its first electric kei car aimed at Japan’s light vehicle market,

The market has been historically dominated by domestic brands like Honda, Suzuki, and Nissan, but BYD believes it can crack open the market.

Kei cars are the most popular vehicle in Japan because they are affordable, efficient, and easy to maneuver around tight city streets.

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BYD’s Racco checks all the boxes. The electric kei car is available in two models: 200 or 300, starting at just ¥2,145,000, or about $13,000. Buyers can choose from three different grades: Base, Plus, or Premium.

The base Racco 200 uses a 22.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a WLTC driving range of 210 km (130 miles). The higher-priced 300 Plus and Premium trims gain a larger 35.84 kWh battery, providing up to 320 km (199 miles), which BYD said makes it the first kei EV in Japan to offer over 300 km.

Measuring 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, the Racco is about the size of the Honda N-Box, Japan’s best-selling vehicle for the fourth consecutive year.

While the N-Box is slightly cheaper, starting at ¥1,739,100 ($10,500), BYD said the kei EV is eligible for a ¥150,000 ($900) government subsidy, bringing the Racco’s starting price to ¥1,995,000 ($12,200). BYD is offering leases for as little as ¥19,300 ($115) per month.

The Racco is the “world’s first SDV-based light electric vehicle,” according to BYD, with a redesigned chassis, body, and drive system.

As an SDV-based vehicle, its in-car software can be updated like a smartphone to introduce new features and more.

The interior is based on BYD’s ocean aesthetics cabin design with a 10.1″ floating center infotainment screen and small instrument display.

BYD’s light vehicle development director, Yang Buyi, said the Racco features an “EV-exclusive” Super Tall x Sliding Door design that’s perfect for families with children, married couples, young couples, and everyone in between.

Can BYD’s first electric kei car compete with domestic automakers?

The Racco is cheaper than the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s current best-selling EV, which starts at ¥2,448,600 ($15,000). It also offers a longer driving range than the Sakura, which offers only up to 180 km (111 miles).