BYD has utilised the ongoing Japan Mobility Show 2025 as a platform to unveil its first-ever Kei car, the Racco. Not only is this the Chinese brand’s first Japan-specific small car, it is also an EV. The BYD Racco presented at the motor show is a prototype, albeit one that adheres to the country’s unique but stringent motor vehicle regulations.
- BYD’s first car made exclusively for Japan is a small EV
- Design attributes include an upright stance, sliding rear doors, and small alloy wheels
- Production model to be available in Short Range and Long Range battery configurations
BYD Racco exterior dimensions and design
As required by Japanese motor vehicle regulations, the BYD Racco maintains a compact exterior footprint. The EV is 3,395mm long, 1,475mm wide, and 1,800mm high. For reference, the smallest electric car sold in India is the MG Comet, and it measures just under 3 metres in length.
The Racco’s exterior looks modern, but it follows the design attributes found in several other four-door kei cars. Some of the familiar styling choices here include the boxy and upright stance, sliding rear doors, small alloy wheels, and short overhangs. Being an EV, the Racco features a closed-off design for the front grille, which is flanked by LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs.
The all-white exterior of the Racco prototype features contrasting black trim on the pillars, ORVMs, around the front foglamps and grille. There is a separate black trim around the LED taillights, where we also find a backlit BYD logo. The BYD Racco can seat up to four occupants, with expected features including a digital driver’s display and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
BYD Racco expected range and launch
The Racco will be available with BYD’s Blade batteries and in two different configurations – Short Range and Long Range. Regardless, power will be sent to a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. While BYD hasn’t disclosed any range figures, some reports suggest a 20kWh battery Long Range version will achieve around 180km on a full charge. The BYD Racco EV’s launch in Japan will likely be in the second half of 2026.
Also read
New Suzuki XBEE showcased at Japan Mobility Show
2025 BYD Sealion 7 review: Tech laden luxury electric SUV