BYD Racco 2026 price and range in Japan: what the new kei EV offers

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BYD has started selling the Racco in Japan at a starting price of ¥2.145 million. A government subsidy of ¥150,000 lowers the base car’s cost to ¥1.995 million. The maker calls Racco the first EV from a foreign brand designed from the outset for Japan’s kei car standard.

The lineup has three versions. The Racco 200 costs ¥2.145 million and comes with a 22.4 kWh battery good for a 210 km range. The Racco 300 Plus is priced at ¥2.398 million, and the 300 Premium at ¥2.497 million. Both higher trims get a 35.84 kWh battery and cover 320 km on the WLTC cycle.

All versions are front-wheel drive, with a 47 kW — 64 hp — electric motor and 160 Nm of torque. At 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide, the car fits squarely within kei car dimension limits, while its 1,800 mm height allowed for a super-high wagon cabin. Both rear doors are power-sliding, and equipment includes six airbags, four disc brakes, adaptive cruise control and V2L power-supply capability.

The Racco’s main market argument is the 300 Plus version. It costs ¥301,400 less than the base Honda N-ONE e:, while covering 320 km instead of 295 km. The Nissan Sakura has a 20 kWh battery and a rated range of 180 km, so the top Racco beats it by 140 km. BYD also offers a body style with sliding doors that’s more practical for families — something the N-ONE e: lacks.

The Racco’s general warranty runs for six years or 150,000 km, while high-voltage components and the battery are covered for eight years or 160,000 km. For ¥18,000, the battery capacity-retention warranty can be extended to ten years or 200,000 km. The base condition guarantees residual capacity of at least 70%.

BYD had earlier begun building a network of compact dealerships in smaller Japanese cities ahead of the model’s launch, as we previously reported. That strategy reflects the fact that the Racco has to compete not only with other EVs, but also with the Japanese habit of buying Honda, Suzuki, Daihatsu and Nissan from long-familiar local dealers. At the same time, the company is sharply ramping up sales outside China.

BYD says it aimed for the maximum J-NCAP rating during development, but no independent test results for the Racco have been published yet. So while price, range and warranty are confirmed, the level of passive safety still remains to be verified.