On October 29, BYD released the official images of its first pure electric kei car model, the Racco, designed for the Japanese market, at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show. Racco translates to “sea otter” from Japanese. The official market entry will be next summer in Japan.
Currently, kei cars account for one-third of the Japanese automobile market. The Racco’s starting price is expected to be around 2.6 million yen (17,000 USD). Once launched, the Racco will be BYD’s fifth model in Japan after the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and Sealion 7.
Nissan Sakura kei car. Credit: Nissan
For reference, the mainstream kei car models on the Japanese market include the Honda N-Box and Nissan Sakura. The Sakura has a starting price of 2.53 million yen (16,700 USD) and is equipped with a 20 kWh battery pack, with a range of 180 km.
BYD Racco debuts at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show. Credit: Autohome
The BYD Racco adopts the traditional Japanese kei car square and four corner exterior design, and is equipped with four doors including rear sliding door. Dimensionally, the BYD Racco measures 3395/1475/1800 mm (l/w/h), and can seat four people as the standard.
Official images. Credit: BYD
In the front, the closed grillle design is paired with C-shaped headlights.
Official images. Credit: BYD
The rear comes with a circular through-type taillight design. The BYD brand logo in the center can also light up.
Customized BYD Racco at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show. Credit: Weibo blogger Jarvis
Power will come from a front electric motor, paired with a 20 kWh Blade (LFP) battery pack, providing a WLTC range of 180 km. 100 kW DC fast-charging will also be supported. Other detailed powertrain specifications have not been revealed at this time.
Interior images. Credit: Autohome
Judging from the interior images, the cockpit features an instrument panel, a central control screen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and rectangular air-conditioning outlets on the dashboard.
We will watch for more info, stay tuned!
Source: BYD, Autohome, Weibo blogger Jarvis, Nissan
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