BYD's Heavy Challenges In Tanah Sakura During Japan's Mungil Car Domination

JAKARTA - In Japan, the popularity of kei car is like a daily transport pulse. These compact cars with strict regulations (maximum dimensions of 3,500 mm x 1,480 mm) have long dominated the streets. Its evolution is also rapid, from conventional gasoline machines to now penetrate the electrification era.

Now, an ambitious breakthrough comes from Chinese auto giant BYD, which plans to challenge the hegemony. Recently, citing from the CarNewsChina page, Thursday, May 14, automotive spies managed to capture a prototype of a compact car that is strongly suspected of being the first electric engine of BYD. Typical characteristics such as the sliding backdoor and double A pillar layout indicate BYD's compliance with Japan's unique kei car standard.

If realized, this model will be the first electric car to be developed specifically for Japanese kei car standards by foreign manufacturers. Previously, Smarts with ForTwo and Hyundai with Inster were present, but both were not designed specifically for kei car regulation.

Leaks from China reveal that the Kei Car BYD will be equipped with a 20 kWh battery, promises a distance of up to 180 km based on WLTC calculations, as well as a 100 kW fast charging capability. Predictions for a price of around 2.5 million yen (around Rp. 283 million) place it as a direct rival for Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV, two current electric car kei market rulers.

However, beating the kei car market in Japan is not an easy task. The dominance of local manufacturers is already very strong and entrenched. They have for years understood the intricacies of Japanese consumer preferences towards this tiny, efficient and practical car. Consumer loyalty to Japanese brands is also a challenge for newcomers.

Despite this, BYD has an initial success capital in Japan through sales of Dolphin and Seal electric cars which will reach more than 2,200 units by 2024. With an ambitious target of controlling 40 percent of the electric car market share in the next few years, and a production plan in China for exports starting at the end of 2026, this BYD move clearly shows their seriousness.