Kei Car BYD Racco Finally Officially Emphasized, This Is The Distance Between Tempuh And The Price

Kei car BYD Racco is launching in Japan. (Photo: Y-Auto)

JAKARTA BYD is preparing to launch its first tiny electric car in Japan, named BYD Racco. This car type car is claimed to be able to cover a distance of up to 180 kilometers in one charge.

The move marks BYD's aggressive strategy of penetrating the Japanese small vehicle market, a segment that over the years has been dominated by local manufacturers such as Honda and Suzuki. With a compact and high-efficiency dimension, Racco is designed to meet the needs of the urban mobility of Japanese people which is dense and efficient.

This model is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 20 kWh, supports fast charging of up to 100 kW, as well as a heat pump system to keep the cabin temperature comfortable in various weather conditions. The concise design makes it ideal for daily use, especially in urban areas with limited parking lots.

Japanese Market Director BYD, Astok Tofukuji, said that petite cars such as kei cars are very suitable for Japanese lifestyles. He emphasized that Racco was designed by considering the characteristics of local users who prioritize efficiency, ease of parking, and low operational costs.

Reporting from Carnewschina, Tuesday, October 28, BYD Racco costs $17,000, or the equivalent of IDR 282 million. BYD targets Racco as an attractive alternative for consumers who want to switch to electric vehicles without having to pay a heavy fee.

The car is expected to start marketing by the end of 2026, with initial production focused on meeting Japan's domestic demand. Even so, BYD must face a number of challenges, including low levels of electric vehicle adoption in Japan and high consumer loyalty to local brands.

However, Racco's presence could be the beginning for a change in Japan's automotive landscape, paving the way for Chinese manufacturers to compete in markets that have been known to be quite closed.