China’s BYD Racco is making a surprisingly strong start in Japan. The tiny electric kei car has collected 1,002 orders between its July 28 launch and August 9, beating BYD’s initial target of 1,000 orders in its first two weeks. The company is now targeting 10,000 Racco orders by the end of 2026.
The China’s BYD Racco result is particularly important because Japan’s kei-car market has traditionally been dominated by local manufacturers. BYD has designed the Racco specifically for Japan, giving it the compact dimensions required for the kei-car category while adding modern EV technology.
BYD Racco Starts At Around $13,000
The China’s BYD Racco is priced from ¥2.145 million, which works out to roughly $13,000 before applicable subsidies. The Japanese lineup consists of three versions: Racco 200, Racco 300 Plus and Racco 300 Premium.
| Specification | BYD Racco |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | ¥2.145 million |
| Approx. Price | ~$13,000 |
| Body Type | Electric Kei Car / Microvan |
| Seating | 4 |
| Length | 3,395 mm |
| Width | 1,475 mm |
| Height | 1,800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Battery Options | 22.4 kWh / 35.84 kWh |
| Maximum Range | Up to 320 km |
| Motor Output | 47 kW / 63 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 160 Nm |
A Tiny EV With Surprisingly Big Interior Space
The China’s BYD Racco measures just 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide, making it perfectly suited to Japan’s narrow roads and tight urban parking spaces.
Despite its tiny footprint, the tall 1,800-mm body helps create a surprisingly spacious cabin. BYD has also equipped the car with sliding rear doors, making it easier for passengers to get in and out in crowded parking areas. The car has four seats and a 280-litre boot.
China’s BYD Racco official Japanese material highlights the Racco’s high roof, flat interior floor and powered sliding doors as some of its key advantages.
Up To 320 Km Of Range
The entry-level Racco 200 uses a 22.4-kWh LFP battery and has a claimed range of around 210 km.
The more expensive 300 Plus and 300 Premium versions receive a larger 35.84-kWh battery, increasing the claimed range to approximately 320 km. That gives the Racco more than enough range for the typical urban role expected from a kei car.
The larger-battery variants can charge at up to around 49.7 kW, while the entry Racco 200 supports DC charging at up to about 35.8 kW.
The Top Version Is The Most Popular
China’s BYD Racco One of the most interesting details about the early orders is that Japanese customers aren’t overwhelmingly choosing the cheapest Racco.
Around 80% of the 1,002 orders went to the range-topping Racco 300 Premium. The 300 Plus accounted for approximately 14%, while only 6% of buyers selected the entry-level Racco 200.
The China’s BYD Racco Premium version adds equipment such as synthetic-leather seats, a 360-degree camera, heated cup holder and automatic sliding doors with foot-sensor operation.
Technology Is Another Major Attraction
For such a small vehicle, the Racco offers an impressive amount of technology.
The standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
This China’s BYD Racco technology-heavy approach could be particularly attractive to younger Japanese buyers who want the practicality of a kei car without giving up modern features.
BYD Is Taking On Japan’s Local Giants
The China’s BYD Racco enters a market where Japanese manufacturers have an enormous advantage. Its competitors include the Nissan Sakura, Honda N-One e: and Mitsubishi eK X EV.
What makes BYD’s achievement interesting is that the company isn’t simply importing a conventional Chinese small car and trying to sell it in Japan. The Racco was designed around the country’s kei-car requirements and lifestyle.
That strategy appears to be working.
10,000 Orders Is The Next Target
China’s BYD Racco early result is encouraging, but the company has a much bigger goal. It wants to reach 10,000 Racco orders by the end of 2026. With 1,002 orders already recorded in the first two weeks, the company has completed roughly 10% of that target.
The real challenge will be maintaining this momentum over the coming months. Japan is a highly competitive market, and established domestic brands have strong customer loyalty and extensive dealer networks.
Still, the Racco has already achieved something important: it has attracted serious attention in a segment that has long been almost exclusively Japanese.
Conclusion
The China’s BYD Racco may be tiny, but its early success in Japan is a big deal for China’s EV industry. With 1,002 orders in just two weeks, a starting price of around $13,000, up to 320 km of range and a surprisingly premium equipment list, the little EV is giving Japanese kei cars a serious new competitor.
The fact that 80% of early customers chose the top-spec 300 Premium is perhaps even more impressive. It suggests that buyers aren’t looking at the Racco purely as a cheap city car—they’re also attracted by its technology, range and practicality.
If China’s BYD Racco can reach its 10,000-order target, the Racco could become much more than a successful small EV. It could prove that a Chinese automaker can genuinely compete in one of Japan’s most fiercely protected automotive segments.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of August 2026. Prices, specifications, range figures, equipment and order numbers can vary by market and may be updated by the manufacturer. BYD Japan’s official information should be considered the final authority for confirmed vehicle details.