BYD unveiled its new all-electric K-Car, the Racco, at the Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday. Tailored specifically for the Japanese market, the compact EV is scheduled to launch next summer.
BYD is making a direct entry into the kei car segment with the Racco, a super-height wagon that provides more interior space than a typical kei car due to its taller design. The new EV measures 3.4 meters long, 1.48 meters wide, and 1.8 meters high, and it comes with sliding doors on both sides for convenient entry and exit.
Following the naming pattern of its Ocean Series, BYD has chosen a name for its kei car inspired by the Japanese term for sea otter.
Despite its distinctly boxy shape, the Racco showcases a sleek, technical exterior. Rounded design details—including the headlamps, fog lights, charging port, door handle recesses, mirrors, and tail lamps—give the EV a friendly and approachable appearance.
The Racco comes with a right-hand drive setup, standard for Japan. Inside, the cabin features two floating displays—one functioning as the instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment screen.
Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan, stated that the Racco is BYD’s first model created specifically for international markets. The company has produced over 100 prototypes to date and is currently testing its crash safety, driving, and charging capabilities.
The Racco is equipped with a front-wheel-drive system and a 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. It delivers a WLTC range of 180 km and can handle fast charging at up to 100 kW.
BYD intends to launch the Racco in the summer of 2026. The company will manufacture the new EV in China, an unusual choice for a kei car, which is typically produced domestically in Japan.
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