Source: BYD Japan

BYD has officially unveiled its first Japan-exclusive model, the RACCO, a fully electric K-Car, at the opening of the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show. The compact EV, whose name derives from the Japanese word “ラッコ” (racco, meaning sea otter), is designed specifically for the Japanese market and will go on sale in summer 2026.

The RACCO embodies the theme of harmony with nature, drawing design inspiration from the sea otter — symbolizing warmth, care, and environmental consciousness. The car’s tall, boxy body (a “Super Tall” design) and dual sliding doors aim to offer easy access and a cozy, protective cabin experience, especially in tight city environments.

Built to meet Japan’s K-Car regulations, the RACCO measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, and seats four passengers. Its short overhangs and long wheelbase maximize interior space despite the compact footprint.

Source: BYD Japan

The front fascia adopts a closed grille typical of electric vehicles, flanked by C-shaped (or rectangular) LED daytime running lights connected by a black trim strip. Both the front and rear feature illuminated BYD logos, while the rear design uses a ring-shaped light bar and a squared-off silhouette.

Source: BYD Japan

The side profile includes a floating roof, small triangular front windows for better visibility, and 13-inch wheels optimized for urban maneuverability.

Official interior photos have not yet been released, but leaked images and show-floor previews reveal a minimalist cabin with a four-seat layout, three-spoke steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and a floating central touchscreen.

The front seats are joined in a bench-style configuration with a flat floor for easier movement between seats — a feature often seen in Japanese microvans. Physical buttons remain on the dash for climate controls, and red accents brighten the otherwise simple design.

Source: BYD Japan

The RACCO uses BYD’s latest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery technology and features a front-wheel-drive layout. The battery capacity is 20 kWh, providing a WLTC range of around 180 km (approximately 200 km under China’s CLTC standard). It supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, enabling quick top-ups suitable for urban commuters.

The RACCO is expected to start at 2.6 million yen (roughly 121,000 CNY or $16,000) — putting it in direct competition with the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s top-selling electric K-Car, which is priced at 2.54 million yen.

While range and size are similar, BYD’s advantage lies in its in-house electric powertrain expertise, battery cost efficiency, and a strong track record in Japan — particularly with its electric buses, which have operated reliably in several Japanese cities for years.

Japan’s K-Car segment, dominated by Nissan, Honda, and Daihatsu, is fiercely competitive but also evolving rapidly toward electrification. BYD’s entry with the RACCO marks a bold attempt to gain a foothold in one of the world’s most traditional automotive markets.

Whether the Chinese automaker can capture a share of Japan’s compact EV market remains to be seen, but with its growing brand recognition and advanced EV technology, the BYD RACCO could give local automakers a serious challenge.