China's Direct Assault On Japan's Most "Domestic" Automotive Segment - CleanTechnica

China’s BYD has made a significant move into Japan’s traditionally domestic kei car market with the unveiling of the BYD RACCO K-EV at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Kei cars, small and affordable vehicles unique to Japan, account for about 40% of new vehicle sales in the country, making this segment highly important. The RACCO is BYD’s first vehicle designed exclusively for an overseas market, signaling a strong commitment to Japan. It directly competes with popular kei electric vehicles like the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV by offering a battery-electric option that adheres to strict kei car size and power regulations while emphasizing urban efficiency and long-range flexibility. The RACCO features a design tailored to kei car constraints, including compact dimensions, sliding rear doors, and a friendly, rounded aesthetic to build consumer trust. It is powered by BYD’s Blade lithium iron phosphate battery with about 20 kWh capacity, delivering an estimated 180 km range and supporting fast DC charging