Chinese automaker BYD has officially taken the wraps off a brand-new small hatchback designed specifically for Japan’s popular Kei car segment. The compact EV, which had been spotted earlier during road tests in China, made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show under the name BYD Racco — translated in Japanese as “Sea Otter.”
Compact Design for City Streets
The Racco, or Sea Otter, carries BYD’s signature styling while adopting the boxy look typical of Kei cars. It’s built for Japan’s urban roads, measuring under 3.4 meters long, 1.48 meters wide, and 1.8 meters tall. The car will ride on 15-inch wheels, smaller than what’s offered on other BYD models like the Dolphin, which starts at 16 inches.
Battery and Charging
Reports suggest the Racco will be powered by a 20 kWh BYD Blade battery pack, delivering an estimated 180 km range (WLTP) on a full charge. Despite its small size, the hatchback could support DC fast charging up to 100 kW, a notable speed for a city-focused EV with a compact battery.
Competing in the Kei Market
Kei cars are traditionally powered by tiny 660 cc engines, making an electric option from BYD an interesting alternative for Japanese buyers. While BYD has gained some traction in Japan with models like the Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin (selling just over 2,200 cars last year), its performance has lagged behind rivals like Nissan’s Sakura. The Sakura alone sold nearly 23,000 units in 2024, though that figure was down from 37,000 in 2023.
Launch Timeline
BYD is aiming to strengthen its presence in Japan with the Sea Otter, which is expected to officially hit the market in the summer of 2026 (Q2 next year). The car will not only mark BYD’s entry into the Kei segment but could also become an important stepping stone for the brand in winning over Japanese consumers.
