After its debut in Japan, BYD has announced plans to launch the Racco EV microcar in Sri Lanka and Macau, marking its first expansion into other RHD markets. Order books have opened in Macau, and the Racco will officially launch in Sri Lanka on October 9.

The Racco is BYD’s first model developed specifically for the Japanese market and is designed to meet the country’s Kei car standards. It is the first EV Kei car to exceed a WLTC range of 300km, and received over 1,000 orders within two weeks after its launch.

BYD’s announcement

IT Home, a Chinese tech outlet, reports that BYD made the announcement at a dealership in Hiratsuka, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture. This comes as the Chinese NEV giant celebrates a sales milestone in Japan, with over 10,000 vehicles sold since it entered the country.

The Racco is designed to meet Japan’s stringent Kei car standards, which limit vehicle size and power. In return, Kei cars receive tax breaks, and Kei owners in certain areas are exempt from providing proof of a valid parking space (Shako Shomeisho/車庫証明 ).

BYD representatives said the automaker is actively evaluating demand for the Racco outside Japan, and will prioritise expansion into RHD markets. BYD has also published new sales figures for the microcar, stating that the Racco has exceeded 2,000 orders since its launch two months ago.

Potential markets

While BYD hasn’t announced the Racco’s next steps, it would likely enter space-conscious RHD markets where Kei cars are already accepted. One potential market could be Hong Kong, where Japanese automaker Suzuki has established a Kei car foothold with the Hustler, Jimny, and Carry.

Another potential market could be the UK, where Honda has launched the Super-N, a slightly larger and more powerful version of Japan’s N-One e Kei car. Similarly, the Racco could receive power upgrades and upsizing to suit overseas markets.

BYD has a significant presence in Australia, a similarly RHD market with rising EV ownership. Mitsubishi previously evaluated the eK X EV, an electric Kei car, for the country, but ultimately decided against a local launch, citing excessive homologation costs. Until laws change, the Racco will likely stay away.

With LHD markets off the table for now, the Racco is unlikely to enter BYD’s domestic market in China. The Chinese microcar market is dominated by ~10,000 USD mini EVs like the Changan Lumin and the Wuling Mini EV, and the Racco’s potential high pricing may make it unattractive to local buyers.

More on the Racco

The BYD Racco measures 3395/1475/1800 mm and has a 2,520 mm wheelbase. It seats four, per Kei regulations, and offers 280 litres of trunk space. Its turning radius is 4.8 meters, a boon for cramped urban driving.

The microcar gets a 47 kW (63 hp) motor up front, with output right at the legal limit for Kei cars. It’s paired with 22.4 and 35.84 kWh LFP packs, good for 210 km and 320 km of WLTC range, respectively. It has a starting price of 2.145 million yen (13,600 USD).

Its main competitors in Japan are the Nissan Sakura, also a Kei EV, and its aforementioned platform mate, the Mitsubishi eK X EV. Chery is also eyeing a piece of the Japanese Kei car pie, and it has formed a joint venture to launch Kei EVs in the country by 2027.

Source: IT Home

Source: CarNewsChina (View original)