Strong demand for the electric kei car highlights growing interest in BYD’s compact EV offering in the Japanese market.

BYD Racco has surpassed 1,000 orders in Japan just two weeks after its official launch, giving the Chinese automaker an encouraging start in one of the world’s most competitive small-car markets.

According to a report cited by Nikkei, the electric kei car had accumulated 1,002 orders as of August 9. BYD is targeting 10,000 reservations for the Racco by the end of 2026, making its early performance an important indicator of consumer acceptance.

The Racco officially went on sale in Japan on July 28, with prices ranging from 2.14 million yen to 2.497 million yen before government subsidies. The model is offered in three variants: 200, 300 Plus and 300 Premium.

The flagship 300 Premium has emerged as the most popular version, accounting for around 80% of total orders. Meanwhile, the 300 Plus represented 14% of bookings, while the entry-level 200 accounted for the remaining 6%.

Customer data also provides insight into the Racco’s appeal. Around 35.7% of buyers purchased it as an additional vehicle, while another 35.7% replaced their existing cars with the electric model. First-time car buyers made up 26.8% of customers.

The BYD Racco measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width and 1,800 mm in height, with a 2,520 mm wheelbase. Its compact dimensions and 4.8-meter turning radius are designed for Japan’s urban driving environment. The four-seat EV also offers 280 litres of luggage space.

BYD offers two LFP battery options, measuring 22.4 kWh and 35.84 kWh. Depending on the battery, the Racco delivers between 210 km and 320 km of driving range. Its electric motor produces 47 kW, equivalent to 63 horsepower, along with 160 Nm of torque.

The larger-battery versions support charging speeds of up to 49.7 kW, while the Racco 200 supports 35.8 kW DC charging through a CHAdeMO connector. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen.

The Nissan Sakura remains a key competitor, offering a 20 kWh battery, 47 kW motor and 112 km WLTC range. Its Japanese market price starts at 2,448,600 yen.

The early BYD Racco orders in Japan come as BYD continues expanding globally. The company sold 411,072 vehicles worldwide in July 2026, while exports reached 179,841 units. During the same month, BYD delivered 383 vehicles in Japan.