Chinese automaker BYD has come to this year’s Japan Mobility Show with a microvan called Racco, billed as the first Kei car made outside of Japan but primarily targeting that market. We don’t have all the parameters or pricing details yet, but let’s take a look at what there is.
The Racco is 3,395 mm (132.6 inches) long, 1,475 mm (57.6 inches) wide and 1,800 mm (70.3 inches) tall. The wheelbase length is unknown, but the company said before that it would be as long as possible, because EVs don’t really need overhangs. Setting the axles far apart would ensure maximum legroom for the four passengers inside.
Invading into a market segment as well-established as populated as Kei cars is difficult, and the Racco will try to do so with certain “cute and stylish” traits. These include eye-like headlights, dual a-pillars with glass inserts, and a floating roof. The doors slide to open, and the wheels are said to be an original development never before seen on any BYD car.
The interior remains to be shown in full, but we are told the show car had two large displays inside – one for the instruments and one for the infotainment system.
It’s official that the microvan will ship with a single e-motor at the front axle and a 20-kWh battery pack rated at 180 km (112 miles) of WLTP range. The motor specs are unknown, but those in the market for a sportier-looking Kei car will want to consider a version called RS (the black one in the gallery above). It wears a body kit and likely has nothing else to differentiate itself from the standard version.
Last but not least, there will be a special version of the BYD Racco for active leisure enthusiasts – complete with a spare wheel on the tailgate and an expedition rack on the roof.
Sales in Japan are expected to start next summer, and rumors claim the prices will begin from ¥2.5 million (U.S. $16,250). The date and the pricing are unofficial, so take them with a grain of salt. BYD is already selling four different models in Japan, so the Racco will be its fifth in the country.
