BYD, the Chinese conglomerate, is making headlines with its plans to develop an electric kei car specifically for the Japanese market. This move is significant as no other non-Japanese automaker has successfully created a kei car that meets Japan’s strict regulations. The new BYD model is expected to launch in 2026 and is targeting a starting price of around $17,700, undercutting the current best-selling EV in Japan, the Nissan Sakura, which starts at approximately $18,250.
Key Details of BYD’s Electric Kei Car
- Target price: $17,700
- Expected launch: 2026
- Type: Electric kei car
- Target market: Japan
The Japanese electric vehicle market has faced challenges, with sales dropping by 33% in 2024. However, BYD has managed to achieve sales growth in the country despite this downturn. To succeed, BYD’s new kei car will need to not only be competitively priced but also offer better specifications than the Nissan Sakura. The Sakura currently features a 20 kWh battery, offering a WLTC range of 112 miles, and supports 100 kW fast charging.
Kei Car Regulations in Japan
To qualify as a kei car, vehicles must adhere to specific dimensions:
- Length: Not over 11 feet 2 inches (3.4 meters)
- Width: Not over 4 ft 10 in (1.48 m)
- Height: Not over 6 ft 6 in (2 m)
- Horsepower: Limited to 64 horsepower
BYD currently sells four models in Japan: the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, and Sealion 7. The Dolphin, while a small city car, is too wide to be classified as a kei car, limiting its popularity. This new electric kei car represents BYD’s strategic effort to tap into the Japanese market more effectively by complying with local regulations and preferences.
