Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD is reportedly developing a battery-electric kei car specifically for the Japanese market, with plans to launch in 2026. According to Nikkei, the car will be priced at approximately JP¥2.5m (US$17,750), undercutting the cost of Japan’s current best-selling electric kei car, the Nissan Sakura. The new BYD model is said to not only be more affordable but also boast better specifications than its competitor. This strategic move by BYD aims to capture a significant share of Japan’s electric vehicle market, particularly in the popular kei car segment. The launch of this new model is expected to intensify competition in Japan’s EV market, potentially driving further innovation and price reductions across the industry.
