The BYD Racco has just gone on sale as the “world’s first” software-defined Kei car in Japan with a starting price of 2.145 million yen (around £10,000) for the entry-level model.
Engineered specifically to meet Japan’s Kei car regulations, the BYD Racco measures 3.4 metres in length, 1.475 in width, and 1.8 metres in height courtesy of a high roofline.
The BYD Racco is available in two models, base-spec 200 or range-topping 300. The entry-level cars use a 22.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) version of BYD’s Blade battery, which is capable of travelling up to 130 miles on the WLTC light vehicles efficiency cycle.
The higher-priced 300 Plus and 300 Premium models are fitted with a 35.84kWh pack, providing up to 199 miles of range. This makes the BYD Racco the first all-electric Kei in Japan to cover over 300 kilometres (186 miles) on a single charge.
The battery supports DC fast charging up to 100kW, significantly outpacing direct domestic rivals such as the Honda N-One e and the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s best-selling EV at present. The Honda has a 183-mile range, while the Nissan manages up to 112 miles.
When it comes to power, all versions of the BYD Racco are driven by a front-mounted, 63bhp electric motor.
According to BYD, the Racco is the “world’s first SDV-based light electric vehicle”. SDV, or “software-defined vehicle“, means that the car can be upgraded and improved via over-the-air (OTA) software updates during the course of its life.
As well as an electronic foot-activated side door to facilitate getting in and out while parked in tight spots, the Racco – depending on trim level – comes with plenty of “big car” features not usually associated with the Kei car segment, including a smartphone key, battery pre-conditioning, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
Inside, the BYD Racco follows the Chinese automotive giant’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design language pioneered by chief designer Wolfgang Egger.
As with all BYD models, a touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard (albeit a scaled-down 10.1-inch one), while a heated steering wheel, six airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a heated cupboard are also part of the package.
When it comes to practicality, the BYD Racco’s rear seats fold completely flat, offering up to 1,372 litres of cargo space.
BYD offers Racco in six exterior colours: Arctic White, Arctic Blue, Cosmos Black, Midnight Green, Ruby Red, and the hilariously named Cheese Yellow. Only range-topping cars benefit from the two-tone black-and-beige cabin finish.
Thanks to the Japanese Government’s 150,000 yen (£680) EV grant, the Racco is cheaper than the Sakura, which starts at 2,448,600 yen, around £11,300.
