With a competitive price, BYD Racco arrives in Japan and challenges the Honda N-BOX By Beatriz
2 min read
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Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has introduced its mini EV, the “Racco”, to the Japanese market with a price tag of approximately 1 million yen, drawing direct comparisons with the popular Honda N-BOX. The launch, which took place on July 29, marks a strategic move by the foreign automaker to gain a share of the electric compact car segment in Japan, dominated by local manufacturers.
- FF: 1,768,800 yen
- 4WD: 1,914,000 yen
- The N-BOX Custom, a more equipped version, costs:
- FF: 1,994,300 yen
- 4WD: 2,139,500 yen
- The N-BOX Custom version with Turbo engine, which offers greater performance, is sold for:
- FF: 2,436,500 yen
- 4WD: 2,581,700 yen
BYD Racco’s competitiveness in the mini EV segment
The BYD Racco, as an electric vehicle, promises a high-quality and notably smoother driving experience than kei cars equipped with gasoline engines. Experts in the electric vehicle sector anticipate performance that surpasses that of small combustion cars. Given this technological difference, the fairest price comparison for the Racco is with the N-BOX Custom in its turbo version, where the BYD model proves to be quite competitive.
Despite the attractive price, purchasing Racco presents challenges, especially for those who do not have the infrastructure to install a charging point at home. Additionally, BYD’s sales network in Japan is significantly smaller than Honda’s, which could be a point of concern for potential buyers. However, Japan has a large number of kei car users, and the market for compact electric vehicles may appeal to those with a specific lifestyle.
The Racco can be the ideal choice for people who use their car mainly for daily tasks, such as going shopping, going to work or taking their children to school, avoiding long-distance trips. Residents of isolated homes, who do not face difficulties installing charging equipment, would also benefit fully from an electric vehicle, enjoying the convenience of moving without needing to refuel with gasoline.
The impact of BYD Racco’s arrival in Japan
Racco’s entry into the Japanese market comes as Honda plans to launch its own “N-BOX EV” in 2028. It remains to be seen how much BYD will be able to expand its presence in the compact electric vehicle segment until the arrival of Honda’s direct competitor. The sales target established for the Racco is 10,000 units annually, indicating BYD’s ambition in this market niche.
