The long-awaited BYD Racco EV is already obtainable starting from ¥2,415,000 ($13,110) in the base spec or ¥2,497,000 ($15,260) in the top spec, undercutting local offerings like the Honda N-One e: with its starting price of ¥2,700,000 ($16,500).
As one would expect, China’s first foray in the Japanese Kei car market plays it safe and by the book. It features a boxy exterior so typical for the genre, a rather tall roof and sliding rear doors, among other things. C-shaped headlights and an interconnected brake light make it recognizable as a BYD, but only just. Size-wise, it measures 3,395 x 1,475 x 1,800 millimeters (133.7 x 58.1 x 70.9 inches) with 2,520 mm (99.2 inches) of wheelbase.
The four-seat interior is basic, but not uncomfortably so. Found inside are a three-spoke wheels, a couple of 10.1-inch displays and a physical control panel for accessing most in-car functions, including climate control.
Like any other Kei car, the Racco is hard-capped at 64 metric horsepower (63 hp / 47 kW). It is front-wheel-drive and offers 210 kilometers (130 miles) of range per charge, extendable to 320 km (199 mi) if you opt for one of the pricier trims.
Aside from the HVAC, the base trim includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, and textile upholstery all around. The middle-ground trim introduces seat and steering wheel heating, while the top trim comes with 360-degree cameras, power adjustments for the driver’s seat, and eco-leather for the seats.