China¡¯s BYD is adding a tiny electric vehicle to its lineup in Japan, in a challenge to domestic brands in the country¡¯s most important vehicle segment.
Including subsidies, the entry level Racco will cost less than ?2 million ($12,210) and offer a minimum range of 210 kilometers, BYD Auto Japan CEO Atsuki Tofukuji said Tuesday. That¡¯s on par with Nissan Motor¡¯s Sakura mini, the best-selling Japanese EV, which starts at about ?2.44 million but has a maximum range of only 180 kilometers when fully charged.
Cheap and ultra-compact kei,?or lightweight, cars account for nearly 40% of new vehicle sales in Japan. Commonly offered as micro vans or trucks, they offer an affordability and versatility that¡¯s tailored to the island nation¡¯s narrow backstreets and rural byways. New gas-powered models sell for as little as ?1.2 million.
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