14:50 22-10-2025

BYD’s first kei-class electric car for Japan debuts: €15k price, 20 kWh Blade battery, 180 km WLTC range

BYD unveils its first kei-class EV for Japan: a €15,000 city car with a 20 kWh Blade battery, up to 180 km WLTC range, sliding doors and a roomy, techy cabin.

BYD will unveil its first kei-class electric car at the Tokyo auto show, a model engineered specifically for the Japanese market. Compact yet purpose-built to meet local needs, it is poised to be one of the most accessible debuts, with an indicative price of about €15,000.

The EV is set to use a 20 kWh Blade battery, delivering up to 180 km of range on the WLTC cycle. For everyday urban commutes, that figure aligns with how most people actually drive, where daily mileage seldom stretches far. It’s a pragmatic specification that prioritizes efficiency and simplicity over excess.

Despite its modest footprint, the car promises a roomy cabin and a clean, contemporary look. Sliding doors, a digital instrument cluster, and a large infotainment screen set the tone. The choice of sliding doors feels particularly savvy for tight city parking, and the sizable display should help the interior punch above its weight.

BYD Auto Japan noted that this is the brand’s first electric model developed specifically for an overseas market. The newcomer could land among 2026’s most compact and practical city-focused vehicles, signaling a mindful approach to sustainable urban mobility and a willingness to tailor products to local tastes.