BYD about to unveil micro car
Chinese brand primed to take on Japan at its own game, with a pint-sized electric kei car on the wayThe News
The kei car is a cultural icon and one that’s (unofficially) belonged to Japan for decades. Now, Chinese automotive giant BYD is set to reveal its first ultra-mini car at this month’s 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The brand will debut a kei car-sized EV in a vehicle segment dominated by Japanese brands such as Mitsubishi and Suzuki.
The Key Details
- BYD’s first kei car will be unveiled at Tokyo motor show
- Micro EV will get 20kWh battery, 180km driving range (WLTC)
- First foreign-built model for Japan’s kei car segment
- Will be smaller than Atto 1 electric hatch
- In Japan, kei cars are restricted to 3.4m long and 2.0m tall
The Finer Details
Kei cars have been a staple on Japanese roads for decades, where the micro cars are well-known and loved for their tiny proportions and engines, which can be no more than 660cc in capacity (or 47kW for battery-electric versions).
Now, BYD is looking to get in on the action, releasing a teaser image of its first kei car, which is expected to be unveiled in production form at this month’s Tokyo show.
BYD is yet to reveal official details but the small EV is expected to come with a 20kWh battery pack – good for charging speeds of up to 100kW – and a driving range of around 180km.
The teaser shot reveals a boxy silhouette similar to that of Honda’s N-Box, with the tiny BYD sporting LED lighting at either end, along with very short wheel arch overhangs and rear sliding doors, as is the norm with tall-bodied kei cars in Japan.
Other photographs of the kei car being tested in China have surfaced online, revealing yet more details, including a double A-pillar up front for enhanced visibility, a large touchscreen and what appears to be a bench seat in the first row which isn’t unusual for a kei car.
The Road Ahead
Although kei cars can be privately purchased and imported in Australia, car brands like Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Honda (among others) have been restricted from selling them due to stringent safety regulations.
As such, it’s unlikely BYD’s new kei car will arrive here anytime soon.
Related: Mitsubishi eK X EV 2024 Review
Related: Five unique imported Japanese cars you've never heard of
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
