BYD revealed the Racco at last month’s Japan Auto Show, its first EV designed exclusively for overseas markets.
Like the Sakura and most kei cars, the Racco has a boxy, upright stance. It has four doors, with the back two sliding open.
Powered by a 20 kWh battery pack, the mini EV is expected to have a driving range of around 180 km (112 miles).
BYD is using its Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs to keep costs down. Although prices have yet to be revealed, the Racco is expected to start at around 2.5 million yen ($18,000) in Japan, putting it on par with the Nissan Sakura.
If it launched in Europe, the Racco could go on sale for under £15,000 ($20,000), putting it on par with the Dacia Spring (£14,995) and Leapmotor T03 (£15,995). The BYD Dolphin Surf currently starts at £18,650 ($24,300).
Although it will arrive in Japan first, BYD may launch its smallest, cheapest EV in Europe after all. BYD’s vice president Stella Li suggested to Autocar that the Racco could play a key role globally as an affordable, entry-level EV.
The relevance of these patents extends across several critical dimensions, each enabling BYD to differentiate itself from competitors and secure its position as an industry trailblazer. A key aspect is the company’s profound commitment to vertical integration and self–sufficiency.
BYD’s most relevant patented technologies in vehicles
The Blade Battery
e-Platform 3.0 is BYD’s dedicated electric vehicle platform
Key aspects include the 8-in-1 Electric Powertrain , which integrates the motor, transmission, and other control systems into a single, compact unit, reducing size, weight, and cost while improving overall efficiency. Patents also cover a highly integrated thermal management system and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology , which enables BYD vehicles to not only charge from the grid but also send power back to it or to power external devices, making the car a mobile energy storage unit.
DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) Technology is BYD’s proprietary plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, a sophisticated system heavily protected by patents that redefines the PHEV experience. Unlike many conventional hybrids where the gasoline engine often drives the wheels directly, BYD’s DM-i largely prioritizes electric propulsion. The gasoline engine primarily functions as a highly efficient generator to extend range or provide supplemental power during high-load demands. This innovative approach results in remarkably low fuel consumption and impressive electric-only range.