BYD Unveils Japan-Market K-EV at 2025 Tokyo Mobility Show, Expands Dual EV–Hybrid Strategy
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BYD debuts its Japan-market K-EV “Racco” and new hybrid lineup at the Tokyo Mobility Show, strengthening its dual-track EV and hybrid strategy.
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD unveiled its new K-EV “BYD Racco”, a kei-sized electric model designed specifically for Japan, at the 2025 Tokyo Mobility Show on October 29, 2025. The company also announced an expanded “pure EV + hybrid” strategy for the Japanese market, marking a major milestone in its global electrification push.
The showcase, themed “ONE BYD”, highlighted the company’s ambition to strengthen both its passenger and commercial vehicle portfolios in Japan. Alongside the K-EV, BYD presented the Sea Lion 06 DM-i hybrid, upgraded versions of the Yuan PLUS, Dolphin, and Seal models, as well as the ultra-luxury YangWang U9 electric supercar.
Since entering Japan’s passenger vehicle market in 2022, BYD has introduced multiple models tailored to local consumer needs. With the launch of the K-EV and the upcoming Sea Lion 06 DM-i, BYD plans to offer 7–8 EV and hybrid models by 2027.
The company currently operates 66 retail outlets across Japan and continues to expand its sales and service network. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales, noted that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of BYD’s entry into the Japanese market, underscoring its long-term commitment to local customers.
On the commercial side, BYD revealed the T35, a pure-electric light truck built for Japan’s size and regulatory standards, using BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery for enhanced safety and range. The T35 is slated for launch in 2026. The company also showcased new electric bus models — the J6 “Living Car”, J7, and K8 — developed for various urban transport applications. BYD entered Japan’s commercial vehicle sector in 2015 with electric buses and has since become the country’s top-selling EV bus brand, with fleets operating from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
BYD’s dual-pronged approach — combining locally optimized EVs for consumers and clean-energy commercial vehicles — signals its growing ambition in Japan’s green mobility transition. With an expanding product lineup and a strengthening retail network, BYD is positioning itself as a key player in Japan’s next phase of EV adoption.
