BYD launched its new electric Racco kei car in Japan just a few weeks ago and the company has already seen initial sales success, as in that time period, over 1,000 orders have been placed.

The BYD Racco debuted in Japan at a very attractive price, which actually undercuts in main rivial, the Nissan Sakura. The Racco is priced between 2,145,000 – 2,497,000 yen (£9,929 - £11,586), whereas the Nissan starts from 2,448,600 yen (£11,361).

BYD offers three trim levels, ranging from the 200, 300 Plus and the 300 Premium. Two LFP batteries are available, either a 22.40kWh or 35.84kWh pack, offering up to 198 miles of range on the larger of the two.

DC charging speed is limited to 49.7kWh on the larger battery and 35.8kW on the smaller and it uses the CHAdeMO connector, which is commonplace in Japan.

No word yet on whether BYD will sell the Racco outside of Japan into the UK or Europe, but Honda has recently launched its EV kei car in RHD markets, with the new Super-N.