Chinese manufacturer BYD is taking part in the Japan Mobility Show for the first time. It will be unveiling several strategic launches to strengthen its local presence. The Japanese market will discover a brand new K-EV and an innovative plug-in hybrid.
BYD causes a sensation at the Japan Mobility Show
BYD is taking advantage of this event to present the BYD RACCO. This all-electric K-EV is aimed exclusively at Japanese drivers. It is the brand’s first zero-emission light vehicle for this demanding country. BYD is also introducing the SEALION 6 DM-i. This plug-in hybrid model inaugurates the dual « EV + PHEV » strategy for Japan. With this approach, the brand aims to meet the varied expectations of a highly technophile market. Under the unifying theme of « ONE BYD », the company is exhibiting both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This approach illustrates its long-term commitment to a global energy transition. It also confirms the company’s commitment to building a complete range of vehicles adapted to Japanese infrastructures and uses.
The BYD stand dedicated to passenger cars also features the ATTO 3, the DOLPHIN, the SEAL and the spectacular YANGWANG U9. This supercar embodies the brand’s premium dimension. Together, these models form an already rich offering, designed to appeal to a customer base that values technology and design. The declared aim is to raise BYD’s profile and develop a genuine ecosystem around electric mobility in Japan.
The RACCO, a K-EV designed for Japan
The mini electric car segment is proving crucial in Japan. K-cars meet everyday needs in a dense urban environment. The BYD RACCO fits into this strategic category, with its compact size and clean mobility. Thanks to its specific design, it aims to make electric vehicles accessible to a very broad public. Its technology is designed to offer comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
With the BYD RACCO, the brand is strengthening its understanding of the local market. It is also demonstrating its ability to adapt its global innovations to Japanese standards and regulatory expectations. This global launch in Tokyo represents a symbolic step for the brand’s growth in the country.
Since 2022, BYD has been making rapid progress in the Japanese passenger car market. Its ATTO 3, DOLPHIN, SEAL and SEALION 7 models have met with growing success. The brand has a clear ambition: to offer seven to eight electric or hybrid models by 2027. As a result, it is developing a solid sales network, with sixty-six sales outlets already on the archipelago. This network is designed to keep pace with sales growth and guarantee reliable service.
BYD expands its range of electric vans
In addition to cars, BYD is also tackling the commercial vehicle market. The manufacturer is unveiling the BYD T35 electric truck for the first time anywhere in the world. This model meets Japanese regulatory dimensions. It uses BYD’s famous Blade Battery, renowned for its safety and durability. The vehicle is due to go on sale in Japan in 2026. BYD is also presenting the J6 Living Car concept, which explores new mobile solutions for professionals.
The J7 and K8 electric buses complete this range of utility vehicles. They are already in service in many Japanese cities. Since 2015, around five hundred BYD buses have been put into service in Japan. They operate from Hokkaido to Okinawa. This strong presence makes BYD the leader in electric buses in Japan. The company is thus helping to modernise public transport networks, with improved performance and a significant reduction in emissions.
BYD strengthens its presence with a clear strategy
According to Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales Division, this year is particularly significant. It marks BYD’s 20th anniversary in Japan, as well as the first time that its passenger car and commercial vehicle ranges have been brought together on the same stand. This moment underlines the maturity and vision of the group in a market where technical demands remain very high. BYD promises to further improve its services and to work closely with Japanese customers.
Throughout Asia-Pacific, BYD continues to expand its solutions. More than twenty countries and regions benefit from its cars, buses, rail systems and forklift trucks. This diversification testifies to the solidity of its strategy in new energies. With the arrival of the BYD RACCO and the SEALION 6 DM-i, BYD is confirming its full deployment, including compact urban vehicles, electric saloons, high-performance hybrids and commercial vehicles for professionals. This versatility is a direct response to developments in the Japanese market, which is looking for cleaner mobility solutions without sacrificing functionality.
Towards a more sustainable future for Japanese mobility
BYD says it wants to actively support Japan’s ecological transformation. Its investments, innovations and growing network are the pillars of this ambition. By expanding its portfolio, the brand is creating additional value for Japanese society. It is also counting on closer collaboration with local players.
For BYD, sustainable mobility must combine performance, safety and accessibility. With its new energy vehicles, the company is consolidating an already significant position. It is establishing itself as a major partner in the country’s energy transition. Its commitment to sustainability points to a future in which zero-emission solutions will become the norm. With models such as the BYD RACCO and the T35, the brand aims to meet every need, from urban drivers to professional hauliers. BYD is therefore taking another decisive step forward at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, with a clear vision: to help Japan accelerate the shift towards environmentally-friendly mobility that benefits everyone.
