BYD Racco goes on sale in Sri Lanka, its first market outside Japan
BYD's Racco, an electric kei car developed specifically for Japan, has gone on sale in Sri Lanka, its first overseas market, at an introductory price of $34,615. The model is expected to launch in Macau shortly.
Chinese automaker BYD has taken the Racco, an electric car developed for Japan's distinctive kei car class, to a market outside Japan for the first time. The compact model has gone on sale in Sri Lanka, which was given priority among right-hand-drive markets. Under BYD's plan, the Racco's next stop will be Macau.
The Racco was first unveiled in Japan in late July 2026 and collected 1,000 orders within just two weeks of going on sale. Offered in Japan in three trim levels, 200, 300 Plus and 300 Premium, the model is priced between 2,140,000 and 2,497,000 yen (roughly $13,555 to $15,815).
Why is the price so high in Sri Lanka?
According to BYD Sri Lanka, the Racco is being offered to buyers in the country at 11,450,000 Sri Lankan rupees (about $34,615). That figure is roughly 2.5 times the model's starting price in Japan. Moreover, it is an introductory price valid only until Nov. 9; once the campaign ends, the Racco is expected to become even more expensive.
Still, the price should be viewed in the local context. Cars in Sri Lanka are generally expensive because of high import taxes and duties. The gasoline-powered Toyota Yaris Cross, for example, sells in the country for 19,950,000 rupees (about $60,315). By that comparison, the Racco sits in a relatively reasonable position in the island market.
Small body, practical interior space
The front-wheel-drive Racco stands out with its angular, boxy design. The car is 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,800 mm tall. With a 2,520 mm wheelbase, the model has a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters, giving it maneuverability well suited to city driving. The four-seater offers 280 liters of cargo space.
The Racco comes with two LFP battery options: 22.4 kWh and 35.84 kWh. Both versions use a single electric motor producing a maximum 47 kW (63 hp) and 160 Nm of torque. Depending on the battery chosen, range under WLTC standards varies between 210 and 320 kilometers.
This article was compiled with the help of AI from information published by CarNewsChina.
