China's Byd challenges the Japanese at home: it will unveil a K-Car at the Tokyo motor show

Byd is not content with invading the European markets with both hybrid and electric cars at generally very affordable prices. In fact, it has now decided to set its sights on the Japanese market. On the Byd Auto Japan website, the Shenzhen-based manufacturer has announced the world debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2025 of its first 100% electric K-Car.

Byd has confirmed that the car will conform to the standard for Japanese small cars, but in addition will be equipped with the brand's typical technologies. The teaser image of the car features a short front end and a long wheelbase with short overhangs to make the most of every useful centimetre, while sliding rear doors will facilitate access in tight parking spaces.

The ring-shaped light clusters, both front and rear, add a hint of modernity without, however, renouncing the sobriety typical of the Kei. The cabin, for sure, will have the essential style typical of all small cars: three-spoke steering wheel, digital instrumentation and central display, with the windscreen extended into a window to improve the perception of space and brightness on board.

Lightweight and compact, Byd's small electric city car is supposed to be powered by a 20 kWh Blade battery, for a range of around 180 km, more than enough for urban mobility, but also with a 100 kW fast-charging option. The Chinese brand's new Kei is the first model designed exclusively for a foreign market that complies with the country's regulations.

The car will be produced in China and exported to Japan from 2026 onwards on the basis of a further expanded sales network in the territory: it will be the first real foreign challenger to Japanese manufacturers and will offer prices in line with the market average. The new Kei prepares for the arrival of a very fierce series of other Byd models, most of which will be commercial.