It’s official. BYD is launching its first kei car. The new electric car is BYD’s smallest EV yet, and it’s expected to arrive next year with a starting price under $18,000. After it was spotted testing again, we are learning a little more about what to expect.
BYD’s smallest EV is coming in 2026
Kei cars, or K-Cars, as they are often called, are one of the most popular types of vehicles in Japan. They are the smallest street-legal passenger vehicles you can buy in the country.
To be classified as a kei car, the vehicle must be less than 3.4 m (134″) long, 1.48 m (58″) wide, and 2 m (79″) tall.
BYD’s smallest EV, and top-selling, is currently the Seagull (sold as the Dolphin Surf and Mini overseas), measuring 3,780 mm in length (148.8″).
We caught a glimpse of the new electric Kei car for the first time in May after it was spotted testing on public roads. Like many kei cars, including the Honda N-Box, Japan’s top-selling vehicle, BYD’s tiny EV has that quirky, upright, boxy design.
After being recently spotted parked at a test facility, new spy photos provide a closer look, including a sneak peek of the interior.
The new images, posted by ThinkerCar, show essentially the same kei car we saw in May. It’s a right-hand-drive vehicle, suggesting it will launch in Japan, the UK, parts of Southeast Asia, and possibly other regions.
#BYD K-Car spy shots reveal a four-door layout with sliding rear doors. The vehicle is expected to launch in #Japan in H2 2026, with a starting price of RMB 130,000.
It will feature a 20 kWh battery offering 180km range (WLTC), heat pump AC system, and 100 kW fast charging… https://t.co/B2P05I5RAp pic.twitter.com/wYGtoC3yJk— ThinkerCar (@thinkercar) July 16, 2025
For the first time, the interior is shown. Like BYD’s other vehicles, there’s a large floating infotainment screen at the center.
The electric car is expected to feature a 20 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of 180 km (112 miles). It will also support DC charging speeds of up to 100 kW.
BYD’s Dolphin Surf (Seagull EV) is available with two battery packs: 30 kWh and 43.2 kWh, offering WLTP ranges of 137 miles and 189 miles, respectively.
By using LFP batteries from its battery unit, FinDreams, BYD could have the upper hand with costs. The Kei car is expected to launch in Japan in the second half of 2026 with a starting price of 2.5 million yen, or under $18,000. In comparison, the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s top-selling electric vehicle, starts at 2.59 million yen.
Earlier this year, Nikkei reported that Japanese automakers are already preparing for its arrival. A Suzuki dealer explained that “Young people do not have a negative view of BYD. It would be a huge threat if the company launches cheap models in Japan.”
Can BYD’s smallest EV find a foothold in Japan? Domestic brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have long dominated the market. Check back soon for the latest updates.
Source: TheDriven, ThinkerCar
