BYD RACCO electric kei car launched in Sri Lanka as RHD expansion continues – could Malaysia be next?

BYD's all-new RACCO, a fully electric kei car, has officially launched in Sri Lanka. The launch marks another step in the model's overseas expansion, following its debut in Japan in July this year.

The RACCO is also expected to go on sale in Macau, with further right-hand-drive (RHD) markets planned in the future.

Exterior

Developed to meet Japan's kei-car regulations, the RACCO has a boxy shape and short front and rear overhangs, making the most of the space inside despite its compact footprint.

Power sliding doors for the rear passengers make getting in and out easier, particularly in tight parking spaces. The RACCO measures 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,800 mm tall.

There are three trim levels and six exterior colours to choose from.

Interior and equipment

All RACCO variants come with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and six airbags.

Other equipment includes:

• A high-roof body and power sliding doors with hands-free, kick-activated opening
• A 10.1-inch central touchscreen
• Leatherette seats, with six-way power adjustment for the driver's seat
• A dedicated insulated cup holder
• A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Battery, range and charging

The RACCO is available with two battery options.

• Entry-level version: 22.4 kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 210 km
• Higher-spec version: 35.84 kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 320 km

The electric kei car supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, allowing for shorter charging stops.

When come to Malaysia?

With the RACCO now on sale in Sri Lanka and a launch in Macau expected, could Malaysia be next?

BYD has been expanding its line-up in Malaysia, but there is no confirmation that the RACCO will be sold here. Its prospects will depend on whether BYD sees enough demand for a small, affordable electric car and can supply a version suited to the local market.

The RACCO was designed around Japan's kei-car rules, so its suitability for Malaysia will also need to be assessed against local regulations. For now, a Malaysian launch remains unconfirmed.