Suzuki launches $13,500 e SKY mini EV with BYD batteries, undercutting BYD's Racco in Japan

The e SKY, Suzuki’s first electric kei car, is expected to undercut BYD’s Racco as Japan’s cheapest mini EV, starting at around $13,500.

Suzuki launches its first mini EV using BYD batteries

Suzuki is entering Japan’s competitive electric mini car segment with the e SKY set to launch on November 16.

The e SKY will start at around 2.12 million yen, or about $13,500, according to Nikkei, making it the lowest-priced EV in its class.

BYD currently holds the title with the Racco EV priced from 2.145 million yen ($13,600). Suzuki said the e SKY offers a WLTC driving range of up to 310 km (192 miles) and a “class-leading” AC energy consumption rating of 97 Wh/km.

Suzuki developed a dedicated kei EV platform and electric drive system for the e SKY to optimize efficiency.

Interestingly, Suzuki’s mini EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by BYD’s battery unit to cut costs.

Government subsidies have yet to be announced, but if it qualifies for the same 568,000 yen subsidy as its commercial kei EV, the e-Every, the e SKY would cost about the same as the Spacia.

The Spacia is Suzuki’s most popular gas-powered kei car. It starts at 1.53 million yen, or slightly under $10,000 in Japan.

BYD’s cheapest Racco 200 model uses a 22.4 kWh LFP battery, providing a WLTC driving range of 210 km (130 miles).

High-priced trims, including the Racco 300 Plus and Premium models, use a larger 35.84 kWh battery with a range of up to 320 km (199 miles). BYD said it was the first kei EV to offer over 300 km range.

BYD’s Racco and the Suzuki e SKY will be more affordable and offer a longer driving range than the Nissan Sakura, which starts at ¥2,448,600 ($15,000).

BYD aims to sell 10,000 Racco models by the end of 2026. In its first two weeks on the market, BYD’s mini EV secured 1,000 orders. On Monday, BYD Japan also celebrated reaching 10,000 domestic cumulative registrations.