On July 28, BYD Company Limited officially launched its first pure electric K-Car, the "Otter" (RACCO), in the Japanese market. This model, specifically developed for Japan, comes in three trim levels with prices ranging from 2.145 million to 2.497 million yen (approximately RMB 88,800 to 103,300). As the company's first vehicle independently developed for a single overseas market, the Otter's debut represents not just a product export but a direct challenge to the heart of Japan's automotive industry.
Precision engineered: The Otter is strictly developed according to Japanese K-Car regulations, with dimensions of 3395mm in length, 1475mm in width, 1800mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2520mm. It fits precisely within the K-Car size limits. Its boxy shape, combined with short front and rear overhangs, gives the wheelbase over 65% of the vehicle's length. The Otter is equipped with dual electric sliding doors on both sides, featuring foot-sensing activation—a first in Japanese K-Car history. Inside, the car adopts a right-hand drive layout, 2+2 seating, and a column-mounted gear shifter. Six exterior colors are available, with the top trim offering exclusive ruby red paint and premium synthetic leather seats. The trunk volume is 280 liters, and the A-pillar triangular windows effectively reduce blind spots.
The Otter's standout feature is its powertrain and range. It uses a single front-mounted motor delivering 47kW of power and 160Nm of torque. Battery options include 22.4kWh and 35.84kWh phosphate lithium iron blade batteries, providing WLTC ranges of 210km and 320km respectively. The 320km version makes the Otter the first mass-produced K-Car in Japan to exceed 300km of range—far surpassing the 180km range of its direct domestic competitor, the Nissan Sakura. Additionally, the Otter supports 50kW fast charging and V2L/V2H external power discharge functions, enabling emergency home power supply during typhoons and other disasters.
From Tokyo Motor Show to public controversy: BYD Company Limited first globally debuted the Otter at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2025. Since then, this Chinese-branded electric K-Car has generated sustained interest in Japanese society. The real controversy erupted on July 14 when the company aired a television commercial. The ad featured Japanese national actress Alice Hirose, who wore a red top and introduced the Otter against a bright yellow background. The commercial was highly localized in its script and visual style, with only the "BYD" logo on the car. However, the ad triggered severe online harassment against Hirose, with some Japanese netizens accusing her of being "unpatriotic" and "money-driven," subjecting her to personal attacks. Critics argue that the company's highly localized entry into Japan aims to erode the last bastion of the Japanese auto industry—the K-Car segment.
Beyond the public backlash, more substantial resistance has come from the industry. According to multiple reports, BYD Company Limited initially set a target starting price of approximately 1.3 million yen (about RMB 60,000) for the Otter, aiming to penetrate the K-Car market with high value for money. However, this low-price strategy faced strong opposition from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and executives from domestic automakers like Suzuki and Honda. Consequently, the Otter's official launch price was raised to 2.145 million yen, placing it squarely in the price range of mainstream domestic models like the Nissan Sakura. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has also adjusted its clean energy vehicle subsidy policy, offering only 150,000 yen per vehicle for the Otter, compared to 580,000 yen for the Nissan Sakura. With additional local government subsidies, Japanese K-Car buyers can ultimately receive over 900,000 yen more in benefits than those purchasing the Otter.
What tires does the new car use: The Otter is equipped with GOODRIDE RADIAL RP18e tires, size 165/65 R15. "Goodride" is a sub-brand of Zhongce Rubber Group Co., Ltd., making these tires equivalent to the Chaoyang RP18E. This shows the comprehensive use of Chinese components in the new car. In China, this tire model is widely used in compact cars from brands like BYD Company Limited and Ora. On the Tuhu platform, a single tire is priced at just 265 yuan. The RADIAL RP18e is a cost-effective tire specifically designed for compact electric vehicles and entry-level family cars. Its core positioning emphasizes comfort, quietness, and economy. It uses a specialized tread pattern to effectively disperse noise frequencies, significantly reducing road noise for a quiet urban driving experience. The tread also optimizes drainage performance, enhancing grip and driving confidence on wet roads. The sidewall design is relatively stiff, improving support and durability. As an EV-specific tire, it focuses on low rolling resistance to help improve range and economy. Market feedback indicates a balanced performance in noise reduction and grip.
Final thoughts: From its stunning debut at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show to the storm of controversy and industry pushback before and after its launch, the Otter's journey in Japan is anything but ordinary. K-Cars account for nearly 40% of Japan's new car market, a territory long guarded by Japanese automakers like Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Honda. BYD Company Limited invested 18 months of development, surveyed 2,000 Japanese households for user needs, and recruited Hirohide Tagawa, a K-Car project leader with 30 years of experience at Nissan, to lead localized development. The Otter's launch marks the first time a Chinese automaker has launched a direct attack on Japan's most core automotive segment. Regardless of its final sales figures, the symbolic significance of this vehicle has already transcended commerce itself.
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