Suzuki is entering Japan's electric kei-car segment with the e SKY, launching on November 16. At about ¥2.12 million ($13,500), it slightly undercuts BYD's Racco, which starts at ¥2.145 million ($13,600), making it the lowest-priced EV in its class.
The e SKY uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by BYD's battery unit, a notable arrangement where a Japanese automaker relies on a Chinese rival for cells. Suzuki claims a WLTC driving range of up to 310 km (192 miles) and a "class-leading" AC energy consumption rating of 97 Wh/km.
BYD's base Racco 200 offers 210 km (130 miles) of range, while higher trims reach 320 km (199 miles). Nissan's Sakura starts higher at ¥2.4486 million ($15,000). If the e SKY qualifies for Japan's 568,000 yen subsidy, it could cost roughly the same as Suzuki's popular gasoline-powered Spacia kei car, which starts at 1.53 million yen.