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

By Eve

Suzuki will launch the e SKY, its first electric kei car, on 16 November at around 2.12 million yen ($13,500), narrowly undercutting BYD's Racco EV at 2.145 million yen ($13,600) to become Japan's cheapest mini EV, according to Nikkei. The e SKY offers a WLTC range of up to 310 km (192 miles) and uses lithium iron phosphate batteries supplied by BYD's battery unit. With potential government subsidies of 568,000 yen, the e SKY could cost about the same as Suzuki's petrol Spacia, which starts at 1.53 million yen (slightly under $10,000).

Why it matters

Ultra-low-cost EVs like the e SKY signal intensifying price competition in Japan's kei segment, where affordability and subsidy eligibility will shape fleet and consumer adoption. Procurement teams evaluating light commercial or urban fleets should monitor whether similar pricing and BYD battery partnerships emerge in other markets.

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Original title
“Suzuki undercuts BYD with a $13,500 mini EV powered by BYD batteries”
Published
6 October 2026
Updated
8 October 2026
Also covered by
donanimhaber.com

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