BYD takes 20% of Japan’s EV imports in January after launching simply final yr

Be careful, Toyota. BYD continues its dominant abroad enlargement after accounting for over 20% of Japan’s EV imports final month. After launching simply final yr, BYD is already making its presence often known as Japan lags behind the auto trade’s shift to electrical.

BYD accounts for one-fifth of Japan’s EV imports

Based on new information from the Japan Car Importers Affiliation (JAIA) launched Wednesday, Japan’s complete EV imports reached 1,186. That quantity is up 11% from final yr.

Of the 1,186 electrical automobiles imported into the nation, BYD accounted for 217 of them. Though that is nonetheless a small quantity within the grand scheme of issues, it’s spectacular provided that BYD simply launched EVs within the nation final yr. Extra importantly, Japan isn’t recognized for its imports.

BYD formally entered Japan’s auto market final January, launching its inexpensive Atto 3 (Yuan Plus in China) electrical SUV.

In September, BYD launched one other low-cost EV, its Dolphin electrical hatch. Beginning at ¥3.63 million ($24,500), BYD goals to rival Toyota on its house turf.

With a 70 kWh battery, the Dolphin EV can journey as much as 250 miles (400 km). An prolonged vary model (150 kWh battery) gives as much as 295 miles (476 km) vary, beginning at ¥4 million ($27,000).

BYD plans to launch its Seal electrical sedan this spring whereas increasing its community to incorporate over 100 retailers by 2025.

The Chinese language automaker already accounted for over 1% of Japan’s complete auto gross sales final month. The expansion comes as home automakers like Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Mazda lag behind the market.

Of the over 11.2 million automobiles Toyota bought final yr, solely 104,000, or lower than 1%, have been all-electric. In the meantime, Tesla’s Mannequin Y topped the RAV4 and Corolla for the best-selling automobile title globally final yr because the trade shifts to EVs.

Electrek’s Take

Japan will not be recognized for importing automobiles. Home automakers like Toyota and Nissan dominate the area’s auto gross sales.

Within the first half of final yr, imports accounted for solely 5% of Japan’s complete market. And it was the primary time import gross sales have been up in two years.

Most imports have been luxurious manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. BYD’s rising presence (though nonetheless comparatively small) is significant. Because the automaker ramps exports, BYD might be a model to look at in Japan.

Japan’s reluctance towards all-electric automobiles is starting to indicate as EV imports proceed constructing. BYD and others look to take benefit as patrons search for the most recent tech and effectivity.

Supply: CarNewsChina, JAIA