WionDrive News Desk 
China’s BYD has launched its third electric vehicle in Japan, a move that could intensify competition for domestic brands in a market historically dominated by local automakers. The Shenzhen-based company announced on Tuesday that it has begun taking orders for its flagship Seal EV sedan. The suggested retail price for the rear-wheel-drive version in Japan is set at 5.28 million yen (USD 33,112).
In China, the same model starts from 179,800 yuan (USD 24,760). BYD’s expansion into the Japanese market could pose a significant challenge for Japanese automakers, who are already struggling against BYD and other Chinese EV brands in China.
Currently, BYD has only introduced battery-powered cars in Japan, despite being a major player in plug-in hybrids in its home market. BYD Auto Japan President Atsuki Tofukuji noted that sales in Japan have slowed in the April-June period compared to the previous year. He attributed this decline to a significant reduction in Japanese government EV subsidies starting in April, which impacted the affordability of BYD’s models.
The company will offer both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the Seal EV in Japan, each equipped with an 82.56 kWh battery pack. The rear-wheel-drive version boasts a cruising range of 640 km (398 miles), while the all-wheel-drive version, priced at 6.05 million yen, has a range of 575 km on a single charge.
BYD launched the Atto 3 and Dolphin EVs in Japan last year and has sold approximately 2,500 units since opening its first dealership in Yokohama in February 2023. The automaker plans to introduce at least one new model to its Japanese lineup each year.
