Japanese Media: BYD's "Hai Ta" Will Have a Major Impact on Japan's Light Electric Vehicle Market

According to Japan's Automotive News, July 8 report: BYD Japan recently unveiled detailed specifications for its new model, the "Hai Ta." This vehicle is a lightweight, high-roof hatchback BEV developed specifically for the Japanese market, with an official launch planned for July 28, 2026.

Three variants are available: standard "200," long-range "300Plus," and premium long-distance "300Premium." Additionally, official range per charge has been announced: 210 km for the standard version and 320 km for the extended-range variant.

The battery is a blade battery (LFP lithium iron phosphate), with capacities of 35.84 kWh and 22.40 kWh respectively. The drive motor has a maximum output power of 47 kW (64 PS) and peak torque of 160 N·m.

Compared to Nissan’s lightweight electric car, the "Sakura," which features a 20 kWh battery, a range of 180 km, a maximum output of 47 kW (64 horsepower), and a maximum torque of 195 N·m, the BYD "Hai Ta" surpasses it in battery capacity and range, but falls short in maximum motor torque.

All trims of the "Hai Ta" use front-wheel drive, with a vehicle weight ranging from 1,160 to 1,230 kg. The suspension system uses MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam rear axle. Tire size is 165/65R15, with disc brakes on both front and rear axles. The minimum turning radius is 4.8 meters.

In addition to slow charging, it supports Japan’s fast-charging standard, CHAdeMO. It also features external power supply functions such as V2L and V2H, and includes a V2L adapter capable of delivering up to 1,500 W. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a heating function that pre-heats the battery to an optimal temperature before charging.

Safety equipment is comprehensive. In addition to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it integrates child safety features like Child Presence Detection (CPD) and full-window anti-pinch functionality. Design emphasizes usability at every detail.

The vehicle measures 3,395 mm in length × 1,475 mm in width × 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,520 mm—almost identical to Japan’s domestic N-BOX.

Thus, this model comprehensively meets multiple demands in Japan’s light high-roof hatchback EV market, including range, practicality, safety features, and charging performance.

The remaining key concern is pricing, which has not yet been disclosed. Price will be linked to Japan’s government new energy vehicle subsidy (CEV Subsidy).

Nissan’s Ariya and Leaf qualify for a CEV subsidy of 1.29 million yen, while BYD’s ATTO3, SEAL, SEALION7, and DOLPHIN receive 150,000 yen each.

The subsidy amount for the "Hai Ta" has not yet been announced, but considering the Sakura’s 580,000 yen subsidy, final actual purchase price will determine its competitiveness.

Depending on configuration, it is likely to become a strong competitor to domestically produced Japanese light EVs such as the Sakura, Mitsubishi eK Cross EV, and Honda N-VAN e:

Moreover, it also poses a threat to Japan’s best-selling gasoline-powered models, including Honda’s N-BOX mini-car, Suzuki Spacia, and Daihatsu Tanto.

Although Honda has announced plans to launch an all-electric version of the N-BOX by 2028, the new "Hai Ta" is likely to remain the only mini high-roof electric vehicle in the Japanese market for a foreseeable period, giving it a significant first-mover advantage even if there are minor price differences.

The "Hai Ta" is not just a low-cost light EV manufactured by a Chinese company—it is an ambitious model designed with serious intent to target the Japanese market.

Currently, the biggest point of focus is price. The official launch event on July 28 is highly anticipated and could have a major impact on Japan’s light EV market.

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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870112706764808/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.