Suzuki to debut ultra-compact e-SKY EV in Japan amid fierce mini-car rivalry

Suzuki Motor Corp. disclosed that its new ultra-compact electric vehicle, the e SKY, will become available on November 16 in Japan, starting at 1.55 million yen after a government subsidy of 568,000 yen. The car can travel around 310 kilometers on a single charge, and the company has set a monthly sales goal of 1,000 units. President Toshihiro Suzuki highlighted that Suzuki’s expertise in minicars enabled it to craft a purpose-built mini EV without rushing to be first to market.

The move follows BYD’s entry into the Japanese mini-EV segment with the Racco, priced near 2 million yen, and competition from Nissan’s Sakura and Honda’s N-ONE e: models, which are also subsidised. By the end of September, about 650 BYD Raccos had been sold, according to the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association.