Suzuki Motor Corp. has unveiled its first battery-electric model, the e SKY, in Japan's most important K-car segment, intensifying competition in the market. According to Sina Finance, Suzuki said on Tuesday that, after government subsidies, the e SKY will go on sale in November at about 1.6 million yen, or about $10,120.

That price is below Nissan's best-selling electric model Sakura and also below BYD's first K-car, the Racco, which was launched in July. K-cars are small, affordable vehicles that account for more than one-third of Japan's auto sales. The addition of the e SKY underscores how micro EVs have made Japan a key battleground for brands, with Nissan, Honda, Daihatsu and now Suzuki all offering electric K-cars. Japanese brands together hold about 80% of the market.