BYD and Retail Giant AEON Join Forces to Bring EV Sales to Japan’s Supermarkets

Oct 21

BYD Seagull (Also known as the Dolphin Mini)

Japan’s electric-vehicle market is quietly transforming. While most headlines still focus on Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, a new type of collaboration is emerging — one that merges retail convenience with automotive innovation. China’s EV leader BYD has officially teamed up with Japanese retail powerhouse AEON, marking a major step toward making electric cars a normal part of everyday life.

BYD Auto Japan currently operates 47 full showrooms nationwide, with 66 total locations including pre-opening offices and service hubs (as of October 2025). Now, with AEON’s extensive retail network, that footprint could expand faster than any traditional dealership model.

AEON’s Built-In EV and Sustainability Advantage

AEON is uniquely positioned to make this partnership work. Nearly all AEON supermarkets across Japan already have EV chargers in their parking lots, which can be activated using WAON point cards. Many EV owners already use this system — just ¥300 for 30 minutes of high-speed charging. This makes AEON one of the few retail groups in Japan with both the space and infrastructure to support large-scale EV adoption.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t AEON’s first venture into electric mobility. At your local AEON Megamall, there’s already a Tesla showroom — showing that the company has been quietly exploring EV partnerships for years. The new BYD collaboration simply builds on that foundation.

Beyond electric mobility, AEON has also been proactive in sustainability. Many of its larger malls are partially solar powered, reducing grid dependence and carbon emissions. AEON has also implemented recycled grey water systemsfor restrooms and other facilities, further demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. These eco-focused practices make AEON a fitting partner for an electric-vehicle brand looking to promote a cleaner, greener future.

EV Chargers are already at **every** AEON Store in Japan

Compact and Affordable: The BYD Seagull

While details of the lineup are still emerging, AEON’s retail spaces are expected to showcase smaller, city-friendly models suited to urban Japan. The likely frontrunner is BYD’s compact hatchback, the BYD Seagull — a stylish, budget-friendly EV ideal for daily use and short commutes. In Japan, the Seagull currently starts at ¥2,992,000 (about $19,300) for the Baseline model, rising to ¥3,740,000 (about $24,100) for the Long Range version. This positions it slightly above Japan’s best-selling EV, the Nissan Sakura, which ranges from ¥2,536,600–¥3,082,200 (roughly $16,400–$19,900). The Seagull’s compact size, affordable pricing, and urban range make it a natural fit for AEON’s supermarket-based showrooms targeting first-time EV buyers.

BYD Seagull (AKA Dolphin) is perfect for the Japanese market

Why This Partnership Matters

Reach and Convenience: AEON’s nationwide presence offers BYD instant coverage without costly dealership construction.
Consumer Trust: Japanese buyers may hesitate with foreign brands, but AEON is one of Japan’s most trusted names in retail.
Affordability: BYD’s focus on value aligns perfectly with AEON’s broad, price-conscious customer base.
Infrastructure Ready: AEON’s EV chargers and parking lots make it easy for shoppers to test, buy, and charge — all in one place.
Sustainability Synergy: AEON’s solar and grey-water initiatives align seamlessly with BYD’s clean-energy mission.

What to Watch

Which BYD models AEON will feature first (the Seagull seems most likely).
Whether AEON expands its charger network or adds WAON incentives for EV buyers.
How service and maintenance will be managed across retail locations.
Whether other EV brands follow BYD and Tesla into AEON’s malls.

Final Thoughts

This partnership feels like a glimpse of Japan’s EV future — where buying a car might become as simple as shopping for a laptop or appliance. With AEON’s sustainability-driven infrastructure, trusted retail presence, and growing EV ecosystem, and BYD’s affordable, efficient models, this collaboration could redefine how electric cars enter the mainstream in Japan.