BYD Dolphin (Standard) or Honda StepWGN e:HEV AIR (7-seat): which is cheaper to own in Japan?

By the EVCostIQ research desk · checked against our public methodology · every source on this page is dated

Over 5 years in Japan (8,000 km per year), the Honda StepWGN e:HEV AIR (7-seat) is still the cheaper car to own — about ¥3,978,191 versus roughly ¥4,295,432 for the BYD Dolphin (Standard), a gap of ¥317,241. As of 2026/07/01.

CEV補助金 (national CEV purchase subsidy), FY2026: up to about ¥850,000 from the national government (METI / Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center) when you buy a new EV — the amount varies by model and by how far the manufacturer supports charging infrastructure and servicing. Plug-in hybrids get a reduced amount; hybrids and petrol cars do not qualify. The budget is capped and applications can close partway through the fiscal year. There is a mandatory holding period (in principle 4 years) — sell early and you may have to repay the subsidy. Not every buyer or model qualifies — which is why we show the subsidy separately and have not folded it into the totals above. Source: METI / Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center (NeV), as of 2026/07/01. Check eligible models and the remaining budget before you buy.