The world's number two electric vehicle maker has launched in Japan.

China's BYD already sells its EVs in about 70 countries and territories.

The automaker introduced an electric SUV, the Atto 3, to the Japanese market on Tuesday.

The vehicle can manage about 480 kilometers on a single charge. It's equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies.

It carries a price tag of 4.4 million yen, or about 34,000 dollars. That's almost 8,000 dollars cheaper than similar offerings from Japanese manufacturers.

BYD Auto Japan President Tofukuji Atsuki said, "Hopefully drivers will keep learning about our company through a range of channels, so eventually when they hear the name BYD, the first thing they'll think of is EV."

BYD announced its plans to launch in Japan last July. It also intends to roll out a mini-car and a sedan by the end of this year.