Canada-Chinese EVs

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/chinese-evs-canada-questions-answers-9.7048637
China has more than 100 EV brands, bolstered by heavy subsidies, but there are 15 dominant names, including Geely, Chery, MG, Wulin and U.S.-based Tesla — which also makes some models in China.

Outside of China, BYD’s biggest market is Brazil, where it accounts for 80 per cent of all EV sales. Australia and Mexico are also significant buyers of Chinese EVs.

Up to 49,000 EVs a year from China will be allowed into Canada, initially, which Carney says is less than three per cent of the overall car market.

That will increase to approximately 70,000 over five years

There appears to be sufficient demand for cheaper Chinese vehicles in Canada.

Will they be cheaper than other EVs?

It depends on the brand and the model, but Chinese EVs can cost $10,000 to $15,000 less than those of similar size and range that are already popular in Canada.

That doesn’t means will be cheaper by $10-15k. Chinese EVs manufacturers up the pricing in the EU. They could do so in Canada.

also:
Chinese EV brands will have one pricing disadvantage to contend with. The federal government’s newly reinstated consumer rebate for electric vehicles — up to $5,000 for battery electric and fuel EVs, or up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids — won’t apply to EVs made by countries that don’t have a free-trade agreement with Canada, which would include China.

Right now, there aren’t any branded dealerships for EVs made by Chinese companies.

But with Canada rolling out the welcome mat, those companies could move fast.

BYD has opened dozens of dealerships around Australia since entering its market in mid-2022 — and had sold more than 52,000 vehicles there by the start of this year.

Safety ratings for Chinese EVs have improved greatly, reports InsideEVs.

Citing rankings from the European New Car Assessment Programme, several Chinese EVs were among the safest last year, including the BYD Seal 6, Volvo EX90 and the Tesla Model Y.

But when it comes to cybersecurity, Carney is facing questions about allowing Chinese-made vehicles into Canada after having previously called China a threat.

1 Like

Though I’m not looking for a car (I own a practically new 2017 Subaru Impreza) your information opens my eyes to the possibility of shopping for my next car in Canada. I live on the North Olympic Peninsula and Canada is visible on a nice day.

Wendy

3 Likes

Transporting a car to another country may void the warranty (and come with expensive import duties). Be sure to do your due diligence.

2 Likes

Useful reminder that Mexico is becoming a major automobile manufacturing hub for Chinese firms:
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/seeking-mexico-foothold-chinas-byd-geely-bid-buy-car-plant-2026-02-12/

If I outlive my currently owned, bought already broken in ICE vehicles, then my next car will almost certainly be a Mexican made, Chinese marqued, electric.

2 Likes