Canada struck an historic deal earlier this year with China to permit up to 49K electric vehicles to be imported with only a 6.1% tariff, down from the previous 100% levy. Auto industry analysts expect them to start arriving at our ports as early as March. That agreement has a built-in increase clause that could see those numbers rise to 70K by 2030. Any model coming in must pass Transport Canada’s safety compliance before they can be sold.
China’s largest EV maker BYD (Build Your Dreams) is expected to be among the first to enter the Canadian marketplace with such popular models as the Seagull, a compact city EV with a possible sub-$30K price tag, and the Atto 3, a compact SUV, and the Seal, a sedan that competes with the Tesla 3 in terms of range and performance.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has apparently had a change of heart on his opposition to the federal deal after meeting with PM Carney on January 26th, In a news conference he said “I also want to thank Minister (Mélanie) Joly for coming up with a great auto strategy that the minister has put together that we’re going to be part of.” Ford requested that Ottawa work to have Chinese EVs built in Canada with parts sourced in this country.
Story by Brian Turner
