Canada welcomed over 2,900 electric passenger vehicles manufactured in China in the month of May.
Data released by Global Affairs Canada reveals that May marked the initiation of electric vehicle imports from China following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s agreement to permit tens of thousands of these vehicles at a reduced tariff rate during his visit to China in January.
The report confirms the arrival of 2,910 cars in May, with more expected to follow, although specific brands and models are not specified. However, Carney hinted during a recent Economic Club of New York event that the majority of the models are likely to be Chinese-made Teslas.
Ottawa finalized a tariff-quota arrangement with China concerning electric vehicles, with Beijing reciprocating by reducing certain duties on Canadian canola.
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Canada reaches tariff-quota deal with China on EVs, canola
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How China is charging forward with EV adoption as Canada prepares to welcome its cars
In 2024, Canada imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, but now permits up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually at a 6.1% tariff. Additionally, a maximum quota of 24,500 vehicles over six months has been established.
With the reintroduction of federal EV rebates and escalating gas prices due to the conflict in Iran, Electric Mobility Canada reports a growing interest among drivers in switching to electric vehicles.
Daniel Breton, the president and CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, a group advocating for electric vehicles, noted that the competition is starting to influence the market positively for consumers. He anticipates that the influx of Chinese EVs in Canada will lead to price reductions, citing the drop in prices of vehicles like the Chevy Bolt.
Canada has cracked open the door to Chinese-made electric vehicles and the impact could be transformational. For The National, CBC’s Chris Brown breaks down how China became the world’s EV leader and what it could mean for the North American