ThinkEV Live Tracker · Verified 2026-06-04
Chinese EVs in Canada: who can you actually buy yet?
Canada replaced its 100% surtax on Chinese-built EVs with a 6.1% tariff inside a 49,000-unit annual quota (live since March 1, 2026). The door is open — so the real question is which brand clears certification, opens dealers, and sets honest Canadian prices first. Chinese-built EVs are still excluded from the federal EVAP rebate, which keeps the “buy now or wait” math genuinely hard.
Lotus
Geely-owned · on sale firstThe first Chinese-built EV in Canadian retail — homologated, priced, and on dealer order books.
- Tariff & quotaLive
Importing under the 6.1% quota — 18 Eletre units have already landed in Canada.
- Transport Canada certificationLive
The Eletre was certified for Canadian roads (CMVSS) before the tariff change.
- Dealer networkLive
Six authorized dealers open — Ontario, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City — with plans to expand.
- Confirmed CAD priceLive
Eletre from C$119,900 (Sport / Touring / First Edition trims above), announced April 24, 2026.
- First retail saleIn progress
Orders are open at all six dealers; customer deliveries are committed for summer 2026 (not yet confirmed completed).
BYD
Building · pre-retailThe most-watched brand and furthest along of the mass-market three — but no Canadian price or open dealer yet.
- Tariff & quotaLive
Eligible under the 6.1% / 49,000-unit framework. A per-manufacturer sub-cap is still under discussion, not enacted.
- Transport Canada certificationIn progress
BYD's factories are listed in Transport Canada's Appendix G (pre-authorization); full per-model certification is not yet confirmed.
- Dealer networkIn progress
Up to 20 dealers targeted by end of 2026 — GTA, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary being scouted. None confirmed open.
- Confirmed CAD priceNot yet
No official CAD pricing. A viral ~$25,000 Seagull figure came from an imposter social account, not BYD.
- First retail saleNot yet
No retail sale yet. Demo units expected mid-2026; limited retail late 2026 (Quebec + BC prioritized).
Chery
Omoda / Jaecoo / Exeed · certifyingThe most physical product on the ground in Canada — but it's all pre-sale certification stock.
- Tariff & quotaLive
Eligible under the 6.1% / 49,000-unit framework.
- Transport Canada certificationNot yet
Not yet in Appendix G. ~150 units shipped to Canada are for certification and testing — not for sale.
- Dealer networkIn progress
10 dealers targeted before the end of June 2026 (Toronto, Quebec, Ontario).
- Confirmed CAD priceNot yet
No official CAD pricing announced.
- First retail saleNot yet
Formal retail launch targeted for Q3 2026.
Geely / Zeekr
Earliest stageConfirmed entry and a Toronto hiring push, but no certification, dealers, or product in-country yet.
- Tariff & quotaLive
Eligible under the 6.1% / 49,000-unit framework.
- Transport Canada certificationNot yet
Neither Geely Auto nor Zeekr appears in Appendix G — homologation is described as the primary bottleneck.
- Dealer networkNot yet
No dealers announced or open. Seven Toronto-based roles were posted in April 2026 (pre-contract stage).
- Confirmed CAD priceNot yet
No CAD pricing; no models confirmed for Canada. Geely nameplate is planned first, Zeekr later.
- First retail saleNot yet
Earliest realistic retail entry is late 2026, more likely 2027.
Compiled from Transport Canada, the Globe and Mail, Automotive News, CleanTechnica, Electrek, and official brand announcements. Status reflects the best available public information as of 2026-06-04 and changes fast — we update it as the rollout moves.
Frequently asked questions
Can you actually buy a Chinese EV in Canada right now?
Yes — the Lotus Eletre (Geely-owned, built in China) is the first, with orders open at six Canadian dealers and pricing from C$119,900. BYD, Chery, and Geely/Zeekr have announced plans but are not retailing to Canadian customers yet.
Did the 100% tariff on Chinese EVs go away?
It was replaced. As of March 1, 2026 Canada applies a 6.1% tariff inside a 49,000-unit annual quota, so Chinese-built EVs can now be imported at that rate. They remain excluded from the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000), which is a separate program.
Is BYD on sale in Canada?
Not yet. BYD is scouting up to 20 dealerships and its factories are listed in Transport Canada's Appendix G, but there is no confirmed Canadian pricing or retail sale as of June 2026.
Are Chinese EVs eligible for the federal rebate?
No. The EVAP rebate excludes Chinese-built vehicles regardless of price, because there is no Canada–China free-trade agreement. This is separate from the tariff and applies even to a sub-$50,000 model.