Chinese electric cars priced under $30,000 could reach Canada

Several Chinese automakers plan to enter Canada after the Carney government's deal with China, and some of their electric vehicles could sell for under $30,000. None has said which models it will sell, when or at what price.

Automakers eyeing Canada

• BYD: hiring near Toronto
• Dongfeng: showed cars in Montreal in July
• Geely: launch planned for 2027
• Omoda-Jaecoo: Canadian website, hiring

BYD, Dongfeng, Geely and Omoda-Jaecoo have each taken steps toward selling in Canada, and Geely plans a 2027 launch.

Allowed in each year at the reduced tariff

49,000 China-made EVs at 6.1% tariff

Only 49,000 China-made electric vehicles can be imported into Canada a year at the reduced 6.1 per cent tariff. Under the deal, the share priced under $35,000 at import rises from 10 per cent next year to more than 50 per cent within five years.

And us?

Buyers of China-made electric vehicles will not qualify for Ottawa's rebate of up to $5,000, though some models may qualify for Quebec's incentives. An industry expert expects some models under $30,000, but not necessarily entry-level ones.