Geely Becomes First Chinese EV Maker to Ship Cars to Canada

On May 7, automaker Geely became the first Chinese company to directly ship electric vehicles to Canada. This follows a trade agreement finalized in January, according to the Canadian government, signaling that the EV transition is accelerating for Canadian consumers.

As part of the deal, Canada agreed to allow China to import up to 49,000 EVs under a 6.1% tariff. In 2024, Canada had imposed an additional 100% tariff on Chinese EVs to protect the North American car market, which cannot yet compete with China's low EV prices. Prime Minister Mark Carney reversed course in January to improve relations with China, introducing the import quota and reducing the tariff.

According to Automotive News, Geely shipped 18 high-end Lotus Eletre crossovers from Wuhan, China, to Canada. Ford Authority reported that these vehicles are the first to be certified under Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. To sell these vehicles, Geely plans to open a dozen dealerships in Canada by the end of 2026.

Now, other Chinese automakers are preparing to export EVs to Canadian markets. Driving reported that BYD and Chery have already started hiring in anticipation.

Geely's move demonstrates how quickly more electric models can reach new markets when trade agreements and safety approvals align. For Canadian drivers, this may mean more EV choices and increased competition. Over time, automakers may face greater pressure to improve pricing, performance, and technology.

If more companies follow suit, shoppers across Canada could soon see a wider range of EVs at various price points, beyond just luxury options. With Chinese EVs often priced much lower than North American models, the next wave of technological democratization may be on the horizon.