Geely Ships First Chinese EVs to Canada Under Trade Deal

Geely celebrated a milestone moment on May 7 when it loaded 18 Lotus Eletre electric crossovers onto a vessel bound for Canada. The shipment represents the first electric vehicles from a Chinese manufacturer to enter Canada under a trans-Pacific trade deal signed just four months earlier.

The January 2026 agreement allows up to 49,000 China-built EVs to enter Canada annually at a reduced 6.1 percent tariff rate. That's enough capacity to bring thousands of affordable electric vehicles to Canadian drivers who have been waiting for more options in the growing EV market.

Geely isn't alone in recognizing this opportunity. Fellow Chinese automakers Chery and BYD are preparing their own Canadian launches later in 2026, bringing even more electric vehicle choices to the market.

The luxury electric Lotus Eletre will arrive at six newly opened Canadian dealerships. Geely plans to expand that network to 12 locations by the end of the year, making it easier for customers across the country to experience these vehicles firsthand.

The Ripple Effect

This trade deal represents more than just cars crossing borders. It's creating jobs at new dealerships, giving Canadian buyers access to competitively priced electric vehicles, and accelerating the shift away from gas-powered transportation.

BYD has already built significant brand awareness in Canada even before selling a single vehicle, according to AutoTrader.ca research. The Chinese EV maker now has more recognition for its electric lineup than established players like Volkswagen and BMW, showing how hungry Canadians are for new clean transportation options.

Canada has been actively courting Chinese automotive investments as part of its broader strategy to bolster domestic car industry capabilities. The timing couldn't be better as the country pushes toward ambitious climate goals that depend heavily on electric vehicle adoption.

The 18 Lotus Eletres heading to Canadian roads today are just the beginning of what could become a steady stream of affordable, innovative electric vehicles helping North America transition to cleaner transportation.