China tariff cut · 106.1% → 6.1% 🎉
China-built EVs are coming to Canada
In January 2026, Canada cut its tariff on Chinese-built EVs from 106.1% to 6.1%, opening the door to a wave of cheaper models. Here’s what’s landing, when, and what it means for your rebate
49,000
Chinese-built EVs allowed per year, rising toward 70,000 by 2030
6.1%
New tariff rate — down from 106.1% under the old surtax
$0
Federal rebate — China-built EVs are excluded from the $5,000 EVAP
Models on the way
- Arriving now
Tesla Model 3
Midsize sedan · BEV
~$39,490
Built at Tesla's Shanghai plant, already arriving under the new quota. China-built, so no federal $5,000, yet still one of the cheapest long-range EVs you can buy in Canada.
Automotive News Canada · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Arriving now
Lotus Eletre
Luxury SUV · BEV
$119,900
The first Chinese-built model to actually land under the deal — down from C$313,500 under the old 100% tariff. A low-volume luxury play, not a mass-market entry.
Bloomberg · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Expected late 2026
BYD Seagull
City hatchback · BEV
≤ $30,000
BYD's global bestseller and the model most likely to reshape affordable EVs here. First deliveries expected in the final months of 2026.
Electrek · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Expected late 2026
BYD Atto 3
Compact SUV · BEV
~$42,000
A compact family SUV that would undercut most rivals in its segment. Expected late 2026.
Electrek · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Expected late 2026
BYD Seal
Midsize sedan · BEV
~$49,000
A Model 3 rival on price and range. Expected late 2026.
Electrek · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Expected late 2026
Chery Omoda 5 EV
Compact crossover · BEV
~$30,000
Already spotted testing in Ontario. Sells for around C$30,000 in Australia. Late-2026 launch planned.
Electrek / NOW Toronto · Verified Jul 6, 2026
What you'd still get - Expected late 2026
Chery Jaecoo J5
Compact SUV · BEV
Pricing TBC
Units were spotted testing near the DVP in Toronto. Canadian pricing has not been announced yet.
NOW Toronto · Verified Jul 6, 2026
Brands weighing a return
Polestar 2
Under reviewGeely sold thousands of these here before the 100% tariff forced it out. With the tariff now 6.1%, Polestar says it is “still evaluating” a return.
Verified May 6, 2026
Volvo EX30
Under reviewImported from Europe today at $49,950 (federal-rebate eligible now). Volvo is weighing a cheaper China-sourced version — which would lose the federal $5,000.
Verified May 6, 2026