Geely to deliver first Lotus EVs to Canada in July under Carney-Xi deal

First shipment confirmed: Geely’s Lotus Eletre SUVs will arrive in Montreal in July under a Canada-China trade quota allowing reduced tariffs on up to 49,000 EVs annually.

Trade goals expand: Carney aims to boost Canadian exports to China by 50% by 2030, while Chinese officials suggest growth could reach 100% or more.

More brands to follow: BYD and Chery are working through Canadian certification, with BYD targeting sales next year and other brands eyeing joint ventures.



Chinese ambassador Wang Di confirmed that Geely’s Lotus Eletre SUVs will be delivered to Canada in July, with a ceremony planned in Montreal. This marks the first Chinese-owned, Chinese-built EVs to be sold under the Carney-Xi agreement, which slashes tariffs from over 100% to 6.1% on the first 49,000 vehicles annually. The model, a luxury SUV starting at C$119,900, contrasts with expectations of affordable Chinese EV imports. 

Lotus Eletre market insights
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The Eletre is a low-volume luxury car, not the cheap city EV Canadians expected.
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The first shipment will be delivered in Montreal with a ceremony planned.
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Other Chinese brands like BYD and Chery are still completing Canadian certification.

How the Carney-Xi deal could reshape Canada's auto market
The January trade deal between Prime Minister Carney and President Xi allows a growing quota of Chinese EV imports at sharply reduced tariffs, starting at 49,000 units and rising to 70,000 over five years. In return, China eased some tariffs on Canadian goods, though duties remain high on key exports like canola oil and pork. The arrangement could diversify Canada’s EV supply, attract joint ventures, and reduce reliance on U.S. trade, but also risks political friction with Washington
Political and industry responses to the first shipment
U.S. officials have criticised Canada’s decision to open its market to Chinese EVs while the U.S. bans certain Geely brands like Polestar. Canadian officials emphasise economic diversification, while Chinese automakers such as BYD and Chery work toward compliance for future imports. Industry observers note that Tesla has already capitalised on the tariff cuts by importing Shanghai-built Model 3s at significantly lower prices than U.S.-made versions.


What comes next for Canada-China EV trade
Ambassador Wang expects more Chinese brands to enter Canada by autumn, with BYD planning multiple dealerships and Chery meeting with local partners. Future trade growth could hinge on whether China extends temporary tariff relief on Canadian agricultural exports and on market demand for premium EVs. Two plausible scenarios emerge: a steady expansion of EV imports leading to deeper bilateral trade, or a slowdown if political tensions or market mismatches undermine early momentum.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/insight/geely-to-deliver-first-lotus-evs-to-canada-in-july-under-carney-xi-deal/gm-GM025A7AED