News Summary

Canada has welcomed its first shipment of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) from Lotus, marking a significant milestone in the new trade agreement between Canada and China. On May 7, 2026, 18 Lotus Eletre SUVs were shipped from Shanghai to Canadian dealers. This shipment is part of a deal that replaced a hefty 106% tariff on Chinese EVs, previously implemented under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration. The Eletre, with a starting price of C$119,900, is the first Chinese EV to officially launch in Canada, having been introduced on April 24, 2026. While Lotus is the first to bring Chinese EVs to Canada, other manufacturers, including BYD and Chery, are also exploring entry into the Canadian market. This development is part of a larger trade framework that anticipates 70,000 Chinese EVs entering Canada annually by 2030, with prices for at least half expected to drop to $35,000 or less.