Several major Chinese automakers are stepping up plans for Canada, helped by a sharp reduction in tariffs on Chinese EV imports. Chery has already brought Jaecoo SUVs to Toronto, BYD is reportedly targeting 20 Canadian sales sites, and Zeekr has started hiring senior staff in Toronto as the market begins to open.
Canada’s electric vehicle market appears to be entering a new phase, with a growing number of Chinese automakers moving from interest to execution. Chery, BYD and Geely-owned Zeekr are all taking concrete steps toward a Canadian launch, helped by a recent change in tariff rules that makes imported Chinese EVs far less expensive to bring into the country.
The shift comes as Tesla has already relaunched its Chinese-built Model 3 in Canada, adding to the sense that the market is becoming more accessible for foreign EV brands. For Chinese manufacturers, the timing matters: policy changes and dealer activity now make Canada one of the more promising North American entry points.
Chery Brings Jaecoo SUVs To Toronto
One of the clearest signs of movement comes from Chery. According to reporting from Autonews Canada, the company has brought two SUVs from its Jaecoo sub-brand to Toronto, both fitted with Ontario manufacturer plates.
The vehicles are believed to be temporary visitors, but their presence suggests preparation for something larger. The SUVs were identified as Jaecoo E5s, an all-electric model that starts at roughly $37,000 in Australia, where the local currency is near parity with the Canadian dollar.
Chery’s Canadian activity appears to be part of a broader effort to understand the market and build relationships. The company recently sent nearly two dozen local dealer representatives to the Beijing Auto Show, giving them direct exposure to its products and the broader Chinese market.
BYD Eyes A Bigger Retail Footprint
BYD is also reportedly preparing an ambitious rollout. A report from last month said the company plans to open 20 sales locations in Canada during 2026, working with local partners to do so.
In addition to retail expansion, BYD is said to be considering longer-term manufacturing options. Those include building a factory in Canada or acquiring an existing plant from another automaker, although neither path has been confirmed publicly. If either move happens, it would signal a much deeper commitment to the market than a simple import strategy.
Zeekr Starts Hiring In Toronto
Geely’s premium EV brand Zeekr is also building out its Canadian presence. The company recently began recruiting for seven senior roles based in Toronto, according to the report, covering sales, legal, marketing, aftersales, product development and network development.
One of the key openings is for a head of network development. That role would help evaluate dealer business plans and create the dealer operations framework needed for a national launch. Hiring at this level usually indicates that a brand is moving from market scouting to operational setup.
Tariff Changes Make The Timing Better
The push into Canada has been helped by a significant trade change between the two countries. Under a new agreement, tariff rates on 49,000 EVs imported from China will fall from 100 percent to 6.1 percent.
The quota is first come, first served, which means companies that move quickly are more likely to benefit. Only 24,500 permits will be available in the first six months of the program, creating a short window for automakers looking to secure early access.
What Happens Next
For Canadian buyers, this could eventually mean more choice in EVs, including models that may be priced below many current mainstream competitors. For automakers, however, the opportunity is limited by the quota and the speed at which they can build dealer and service networks.
That combination makes the next few months important. Brands that can secure permits, line up retail partners and establish aftersales support may gain an early foothold in a market that is only now opening more widely to Chinese EVs.
Why This Matters
This story matters because it signals a real change in Canada’s EV landscape. A lower tariff regime can quickly alter which brands are competitive, especially for Chinese automakers that have already built scale, product depth and aggressive pricing strategies at home and in other markets.
It also shows that market entry is no longer theoretical. With Chery vehicles physically present in Toronto, BYD reportedly planning a store network, and Zeekr hiring senior staff, Canadian consumers may soon see more direct competition in electric crossovers, premium EVs and dealer-supported sales channels.
For readers, the practical takeaway is that Canada could become one of the first North American markets where several Chinese EV brands establish a meaningful presence. That could affect pricing, availability, service options and the broader pace of EV adoption.
Key Specs
- Chery activity: Two Jaecoo SUVs brought to Toronto with Ontario manufacturer plates.
- Identified model: Jaecoo E5, an all-electric SUV.
- Indicative price: About $37,000 in Australia.
- BYD plan: Reportedly 20 Canadian sales locations in 2026.
- BYD strategy: Working with local partners; reportedly considering a Canadian factory or acquisition of an existing plant.
- Zeekr hiring: Seven senior-level jobs in Toronto, including sales, legal, marketing, aftersales, product development and network development.
- Tariff change: Import duty on 49,000 EVs from China reduced from 100% to 6.1%.
- Quota structure: First come, first served.
- First six months: 24,500 permits available.
Source: Carscoops
