Lotus, the premium EV brand under Geely Holding Group, will deliver its first batch of China-made electric vehicles to Canada next month. This marks the first time Chinese-manufactured cars will enter Canada under a new annual quota agreement, with a ceremony planned for the initial delivery in Montreal.
First Lotus EVs Arriving in Canada
According to China’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, Lotus electric vehicles will arrive in Canada in July 2026. The first shipment includes 18 Eletre SUVs, which were loaded onto a ship in May and are set to be delivered in Montreal. Lotus describes itself as the first premium EV brand to complete certification and ship fully assembled vehicles following Canada’s recent tariff reduction on Chinese cars.
A ceremony is planned to mark the arrival of these vehicles, highlighting the significance of this milestone for both Lotus and the Canadian EV market.
Details of the Bilateral Quota Deal
The arrival of Lotus EVs is part of a bilateral agreement between Canada and China, allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter Canada each year at a most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. This quota system is designed to facilitate trade while managing the volume of imports.
Lotus is the first brand to take advantage of this new policy, positioning itself at the forefront of Chinese EV exports to Canada.
Lotus Expanding Canadian Presence
As of the first quarter of 2026, Lotus had established six authorized dealership outlets across Canada. The company plans to double this network to 12 outlets by the end of the year, aiming to strengthen its presence and support for Canadian customers.
Competitor Comparison
Other Chinese automakers, including Chery and BYD, are currently working with Canadian authorities to complete the necessary steps before shipping their vehicles. BYD executive vice president Stella Li indicated that BYD may begin sales in Canada next year.
US-based Tesla has already imported China-made vehicles into Canada, adding to the competitive landscape for Lotus and other incoming brands.
Why this matters
The arrival of Lotus EVs under the new quota deal represents a significant shift in the Canadian automotive market, opening the door for more Chinese-made electric vehicles. The recent tariff reduction has made models like the Eletre more accessible, with prices dropping by about 50%.
This move also signals growing cooperation between Canada and China in the EV sector, potentially leading to further investment and joint ventures in the Canadian EV supply chain.
What this means for buyers
Canadian consumers will soon have access to new premium EV options from Lotus, with more Chinese brands expected to follow. Buyers interested in the Eletre or other upcoming models should watch for expanding dealership networks and potential price advantages due to the tariff reduction.
Those considering a new EV purchase may want to compare offerings from Lotus, Tesla, and future entrants like BYD and Chery as the market evolves throughout 2026.
Related coverage from The Electric Viking
For more details on Geely and Lotus’s entry into Canada, see Geely’s Canada Entry Starts With 18 Lotus Eletre SUVs as Tariffs Fall.
Key Specs
- First Shipment: 18 Lotus Eletre SUVs
- Annual Import Quota: 49,000 vehicles
- Tariff Rate: 6.1% (most-favored-nation)
- Dealerships in Canada (Q1 2026): 6 (planned expansion to 12)
- Arrival Date: July 2026
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, cnevpost.com
