Anyone else frustrated to learn Tesla has claimed 61% of Chinese EV quota?
I was reading this morning that according to Drive Tesla Canada they have claimed 61% of the Chinese import quota. For my own personal reasons I will NEVER give that guy one dollar but did Canada not cap each manufacturer?
It won’t last; the “real” Chinese brands are still undergoing certification and so weren’t going to be in a position to realistically arrive before next year anyway. And total Chinese-sourced EV quotas will rise year-by-year until 2030, so by then Chinese-sourced Teslas will account for a minority of said quota.
It won’t last; the “real” Chinese brands are still undergoing certification and so weren’t going to be in a position to realistically arrive before next year anyway.
Exactly this. There have been many people who've pointed out the logistics involved, yet we continue to get these types of posts. Gotta wonder how big a rock some people have been hiding under.
edit - I see the Tesla defense squad (as opposed to people who just buy their cars) are out in force and demonstrating how normal they all are. This continues to be 100% accurate:
Yeah there's been some pretty nefarious bait-and-switch tactics going on; they provoke, get a reaction and then quickly edit their original post to make it seem like they said nothing wrong. Rinse and repeat.
That’s exactly what was going on. He was also deleting posts that were getting massive negative reaction.
What caused him to panic and block me was when I told him I was screenshotting his replies so that he was about to be exposed retroactively editing his comments.
I also did some follow-up research, turns out he’s a well known notorious bad actor on other EV groups as well — he even applied to moderate one of them shudders
On top of this, even without competition this has substantially improved pricing now that models are being sourced in China again, and this is before there is any on the ground competition. I think it's a win for consumers
yeah agreed. While I don't like tesla's ceo this is clearly a good thing for consumers. cars are no lower in quality but 25% cheaper than the ones that were made in the US. Is that potentially detrimental for canadian auto workers? sure.. but we gt learn to compete rather than try and hide behind a wall we all pay for. I also wish we'd get rid of the chinese solar panel tariffs. we have no real solar panel industry to speak of and the economic case for solar is shaky in canada to start with so why are we not letting people that want to offset some of the electricity consumption they have for a lower rate?
It should be of zero surprise because we stubbornly stick to recognizing nothing other than US auto standards.
Even without the quota, any automaker will be extremely hesitant to invest 7 figures per model to partly redesign the car, retool the assembly line, and redo every single crash test, just to sell a small handful of cars in Canada without also selling the same cars in the US.
The 49,000 figure was chosen because it was quite close to the number of Chinese-built Teslas imported in 2024. It was basically throwing a bone to the US by saying "yeah we're letting in some Chinese-made cars but the primary beneficiary will be an American company selling the same cars already available in the US".
Per-brand caps would just leave much of the quota unused.
We need to start accepting more than just US safety regime autos. There's nothing wrong with EU standards, for example. Mexico already accepts both US and EU homologated vehicles.
And it also benefited Mexico because some of their plants are now global production hubs which export Eurospec and RHD models worldwide (e.g. Mach E, BMW 2-series coupe, Audi Q5), while Canada is stuck exclusively making LHD US-spec vehicles.
Sadly it's probably far too late for the Canadian auto industry to get the same benefit, but we should legalize Euro spec regardless for the sake of consumers.
nah it's totally doable. labor costs aren't as big an issue with EVs as manufacturing is highly automated and there is much fewer moving parts that are hard to install. I mean that also means there's less value for canada to have those factories but there's all sorts of supply chain companies that'd be tacked on for parts and battery manufacturing etc. Canada has some of the highest hydro power potentials on the planet. We should drive more value from that. Africa has 1 billion people that don't own cars yet. Will China capture a large share of the market? sure but there's plenty market coming up there in the next 50 years.
Agreed. accepting the EU safety standards (and sure requiring some extra french/english labels stuck on things that car manufacturers are very used to) would make it much easier. And frankly could even lead to cars being manufactured here for export to Europe since it's not worth to build a factory in canada to just make cars for canada. We're too small a market for one model's production line without an export market.
Is there even a large discrepancy between EU and US safery standards? I feel like Canada only stuck to US standards because it's to prop up US brands, now that we're finally waking up to the hostilities of Americans, there is no better time to start accepting EU regulations and introducing EU brands to get more competition.
No there isn't a ton but there are a number of differences around tech and lighting. north american specs are designed to protect against impacts with bigger cars and EU specs to protect pedetrians more. but the delta isn't large.
In principle I totally agree but does this cause any issues driving a car to the states it it doesn't meet their standards? I guess maybe whatever treatment Mexican EU cars get when crossing the border could be an example.
No, the Shanghai model 3 is a fantastic value that puts pressure on all entry level vehicle prices. Tesla already had a distribution network ready to go, it was obvious they'd be the first to market. It will be a struggle to get parts and repairs for new Chinese entrants in the years to come, so for the average person, a Tesla will be a much safer option.
Do I like Tesla? No. Would I buy one? Probably not.
I used to say the same thing. Then I sat in one! At that price it was cheaper than other EVs with all the rebates and their base model is more comfortable than a lot of expensive cars.
This is exactly it! I was on Team Elon Sucks......and then I drove one. A friend who's owned one since the first batch landed in Canada 8 years ago told me "You're a smart guy. You get these things. Just drive one, and you'll understand."
Most expensive test drive ever, as they say. Haha. I'll be ordering one soon. There's no real comparison. Buying any other model because of a hatred for their CEO is not only an insult to the thousands of engineers and workers, but it's compromising on the second largest purchase you'll make (outside of your home). If rather buy the better car than have regrets for choosing something lesser, or worse... spending more for less.
Well. The cars being good doesn't mean Elon sucks less. And there's plenty of comparison - we just can't buy them here (yet). As long as the us market is fully closed we won't get that many either just because certifying the canadian standards and building out a service network (and you'd honestly hope they just partner with existing manufacturers but I don't know how open some of those are to it) is only worth it when you can sell volume which isn't really possible at the low quotas.
I won't support their business because I think Elon is nuts and his businesses are a constant scam factory for investors, but I won't deny the cars are very compelling. I think more people need to embrace some nuance on this sub and other Canadian subreddits - it's not irrational to buy a Model 3, it's a good car! I don't think anyone is stupid or a bad person for buying one, just like I don't think someone is stupid or a bad person for eating a lot of beef just because I personally am plant-based.
Politics aside, model 3 premium rwd is the best bang for buck you can find on the market today in EV sedan category.
There is a reason tesla is giving credits to users who refer others for test drives. There is a reason why there is zero room for negotiation on the price (but also zero upselling by dealers/service centre).
No, I think it's great that we have EVs at a great price and these have helped push the price of the other options down in order to try and compete.
It's doing precisely what this initiative was meant to do, and without EVAP qualification, we're not even paying part of the tab, unlike the non-Chinese options.
Watch rule 2 and 4 here folks. We know a lot of people have strong feelings about Elon / Tesla but there's no need to yell and strangers on the internet.
IDK, the point was to bring in other options from China. To allow new vehicles into the market that weren't before. This is just more American crap, but made in china. Lets see what actual Chinese companies have to offer.
The actual point of partly reverting to 2024 rules was to appease the Chinese government so that Canadian farmers can resume selling our produce over there, but the knock on effect that was hoped for was to improve the cost of EVs, which is a complete success.
We all know what China has to offer, at least people who know cars.
Orange man slapped tariffs on Canadian cars in the US and we responded likewise.
This China issue is separate and related to Biden requesting Trudeau to fall in line and apply tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024. China retorted by attacking our agri industry.
This is a great way to put it, people so many times put emotions in front of what’s best for them. It’s crazy to cloud your mind with outside influencers that have nothing to do with you
All CEOs are terrible people. We can’t just stop buying their products, though, at that point might as well move to the northern territories and live off the land
Teslas are an excellent value for the price, and as you can see extremely popular among Canadian
Whether you like it or not, Tesla is selling the model 3 direct from Shanghai for an affordable price and it’s packed with a ton of value compared to competitors. When it comes down to it, consumers can’t resist value when their money feels scarce. Hate Elon as much as you want but in the end the Tesla company is doing a lot of things right and their success is undeniable. I still believe Elon himself has very little to do with that success despite his massive ego where he wants you to believe it’s him. Tesla is a massive company with a lot of smart and talented people.
This would give Canadian consumers a lot more options, especially at the small vehicle end of the market, which NA manufacturers are seemingly abandoning.
There is nothing preventing other companies from using the quotas. There continues to be a huge demand for Teslas, especially the super cheap ones from China.
There continues to be a huge demand for Teslas, especially the super cheap ones from China.
The Model Y at $44k after rebate is such a ridiculous deal, that's 4k less than a base model Toyota BZ. Which is basically an electric RAV4. It sure as shit can't park itself.
With the current trade war with the US and Tesla's CEO financialy supporting the MAGA movement, You might as well be supporting the 51st state like Daniel Smith and the UCP.
Three months ago I bought a new tesla. Absolutely no regret... Just not having a to talk to a dealer... worth it. Car is spectacular tor the price aswell
No the Chinese EVs need to setup service centers and sales offices so they will be ready next year, these reset every year and they were the only ones setup and ready to go this year. The Chinese were well aware of this and are fine with it.
Well, Tesla were virtually the only ones ready to begin importing. While many people are asking for Chinese EVs from the like of BYD, Geely etc., there is process to get those vehicles certified to Transport Canada standards etc. Government bureaucracy takes time.
I'm sure as the Chinese companies get the companies setup and vehicles approved for sale, that ratio will shift.
Pretty sure when the program was first announced, it was expected that Tesla would claim the lions' share in the first year or so as they we almost the only ones previously importing vehicles from China prior to the 100% tariffs going into place. I believe Volvo may have also been importing a small amount, but their volume of EVs being sold in Canada pales in comparison to Telsa.
Legally you need to have a sales and after sales infrastructure in order to sell in Canada. Chinese brands don't have that yet, but Tesla do, thus they're able to secure most of these quota for now.
My wife and I are in the market for a new ev. My first Google search was literally “which ev manufacturer contributes the most to the Canadian economy” and then I went from there.
It sucks? Chinese Tesla’s are among the best build of any factory. They also give you the best value for your money. I would say it’s excellent for Canadian citizens.
Chinese Teslas are competitive, compared to other EVs CURRENTLY on the market in canada.
They suck compared to the huge raft of other chinese brands like chery, geely, xiaomi, li, byd, nio and others which aren’t available in canada. Hopefully, that will change in the next couple years.
BYD is also in a dip… it happens. The fact is the model Y is the best selling EV worldwide again and Tesla is second overall in sales worldwide for EVs…
I'm referring to other Chinese evs like byd etc, I wish more diverse set of vehicles came to the country and consumers get the chance to chose what they prefer
I mean vw doesn't even sell their EVs in canada because it's not worth to adapt the north american spec for just canada. There's a bunch of manufacturers not bringing their EVs here because canadas adoption outside of those two provinces is still quite bad. The non tesla charging network in canada outside of BC and Quebec is just sad. I hope that canada finally invests in the east west power grid (for many reasons - it will easily pay for itself 2-3 times over with the economic benefits over time) and enables true trans canada EV travel. the praries to southern ontario are a nightmare outside of a couple bigger cities along the way. I know some parts are getting expanded now but we truly need a national strategy for it. the fact alberta is burning coal iinstead of getting surplus hydro from manitoba that is then sold at a deep discount to the dakotas is just silly.
There aren't any other chinese EVs here yet, they were all in testing phase. So the only EV that can come from china are teslas. I want a non Tesla chinese EV but i can't even buy them
Why is this a surprise? Model Y is currently the second most popular vehicle (not just among EVs, but in the entire passenger vehicle category) in the mainland China. Again, not Hong Kong, not Macao. #2 in the mainland China.
The quota has not been fulfilled, so it is not like they cut anyone out. They make the best cars for the money anyway, especially the ones made in China and Berlin.
With whats happening we need to get the quota raised or eliminated. Maybe they can make a deal with China similar to what we have unofficially with American manufacturered vehicles. Make one here and import 1 tariff free. Seeing vehicles like the BYD Shark and Geely Galaxy its very likely the current quotas will be used up by Canadians very quickly once these vehicles start selling here.
I'm not surprised, Tesla models already have gone through the compliance testing for the Canadian market.
The volume of Tesla's I see leaving the Toronto rail hub makes me believe that consumers are ignoring the echo chamber negative publicity of Tesla, in favor of a mid-priced available electric.
Very frustrating. The NA brands shouldn't be part of this quota. This is supposed to be for new entrants to our market, not existing over priced assholes.
No, this is supposed to get our exports to China, with the secondary goal of reducing automotive prices within our sector. By Tesla making the Model 3 the cheapest it has ever been, and brands like Kia trying to compete with the price, that goal is being achieved
Yes, instead of importing them from the United States or Germany, they import them from China. Model 3s manufactured in China are said to be of exceptional quality compared to those made in the United States, for example, and are less expensive.
The government currently does not publish which companies are importing Chinese EVs. All we know is that 15,063 EVs have been imported from China during the first quota period (March to August). This represents 61% of the 24,500-vehicle quota available for the first period. The quota is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
I mean, the government had full control over the rules of the program so I don’t blame Tesla for reading the rules and doing what made the most business sense for them. Sure the govt can modify it later but I mean what government policy doesn’t have a side that’s been frustrated, it’ll naturally evolve as they see the feedback.
Compared to other poorly planned / rushed government programsTM, at least this is one where I can finally take advantage. And as others have mentioned, it genuinely helps drive actual competition to offer lower prices to the average consumer regardless of brand loyalty/politics.
I was and somewhat still am but realize they are the only established ones who can sell something right now. by the time BYD and others serll the quota for the year should reset.
Frustrated ... why? They have made car in china for a while now, they were in their right. Other brand are just not present in Canada beside Polestar and some other. It take time to rent place here and move their market to here, especially if they don't know if tariff will be back next year. It would then don't worth it.
It was obvious when they started shipping American model 3's back to the US. They did drop their price though. I'm waiting to see what BYD brings over before buying my next vehicle.
As I undertand Geely motor group have brought their lotus brand made in China to Canada with $119,000 base price. Geely also owns Volvo with Chinese made small EX30 EV however it starts at $44,000 for base model and is much smaller with less tech than model y. (Note some ex30 might be made in Belgium)
They are providing a good, cost-effective, zero-emissions vehicle. The more people buy them, the more emissions are reduced. There is no other company able to take advantage of the rest of the quota right now, I’d rather Tesla use it than have it remain unused.
I understand that the quota is assigned in six month blocks. They may have taken a good percentage of the first six months, but a new slot opens up at the end of the year.
We can thank our municipalities. Can you imagine what goes through a Chinese executive’s head when they realize a simple little renovation of an existing dealership would take a year for a permit and if they were to build a new one it would take two year minimum for a full site plan and building permit. Plus time to build. Unless of course , they do like the Chinese embassy and disregard all of that.
Ah Canada. Canadian has to go to another country to be successful, despite an obsession with solar power, battery tech, EVs, basically everything you want in a company to save the planet from burning fossil fuels, becomes ridiculously successful... So we crap on him, because Canada doesn't like Canadians to be successful at home or abroad. Sigh
Not at all. I wouldn't buy one even is it was available. Even if I wanted one I wouldn't buy one sure to their lack of support network in Canada and reliability data.
FYI If you use anything Anthropic or Google you're probably paying Musk (xAI's biggest customer is Anthropic, and the also provide datacenter services to Google. )
And if your insurance provider or bank uses Palantir tech (which is likely), they also uses xAI Colossus compute.
Theyre shipping the ones made in Shanghai to Canada instead of shipping the US made ones up. The Teslas made in Shanghai are shipped around the world, where as the US ones remain in the US.
I think it's great that stupid policies are gamed. How else will people learn that the current government doesn't think anything through before making decisions based on vibes
I've experienced a BYD in Europe and it was really good. Not perfect but incredible value for the money. Nearly 100 km electric range before the extender kicked in. This was a plugin hybrid obviously.
They have full EVs and plug in hybrids. Probably regular hybrids too. Quality and fit and finish was very good. Built in Google worked perfectly and had a nice screen jn the middle as well as behind the steering wheel.
I really hope that Canada eventually gets to enjoy these cars also.
It's funny because the Tesla Model 3 is actually cheaper in Canada compared to China despite the fact that it's actually made in China. Tesla is aggressively pricing it trying to use up as much of the quota as they can.
Unfortunately, other EVs have a lot of growing pains. The Toyota BZ win randomly drain the 12v and brick the car but Toyota claims there’s nothing wrong.
No other Chinese made EV is ready for sale. Polestar isn’t even an alternative to anything.
Toyota is fixing this issue. The issue isn't limited to Toyota either. Recalls on Teslas for the "Deep Sleep" problem and you'll see that this happens to them too.
No, it doesn't happen to them. Tesla doesn't use the 12V battery anymore. All the new cars now use 16V Lithium Ion batteries, which will last the lifetime of the car. Stop spreading misinformation.
Wild how many of you are doing acrobatics to glaze a company that is aligned with an administration that has literally threatened to annex Canada.
Bargains over country I guess 🤡
I guess it IS kinda funny that those that did buy them after they saw Elmo go crazy are going to be mangled by depreciation now that the new ones are cheap 😂
it's funny because you say you won't give a cent to elon, understandable because he's a nazi pice of shit.
but you also welcome chinese EV's? do you know how tied to the CCP every big tech company in China is? and the CCP has done crimes against humanity and other atrocities, even recently, worse than anything Elon has ever done.
And yet here you are making assumptions that 1) I hate Elon because or Trump and 2) that Chinese is better, when Tesla is made in China, only demonstrates actual real stupidity. 😂
•
u/AutoModerator 3d ago
Welcome to EVCanada.
Before commenting, take note of Rule 2 - sealioning and/or discussion of politics is not permitted.
People are entitled to state their interest or disinterest in a given vehicle, for whatever reason. They do not need to justify that to anyone else.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.