Canada's Latest Chinese-Built Lotus EVs Are Off-Limits for the U.S.

Canada is preparing to receive the first Chinese-owned, Chinese-built electric vehicles under a new trade agreement, a move that widens the policy gap with the United States. The initial shipment, expected in early July, will bring the Lotus Eletre, a luxury electric SUV built by Geely in Wuhan. Reuters reports Geely will launch the Lotus Eletre in Canada during a delivery ceremony in Montreal. The deal between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs per year into Canada at preferential tariff rates. The Eletre is priced at about CAD 119,900 (around $84,000 USD) and targets premium models such as the Porsche Macan Electric and Tesla Model X. Other Chinese manufacturers, including BYD and Chery, are said to be working with Canadian authorities on regulations, with testing already underway for some vehicles. Additional brands could start selling later this year, increasing competition across multiple price tiers.