Chinese EV maker BYD eyes Canadian dealership rollout after tariff cut

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has begun discussions to establish a dealership network in Canada following a federal decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to 6.1 per cent, according to media reports.

The company is planning to open as many as 20 dealerships within a year, starting in the Greater Toronto Area. Expansion could follow in Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary as part of a broader national rollout strategy.

Reports indicate BYD may introduce several of its popular models in Canada, including the Seal, Dolphin and Seagull, though no official launch timeline has been confirmed by the company.

Another Chinese automaker, Chery Automobile, is also preparing to enter the Canadian market, signalling increased competition in the country’s growing EV sector.

The tariff reduction decision has been attributed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, though federal policy continues to restrict consumer incentives. According to federal guidelines, government rebates for EV purchases remain limited to vehicles manufactured in Canada or in countries with free trade agreements, excluding Chinese-made models.