- Poll shows 61 percent of Canadians back more Chinese EVs.
- Canada will import 49,000 Chinese EVs yearly at lower duties.
- Some have raised concerns about data security and privacy.
As electric vehicles become a bigger part of the global conversation, Canada’s latest trade move has stirred plenty of debate at home. The government’s new agreement with China, which slashes tariffs on a limited number of EVs from 100 percent to just 6.1 percent, has sparked plenty of controversy. Still, a new poll suggests that most Canadians support bringing more Chinese-made electric vehicles into the market.
A recent poll conducted by Leger reveals that most Canadians are not only aware of the deal but also largely supportive of increased access to Chinese EVs.
Read: China Is Ready To Start Building Cars In Canada
According to the results, 70 percent of respondents said they were familiar with the agreement, and 62 percent expressed some level of support for allowing more Chinese electric cars into the market. Of those, 24 percent strongly backed the policy while 38 percent indicated moderate support.
Support Varies, But the Appeal Is Clear
The Canadian Press that shared the results highlighted that support was particularly strong in Quebec, where 72 percent of respondents favored the policy. That figure outpaces the national average and suggests regional dynamics may be at play when it comes to openness toward foreign electric vehicle brands.
The survey, conducted online between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 among 1,570 respondents, found awareness of the agreement was notably higher among men and Canadians aged 55 and over.
It’s easy to see why many Canadians are in favor. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery, and Geely have made a name for themselves by delivering well-equipped EVs at competitive prices. Their cars have found traction in several overseas markets and are increasingly seen as value leaders in a segment often criticized for high costs.
Australia offers a telling example. There, Chinese EVs have become a regular sight, with many models priced comparably to traditional gasoline vehicles. Their arrival has not only expanded consumer choice but also pressured legacy automakers to trim prices to stay in the game. The same kind of market shake-up could easily play out in Canada.
Concerns Remain
Despite the support, Canadians do have their concerns about Chinese electric cars. For example, the poll shows many respondents are worried about vehicle quality and durability.
Three quarters of those surveyed reported at least one concern related to Chinese EVs, with additional worries tied to potential effects on Canada’s domestic auto industry, vehicle safety standards, and broader geopolitical tensions.
They also have concerns about data security and privacy. Shortly after the trade deal was announced, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested the vehicles could be used to spy on Canadians.
The tie-up between Canada and China will not result in local roads being overrun by Chinese cars. As part of the agreement, a cap will initially limit imports at the reduced tariff rate to 49,000 vehicles per year, with half of these priced below CA$35,000 (roughly $25,000). The 49,000-vehicle cap matches the number of Chinese-made EVs already imported into Canada in 2023.
