Tesla in pole position in Canada!
- Published on 21/01/2026 12:22
The partial reopening of the Canadian market to electric vehicles made in China could quickly benefit Tesla.
Canada has decided to reopen its doors to electric vehicles produced in China, ending a protectionist pause that abruptly interrupted flows in 2024. Ottawa now allows the import of 49,000 vehicles per year with a reduced tariff of 6.1%, with a quota that could reach 70,000 units within five years. A decision that reshuffles the cards in the North American electric vehicle market and… Tesla could be one of the first beneficiaries!
Well-informed, the American manufacturer had anticipated this scenario as early as 2023. Its Gigafactory in Shanghai had then been adapted to produce a version of the Model Y compliant with Canadian standards. That same year, Tesla began shipping vehicles to Canada, contributing to a spectacular rise in imports of models assembled in China through the port of Vancouver. The introduction of a 100% tariff in 2024 put a stop to these deliveries, forcing Tesla to shift Canadian supply to its American and European factories.
The good Canadian recipe?
The reduction in tariffs changes the game today. Thanks to its industrial flexibility, Tesla is able to quickly ramp up exports from Shanghai, a site known for its high volumes and competitive production costs. This logistical advantage could allow the manufacturer to maintain its margins while securing supply for a Canadian market sensitive to delivery times and prices.
Another key advantage: commercial presence. Tesla already has 39 sales and service points in Canada, while Chinese brands like BYD or Nio have not yet established themselves there. With a deliberately focused range around a few models, the manufacturer can adapt its industrial and marketing strategy more quickly.
However, limits remain. Half of the import quota is reserved for vehicles priced under 35,000 Canadian dollars, or about 24,000 euros, a threshold currently below the pricing of Tesla models. Despite this, the brand could capture a significant share of the authorized volumes, where its potential competitors still need to build their networks and obtain necessary approvals.
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In a context of global trade tensions, Canada is making a measured bet on openness. For Tesla, this choice could translate into an immediate and strategic advantage in the electric vehicle market.
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This page is translated from the original post "Tesla en pole position au Canada !" in French.
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