A survey is suggesting that Canadian car buyers are watching China. Electrek reports that Canadian EV customers are delaying buying decisions while they wait for more Chinese EVs to arrive, according to a new survey, and says that widespread awareness of China's EV dominance may be causing some buyers to ignore Western automakers' offerings. The article's headline calls it trouble for Western brands.
The background is an agreement between Canada and China, referred to as the Carney-Xi deal in a caption on the Electrek page, under which Geely would ship its first Lotus EVs to Canada in July, according to the ambassador. Foley's automotive update separately says Geely has confirmed plans to begin EV sales in Canada in 2027. Both items indicate that Chinese brands are preparing to enter the market.
This is happening while Canada's tariff dispute with the United States is changing the market, with U.S.-made vehicle share down 20 per cent in the first half of the year. Reduced supply of some American-built models and higher prices could make buyers more open to alternatives. A survey, however, measures intentions, not purchases, and I have not seen its size or methodology.
For consumers, waiting can make sense if you want a specific type of vehicle, but it also carries risk. Delivery dates, prices, warranty support and service networks are uncertain until the cars are on sale. For Western carmakers, the signal is that price and technology competition from China is influencing buyers even before the cars arrive. Watch for the first Chinese models on sale, their pricing and the reaction of local dealers and regulators.
