Survey Shows Nearly Half of Canadian EV Buyers Are Waiting for Chinese Models

A significant portion of Canadian consumers interested in electric vehicles are delaying their next purchase to wait for the arrival of Chinese automakers, according to a recent survey.

What Happened

Data from a September survey conducted by Abacus Data and published by the think tank Clean Energy Canada indicates that 48% of respondents intend to buy an EV as their next vehicle. Of that group, 42% are willing to wait until Chinese brands become available in the Canadian market before making a decision. This shift follows Canada’s move last January to replace the 100% import tax on Chinese EVs with a quota-based system, allowing select models into the country. Since the policy change, manufacturers including Chery, Geely, BYD, and Dongfeng have confirmed plans to enter the market and are establishing dealer networks across the country.

Why It Matters

The consumer sentiment suggests that perceived value and technology offerings from Chinese manufacturers are influencing purchase timelines in the North American market. While Chinese EVs often sell for $15,000 to $20,000 in their home market, prices in Canada are expected to be higher, though still positioned as more affordable options to stimulate the EV sector. This demand comes at a time when only 10.8% of Canadian new car buyers went electric in the first half of 2026. The introduction of these vehicles could potentially boost adoption rates, although their success will depend on whether the final pricing remains competitive against established brands.

The Bottom Line

Nearly half of Canadian EV-interested buyers are holding out for Chinese brands, driven by expectations of better value and technology. The market entry of manufacturers like BYD and Geely under the new quota system may impact EV adoption rates in Canada, which currently stand at 10.8% for the first half of 2026.