Canada Welcomes First Chinese-Made Lotus ELETRE EVs under China–Canada 'Canola-for-Cars' Deal

The high-level China–Canada 'canola-for-cars' agreement is taking concrete shape: the first batch of 18 units of the 2026 Lotus ELETRE all-electric SUV will arrive in Montreal, Canada this month. This marks the debut entry of an electric vehicle manufactured in China and controlled by a Chinese brand into the Canadian market under the new bilateral trade arrangement.

According to reports from Reuters and other sources, these vehicles constitute the first delivery under the annual quota for Chinese EV imports into Canada (capped at 49,000 units). The agreement allows Chinese-made EVs to enter Canada at reduced tariff rates, aiming to diversify Canada's automotive market and reduce reliance on U.S. brands.

In exchange, Canada seeks corresponding reductions in China's import tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products — including canola oil, currently subject to a 100% tariff, and pork, taxed at 25%. Also under discussion in the latest round of negotiations are extensions to existing tariff exemptions for canola meal, peas, and lobster, originally set to expire at year-end.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated: "As long as both sides uphold mutual respect and equality-based mutual benefit, no issue is insurmountable." He added that Canada's annual crude oil exports to China could rise from approximately 15.5 million tonnes in 2025 to nearly 22 million tonnes.

The 2026 Lotus ELETRE delivered this time is controlled by GEELY and positioned as a high-performance all-electric SUV. It features an upgraded intelligent cockpit system and refined exterior details, retaining its signature powertrain: maximum output of 905 hp. Equipped with Lotus-tuned sport suspension for enhanced driving dynamics, the vehicle's 22-inch wide tires increase aerodynamic drag, resulting in a WLTP range of 304 miles (~490 km), powered by a 112 kWh battery pack.

Lotus plans to host the official launch event for this batch of ELETRE in Montreal this month. Pricing for the Canadian market has not yet been announced, nor is pre-ordering open; the vehicles are currently at the port-of-entry and display stage only.