Tag Archives: EVs

News

Canada Opens Door to More Chinese EVs With 33,397 Import Slots Available

Canada has entered the second phase of its new import framework for Chinese-made electric and hybrid vehicles, creating a larger opportunity for automakers to bring vehicles into the country at a sharply reduced tariff rate.

The development follows a January agreement between Canada and China establishing a “new strategic partnership” that permits up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter Canada at a most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. The first allocation period ended on August 31, but thousands of unused import slots have now been carried forward.

That means the second period began September 1 with capacity for as many as 33,397 Chinese-made hybrid and electric vehicles.

Canada’s Chinese EV Import Quota Leaves Thousands of Vehicles Unused

Under the original arrangement, 24,500 Chinese hybrid and electric vehicles could be imported during the first period, which ran from March 1 through August 31.

However, Canadian importers used only 15,603 of those available slots.

According to Global Affairs Canada, that left 8,897 vehicles below the initial allocation. Rather than disappearing, those unused volumes are now available during the second period.

The government has therefore increased the effective second-period capacity from the standard 24,500 vehicles to 33,397.

For automakers, the unused quota could prove particularly valuable as manufacturers prepare to expand their presence in Canada’s rapidly evolving electrified-vehicle market.

Tesla Is Reportedly the Biggest Early Beneficiary

Although Global Affairs Canada has not provided a manufacturer-by-manufacturer breakdown of the imported vehicles, Tesla is reportedly the biggest beneficiary of the new tariff arrangement so far.

The automaker imports the Chinese-built Model 3 Premium into Canada, with the model starting at approximately $39,490 CAD, or about $28,532 USD.

The arrangement gives Tesla an important advantage because vehicles manufactured in China can enter Canada under the lower 6.1% most-favored-nation tariff rather than facing the much higher tariff structure that had previously made Chinese-built EV imports considerably more difficult.

Tesla isn’t alone, however.

According to Automotive News, Lincoln, Lotus and Polestar have also benefited from the new import framework.

Lincoln, for example, began importing its China-built Nautilus Hybrid in August. The model is believed to account for a significant portion of the 259 hybrid vehicles attributed to the brand during the period.

Chinese Automakers Are Preparing to Enter Canada

The most interesting part of the story may be what comes next.

While established global brands have so far dominated Canada’s Chinese-made vehicle imports, traditional Chinese automakers are preparing to enter the market directly.

BYD, Chery and Geely are reportedly in the process of certifying vehicles for the Canadian market. Some of their models have also been spotted undergoing testing in Canada.

If certification and regulatory requirements proceed as expected, some Chinese-branded vehicles could reach Canadian consumers as early as next year.

That would mark a significant change in Canada’s automotive landscape.

Chinese automakers have expanded rapidly across Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America and other international markets, with companies such as BYD and Geely increasingly challenging established automakers in electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Canada could become another important market for that expansion.

First-Come, First-Served EV Quota Creates a New Race

The structure of Canada’s quota system could create an unusual competitive dynamic between automakers.

The available volumes are reportedly allocated on a “first-come, first-served basis.” That gives manufacturers a strong incentive to move quickly and bring as many eligible vehicles into Canada as possible before the available allocation is consumed.

In practical terms, automakers that are ready to ship compliant vehicles could potentially secure a larger share of the reduced-tariff capacity than competitors that are still completing certification or preparing their distribution networks.

That could become particularly important if BYD, Chery and Geely enter the market simultaneously with established companies already importing Chinese-built vehicles.

At the same time, the Canadian government is expected to monitor the process to ensure what it describes as “equitable access” to the lower tariff rates.

Why the Chinese EV Quota Matters for Canadian Car Buyers

The arrival of more Chinese-built vehicles could have a meaningful effect on the Canadian automotive market.

Greater competition could give consumers access to a wider selection of electric and hybrid vehicles while potentially putting pressure on pricing. Chinese manufacturers have developed a reputation for offering competitive specifications and aggressive pricing, particularly in the EV segment.

However, simply having access to the Canadian market does not guarantee immediate success.

Automakers entering Canada must contend with local safety and certification requirements, charging infrastructure, dealership and service networks, consumer familiarity, winter-weather performance and brand perception.

Those factors could be particularly important in Canada, where cold-weather driving can have a substantial impact on EV range and charging performance.

Canada’s EV Market Could Look Very Different Next Year

The first six months of the new import arrangement provide an early indication of how manufacturers are using Canada’s Chinese-vehicle quota, but the arrival of Chinese brands could dramatically change the picture.

Tesla and other established automakers have already demonstrated that Chinese production can be used to supply Canadian consumers. The next stage will be more significant because it could introduce Chinese brands directly to Canadian buyers.

With 33,397 vehicles potentially eligible for the second period, automakers now have considerably more room to increase imports.

The bigger question is how quickly those slots will be consumed.

If BYD, Chery and Geely successfully complete Canadian certification and begin deliveries next year, competition for the available quota could intensify considerably. Established manufacturers already using Chinese production could suddenly find themselves competing with Chinese companies that are eager to establish a foothold in Canada.

For Canadian consumers, that competition could ultimately mean more choice—and potentially more pressure on automakers to deliver better EVs and hybrids at more competitive prices.

What Happens Next?

Canada’s Chinese EV import policy is entering a potentially more consequential phase.

The first period ended with 15,603 vehicles imported out of a possible 24,500, leaving 8,897 unused allocations. Those volumes have been carried into the second period, giving manufacturers access to a combined 33,397 vehicles under the current allocation.

Tesla appears to have been the leading beneficiary so far, while Lincoln, Lotus and Polestar have also taken advantage of the arrangement. But the potential arrival of BYD, Chery and Geely could be the development that truly reshapes the market.

With the quota operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the race to secure Canada’s low-tariff EV allocation may already be underway.

Source: Automotive News

News

Europe’s EV Market Surges 51% as Electric Cars Reach 25% Market Share

Europe’s electric vehicle market is accelerating at a remarkable pace. Electric car sales jumped 51 percent in July 2026 compared with the same month last year, pushing EVs to a 25 percent share of the European new-car market, according to Dataforce.

The figures, based on 98 percent of new-car registrations across the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland, highlight how quickly electrification is reshaping the European automotive industry.

The momentum is not limited to a single month. During the first seven months of 2026, electric vehicle sales increased 37 percent year over year, significantly outperforming the broader European car market.

The overall European automotive market grew 4.1 percent in July and 5.7 percent between January and July, meaning battery-electric vehicles are expanding considerably faster than the market as a whole.

Electric Cars Are Growing Faster Than Hybrids

Electric vehicles are currently gaining ground faster than both plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids.

Plug-in hybrid sales increased 15 percent in July compared with the same month in 2025, while conventional full-hybrid registrations climbed 9 percent. By comparison, battery-electric vehicle sales surged 51 percent.

Several factors are helping drive the shift. Higher fuel prices are making traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles more expensive to operate, while the European market now offers a much wider selection of electric cars across different price points and vehicle segments.

Automakers are also introducing new EVs at a rapid pace, giving consumers more alternatives than ever before.

France and Germany Drive Europe’s EV Boom

France and Germany are playing a central role in Europe’s electric vehicle expansion, with both markets recording strong EV registration numbers.

France reached an electric vehicle market share of 35 percent in July, with more than 44,000 electric vehicles registered during the month.

Germany was even larger in absolute terms. Fully electric vehicles accounted for 29.3 percent of the German market in July, with almost 79,000 registrations.

Together, the two countries demonstrate the scale of Europe’s ongoing transition from combustion engines toward electrified transportation.

The numbers are particularly significant because France and Germany are not niche automotive markets. They are two of Europe’s largest vehicle markets and home to some of the continent’s most important automakers.

277,006 Electric Vehicles Registered in July

Across Europe, a total of 277,006 electric vehicles were registered in July 2026.

The monthly sales race was particularly interesting, with the Škoda Elroq taking the top position. The Volkswagen ID.4 finished second, while the Renault 5 E-Tech secured third place.

However, the picture changes when sales are accumulated over the first seven months of the year.

Tesla’s Model Y remains Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2026 so far, with 115,759 registrations. That represents a 55 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

The Škoda Elroq occupies second place with 67,679 registrations, while the Tesla Model 3 ranks third with 57,086 units.

The results show that Tesla continues to have a substantial presence in Europe’s EV market, but increasingly strong competition from established European manufacturers is changing the landscape.

Škoda Elroq Emerges as a Major EV Success

The Škoda Elroq is one of the most notable performers in Europe’s electric vehicle market.

Its first-place finish in July demonstrates the growing strength of Volkswagen Group’s broader electric vehicle strategy and Škoda’s ability to compete in one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments.

The Elroq combines the practicality expected from a compact European SUV with a fully electric powertrain, making it particularly well suited to a market where SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate consumer demand.

Its performance also illustrates how Europe’s EV market is becoming increasingly competitive. Tesla is no longer operating in a market dominated by a small group of electric-only manufacturers. Traditional automakers are bringing increasingly capable electric models to market at a much faster pace.

Chinese Automakers Are Making a Major Move in Plug-In Hybrids

While European manufacturers are making significant progress with battery-electric vehicles, Chinese automakers are becoming increasingly influential in Europe’s plug-in hybrid market.

European plug-in hybrid sales reached 125,530 vehicles in July, representing a 15 percent year-over-year increase.

Chinese brands accounted for 34 percent of the plug-in hybrid market in July, with Chinese models occupying almost half of the top 10 best-selling plug-in hybrids.

The BYD Seal U was the best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe during July, followed by the BYD Atto 2. The Jaecoo 7 also performed strongly, finishing fourth.

One important advantage for Chinese manufacturers is the European tariff structure. Unlike battery-electric vehicles imported from China, Chinese plug-in hybrid models are not subject to the same increased import tariffs applied to certain Chinese-made EVs.

That allows Chinese brands to compete aggressively on price while offering European consumers increasingly sophisticated electrified vehicles.

BYD Leads the Plug-In Hybrid Market in 2026

Looking at the first seven months of 2026, Chinese manufacturers dominate the plug-in hybrid sales rankings.

The BYD Seal U is currently in first place, followed by the BYD Atto and Jaecoo 7.

The development represents an important shift in Europe’s automotive market.

For years, European manufacturers dominated the continent’s premium and mainstream vehicle segments. Chinese automakers are now demonstrating that they can compete not only with battery-electric vehicles but also with plug-in hybrid technology.

This could become increasingly important as European consumers look for electrified vehicles without completely abandoning the flexibility of an internal-combustion engine.

Europe’s EV Competition Is Getting Serious

The latest European car sales figures reveal two major trends.

First, electric vehicles are growing substantially faster than the overall automotive market. A 51 percent increase in July and 37 percent growth during the first seven months of 2026 indicate that EV adoption is moving beyond the early-adopter phase.

Second, competition is becoming much more intense.

Tesla remains a major force, with the Model Y leading the year-to-date EV rankings. Volkswagen Group brands are gaining ground, with the Škoda Elroq demonstrating strong demand. Renault is also benefiting from renewed interest in compact electric cars with the Renault 5 E-Tech.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are establishing a particularly strong position in plug-in hybrids.

What the 2026 European EV Sales Figures Mean

The latest numbers suggest that Europe’s automotive industry is entering a new phase of electrification.

Electric vehicles are no longer simply growing because manufacturers are introducing more models. Consumer demand is also increasing, while fuel costs, expanding charging infrastructure and a broader selection of EVs are making electric mobility more attractive.

The biggest challenge for automakers will now be maintaining this momentum while keeping prices competitive.

For consumers, however, the trend is positive. More manufacturers competing in the EV market means more choice, more technology and potentially lower prices.

If the current growth rate continues, electric vehicles could account for an increasingly significant portion of Europe’s new-car market before the end of the decade.

Europe’s Electric Car Market Is Entering a New Era

The July 2026 figures provide one of the clearest indications yet that electric vehicles are becoming mainstream across Europe.

With 277,006 EVs registered in a single month, a 25 percent market share and 51 percent annual growth, Europe’s electric vehicle market is expanding at a pace that traditional powertrains are struggling to match.

Tesla still leads the year-to-date EV sales race, but Škoda, Volkswagen, Renault and other European manufacturers are closing the gap with increasingly competitive products.

Meanwhile, BYD and other Chinese automakers are rapidly reshaping the plug-in hybrid market.

The European automotive landscape is therefore becoming more competitive than ever. The next stage of the EV transition will not simply be about replacing gasoline and diesel cars with electric alternatives. It will be a battle between global automakers over price, technology, range, charging speed, design and ultimately the consumer.

For European drivers, that competition could make the next few years particularly interesting.

Source: Automotive News

News

EVs Aren’t Maintenance-Free After All—Here’s Where They Wear Faster Than Gas Cars

For years, electric vehicles have been sold with an enticing promise: fewer moving parts, lower maintenance costs, and fewer trips to the service department. That promise is largely true—but it has also created the misconception that EVs are virtually immune to wear and tear. The reality is considerably more nuanced.

With millions of electric vehicles now covering billions of miles worldwide, long-term ownership data is beginning to paint a clearer picture. While EVs eliminate many of the traditional maintenance headaches associated with internal-combustion engines, they introduce a handful of new ones—some of which are directly linked to their greatest strengths.

Heavyweight Champions

The biggest culprit is weight.

Modern battery packs typically add anywhere from 660 to more than 1,400 pounds (300 to 650 kilograms), making even compact electric cars significantly heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts. That extra mass affects nearly every component connecting the car to the road.

Tires are the first to pay the price.

Combine the additional weight with the instant, neck-snapping torque electric motors deliver from zero rpm, and every enthusiastic launch scrubs away another microscopic layer of rubber. During cornering, the heavier battery pack also places greater loads on the tire sidewalls, accelerating wear even further.

The result? Studies and fleet data suggest EV tires can wear as much as 30 percent faster than those fitted to comparable gasoline vehicles, depending on driving style and vehicle weight.

The suspension doesn’t escape unscathed either. Control arms, bushings, stabilizer links, and other suspension components must constantly cope with higher loads. Simply put, many electric vehicles weigh as much empty as a similarly sized combustion-powered car does with four passengers and luggage onboard.

When Brakes Don’t Brake

Ironically, one of an EV’s greatest technological advantages can create another maintenance concern.

Regenerative braking allows electric motors to recover energy during deceleration, often providing up to 90 percent of the vehicle’s everyday stopping force. That’s excellent for efficiency—and brake-pad longevity—but it also means the conventional friction brakes are used far less frequently.

When brake discs spend extended periods without regular use, particularly in cold and damp climates, corrosion becomes a genuine issue. Winter road salt only accelerates the process, allowing rust to build up on rotors that rarely receive enough friction to clean themselves.

In severe cases, corrosion can reduce braking effectiveness and even lead to inspection failures. It’s one reason some manufacturers have returned to enclosed rear drum brakes on certain EV models. While drum brakes may sound like outdated technology, their enclosed design protects braking components from the elements while regenerative braking handles most everyday deceleration.

Plug-In Hybrids Face a Different Challenge

Plug-in hybrids occupy a unique middle ground—and inherit some unique compromises.

Unlike conventional gasoline cars, their engines often remain dormant for extended periods before suddenly being called into action under significant load. Because the engine starts cold, motor oil takes time to fully circulate, leaving critical components with less-than-ideal lubrication during those first moments of operation.

The situation becomes even more complicated when the hybrid system shuts the engine down before it has reached its normal operating temperature.

Repeated short operating cycles can allow fuel dilution and moisture to accumulate inside the crankcase, increasing the likelihood of deposits forming within the lubrication system and around fuel injectors over time. Owners who primarily make short electric-only trips may never fully warm the engine often enough to evaporate these contaminants.

The Tiny Battery That Still Causes Big Problems

Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of EV breakdowns isn’t the high-voltage battery pack.

It’s the humble 12-volt battery.

Just like in gasoline-powered vehicles, this small battery powers essential electronics and control systems. If it fails, the vehicle may refuse to start—even if the large traction battery is fully charged.

Modern connectivity can make matters worse. Frequently waking the vehicle through smartphone apps or remote features can repeatedly activate onboard systems, creating small but cumulative energy draws that gradually discharge the 12-volt battery while the car sits parked.

Still the Cheaper Car to Maintain

None of these issues erase the biggest advantage electric vehicles still hold over combustion-powered cars: lower routine maintenance costs.

Without engine oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, exhaust systems, or many of the other consumable components found in gasoline engines, EV servicing remains significantly less expensive over the long haul.

On average, inspection and maintenance costs are roughly one-third lower than those of comparable internal-combustion vehicles. Some manufacturers show even larger savings, with maintenance costs reported to be as much as 58 percent lower for BMW EVs, 45 percent lower for Mercedes-Benz models, and around 44 percent lower for Volkswagen’s electric lineup.

A Few Simple Habits Go a Long Way

Owning an EV doesn’t require special mechanical knowledge, but a few preventative habits can make a noticeable difference.

Checking tire wear regularly can catch uneven wear before it becomes expensive. Occasionally using the friction brakes—particularly during higher-speed driving where safe and appropriate—helps keep brake rotors clean and free from corrosion. Plug-in hybrid owners should also ensure the gasoline engine periodically reaches full operating temperature during longer drives to minimize moisture buildup and fuel dilution.

Electric vehicles may not be maintenance-free, but they remain simpler and generally cheaper to own than traditional combustion cars. The catch is that while they’ve eliminated many of yesterday’s service headaches, they’ve quietly created a few entirely new ones. As EV technology matures, understanding those trade-offs will become just as important as appreciating their undeniable advantages.