Should you wait for Chinese EVs or buy an electric vehicle now in Canada? A recent survey shows that 42% of Canadians who are inclined to buy an EV may delay their purchase until more Chinese models arrive. However, the $5,000 federal rebate is set to drop in 2027, and several affordable options are already available today.
What the survey shows
Clean Energy Canada and Abacus Data surveyed 2,762 Canadians in September 2026. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they are inclined to buy an EV as their next vehicle. Among those interested buyers, 42% indicated they might wait for more Chinese EVs to become available.
Another 37% of likely EV buyers said there are too few electric pickup options. These factors appear to be slowing some purchase decisions right now.
When are Chinese models expected?
Geely has confirmed it plans to start selling vehicles in Canada in 2027 and is already building a dealer network. Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo brands have pointed to a late 2026 arrival. BYD is testing models and looking for dealership locations, while Dongfeng is also preparing for a possible entry.
Canada currently allows up to 49,000 China-built EVs per year at a 6.1% tariff. Only a portion of that quota has been used so far in 2026.
Why buying now can still make sense
The federal EVAP rebate stays at $5,000 through the end of 2026. It drops to $4,000 starting January 1, 2027. The amount is based on the date the dealership submits the eligibility assessment.
Several models already sit under $40,000 before tax after the rebate and current manufacturer offers. These include the 2026 Fiat 500e, 2027 Nissan Leaf S, and 2027 Kia EV3. Chinese EVs will not qualify for the federal rebate because they are not built in a free-trade partner country.
What should you do?
If you need a vehicle soon and find a strong deal under the $50,000 cap, buying before the rebate drops can lock in higher savings. If you can wait until 2027 and want to compare Chinese options directly, delaying may make sense. Just remember that pricing, range, and warranty details for most Chinese models are still unknown.
For current pricing, visit NextEV and our cheapest electric cars Canada guide. You can also read our October 2026 best EV deals.
Are you planning to buy an EV before the end of 2026 or waiting to see Chinese models first?