Lotus Opens Chinese Ev Orders Under Canada Tariff Break

Lotus said its chinese ev, the all-electric Eletre crossover, will enter Canada under Ottawa’s new tariff break and should reach dealerships in September. Ordering is open now, and allocations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.

Toronto Drive, Canada Pricing

The company introduced three Canadian versions of the Eletre: the entry-level Eletre at $119,900, the Touring at $129,900 and the Sport at $139,900. A limited-edition Eletre Carbon, with 24 units available, costs as much as $179,000 and adds a panoramic roof, carbon fiber trim and a more luxurious interior.

The drive took place in downtown Toronto, where the Eletre’s cargo space and packaging were part of the pitch. Lotus said the trunk holds up to 655 litres and the front storage compartment adds 46 litres more.

China Tariffs and Ottawa

The Eletre had stayed out of Canada after 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs were introduced in late 2024. Ottawa later allowed 49,000 units annually at a preferred tariff of 6.4%, and Lotus said the Eletre will be the first Chinese-built EV to benefit from that change.

Lotus said the Eletre is manufactured in China and meets Transport Canada certification standards. The brand also said it will focus on customer service before, during and after the purchase rather than on high volumes, a narrower approach as the Canadian market opens to a model that had been blocked until the tariff shift.

Lotus Dealerships In September

Canadian buyers can place orders now, but the first deliveries are still tied to September. For shoppers weighing the Eletre against other imported EVs, the immediate practical change is simple: one Chinese-built model now has a tariff path into Canada, and Lotus has started taking allocations before the cars reach showrooms.