Charge News Canada

Rivian Expands Redwood Materials Partnership for Battery Recycling

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:23:53 GMT

Rivian is expanding its partnership with Redwood Materials, giving the battery recycler a larger role in managing batteries from manufacturing scrap to retired packs that can be reused for energy storage.

Rivian factory to use retired EV batteries for peak shaving

The expanded agreement announced October 15, 2026 will see Redwood handle battery scrap from Rivian’s manufacturing operations while continuing to collect used packs through its service network.

Redwood will first evaluate whether packs still have enough capacity for stationary energy storage. Packs that qualify could be deployed at Rivian facilities or other locations, while the remainder will be recycled to recover materials.

The announcement builds on an April partnership when Rivian and Redwood outlined plans to install 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois manufacturing plant. The system will use repurposed Rivian battery packs to store electricity when demand is low and discharge during peak periods.

Recycling critical materials for the R2 ramp

Once batteries can no longer be reused, Redwood says its process can recover more than 95% of critical materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper. Recovered materials can return to the battery supply chain, reducing dependence on newly mined resources.

The expanded agreement comes as Rivian prepares to scale production of its more affordable R2 SUV, making battery supply, manufacturing efficiency and cost management increasingly important.

Rivian recently hired Jody Kerns, formerly Tesla Cybercab production manager at Giga Texas, to lead R2 general assembly in Normal. The company has added a second shift at its Normal factory with a third planned for 2027.

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Tesla Plans Massive Giga Berlin Expansion With Second Production Hall

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:23:53 GMT

Tesla is preparing a major expansion of Giga Berlin, planning to apply for permits for a second production hall that would more than double the size of its existing manufacturing building.

New hall north of current factory

According to German broadcaster rbb24, Tesla intends to submit new permit applications in December 2026 for a production hall north of its current factory in Grünheide. The proposed building would cover approximately 536,000 square metres, compared to the existing hall’s 219,000 square metres.

Construction could begin as early as 2027. After Tesla’s original experience building Giga Berlin, the broader expansion is expected to take approximately 10 years to complete.

Targeting one million vehicles annually

The expansion is part of Tesla’s long-standing goal to increase Giga Berlin’s annual production capacity from 500,000 to one million vehicles.

The factory currently produces an estimated 7,500 Model Y vehicles per week, equivalent to roughly 375,000 vehicles annually.

Tesla’s original expansion plans, approved in principle in 2024, also called for battery cell production capacity to eventually double from 50 GWh to 100 GWh annually.

Beyond additional manufacturing space, Tesla is planning a dedicated electrical substation, another water recycling system and its own wastewater treatment facilities.

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Volkswagen Confirms Second-Generation ID. Buzz With Faster Charging

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:23:53 GMT

Volkswagen is preparing a major overhaul of the ID. Buzz with a second-generation version expected to address price and charging speed. The confirmation comes after Volkswagen pulled the 2026 ID. Buzz from the U.S. and Canada market.

Move to SSP platform brings 800-volt charging

Speaking at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said the current ID. Buzz is built on the wrong cost base. Volkswagen intends to correct that with the next generation.

New platform: Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) replacing MEB
Potential 800-volt architecture for 5–80% in ~12 minutes under ideal conditions
Possible lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to cut manufacturing costs
Improved efficiency targeting more driving range

The next-generation ID. Buzz is also expected to benefit from Volkswagen’s joint venture with Rivian for a new electrical architecture, enabling more advanced software features and over-the-air updates.

Physical buttons return, North American return planned

Volkswagen plans to replace controversial touch-sensitive controls with physical buttons and dedicated switches, addressing usability complaints.

The current ID. Buzz is expected to return to North America for the 2027 model year with updates before the redesigned version arrives closer to the end of the decade.

Canadian buyers have watched pricing remain a barrier despite distinctive styling and spacious interior. A more affordable replacement could give Volkswagen a better chance to turn the ID. Buzz into a mainstream electric family vehicle.

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Tesla Canada Executive Explains Why Model 3 Orders Are Paused Despite Unused EV Import Quota

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Tesla Canada has shared further insight into why it paused Model 3 Premium orders in Canada, revealing that federal government officials have more influence over how import permits are distributed than the program's first-come, first-served structure might suggest.

Writing on LinkedIn Tuesday, Tesla Canada public policy executive Iain Myrans argued that Global Affairs Canada (GAC) exercises significant discretion in allocating the country's Chinese electric vehicle import quota, despite the program appearing to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Global Affairs Canada is providing in advance the maximum number of cars OEMs can expect to bring in for a period,” Myrans wrote. “So, while the program outwardly looks like it is a first-come-first-served model, there is a lot more behind it.”

Tesla's Order Pause Context

Tesla stopped accepting orders for both China-built Model 3 Premium trims (Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive) on October 12, stating its allocation under Canada’s annual 49,000-vehicle Chinese EV import quota had been exhausted. The Premium variants, starting at $39,490, are now unavailable to order, while the United States-built Model 3 Performance remains available at $74,990.

However, Global Affairs Canada’s latest utilization report, updated October 9, shows just 328 vehicles have been imported under the second quota window that began September 1. This leaves 33,069 of the available 33,397 allocations unused—approximately 99% of the quota remaining.

Government Discretion in Permit Allocation

Myrans cited Section 8(1) of the Export and Import Permits Act, under which the minister decides how many permits are issued and on what terms. He noted that GAC can also hold back permits to ensure newcomers and other automakers receive a fair share of the quota.

“Global Affairs Canada is consulting with interested companies to optimize remaining quota availability and evaluate the quota’s implementation to inform a longer-term policy designed to catalyze new joint-venture investment on Canadian soil, with Canadian supply chains, and Canadian workers,” a GAC spokesperson confirmed in an exclusive statement to Drive Tesla Canada.

While the government confirmed it is reviewing quota distribution, it declined to confirm whether Tesla faces company-specific limits, citing commercial confidentiality considerations regarding individual shipment details.

Thousands of Permits Remain Unused

Under the Canada-China EV agreement, up to 49,000 qualifying vehicles can enter annually at a reduced 6.1% tariff. During the first six-month period (March to August 2026), only 15,603 of 24,500 available spots were claimed, with Tesla accounting for the majority of those used.

With more than 33,000 permits still available in the current window (September 2026 to February 2027), restricting Tesla’s access could leave a significant portion of the quota unused despite demonstrated demand for its Shanghai-built Model 3. While the government says its approach aims to ensure equitable access, it could ultimately limit EV sales rather than encourage them.

Tesla expects Model 3 Premium orders to resume in March 2027, when the first year of the quota program ends and the government could make additional allocations available.

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Canada adds 103 DC fast-charging stations in Q3 2026 but expansion slows

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Canada’s EV fast-charging network continued to grow in the third quarter of 2026, but the pace of new installations is slowing despite rising demand from electric vehicle drivers.

Q3 additions by province

According to the latest report from charging data firm Paren, Canada recorded 103 fast-charging station additions between July and September, including 93 new locations and 10 expansions of existing sites, bringing 391 additional charging ports online.

By the end of September, Canada’s network had grown to 2,740 DC fast-charging stations with 9,615 ports nationwide.

Quebec accounted for nearly half of the quarterly station additions with 49
Ontario added 22
British Columbia added 18
Alberta added just five

Growth slows year-over-year

While the numbers show continued investment in charging infrastructure, the pace has dropped considerably. Station additions were roughly one-third lower than during the same quarter last year, while the 391 new ports represented the slowest quarterly growth in more than a year.

Tesla remains an important part of Canada’s charging network, adding 88 Supercharger stalls during Q3. However, Paren’s data shows its share of the country’s fast-charging ports has declined from 36% a year ago to 32.1%, as competing networks continue expanding.

Usage rising even as build-out eases

While fewer new chargers are coming online, Canadians are making greater use of the existing network. Paren tracked 3.84 million fast-charging sessions between July and September, up 37% from the same period last year.

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Global Affairs Canada says it is consulting on remaining Chinese EV import quota

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Global Affairs Canada has responded to questions surrounding Tesla’s exhausted Model 3 import allocation, but stopped short of explaining why the automaker has paused orders in Canada despite more than 33,000 Chinese EV import spots remaining available.

What Global Affairs said

In an exclusive statement, the department confirmed with Drive Tesla it is consulting with automakers on how to distribute the remaining quota, but would not say whether Tesla is subject to a company-specific limit.

Spokesperson Rachael Dolan confirmed the department is reviewing how the remaining quota is distributed.

Global Affairs Canada is consulting with interested companies to optimize remaining quota availability and evaluate the quota’s implementation to inform a longer-term policy designed to catalyze new joint-venture investment on Canadian soil, with Canadian supply chains, and Canadian workers.

However, Dolan did not confirm or deny whether Tesla is subject to a company-specific limit.

More than 33,000 import spots remain

Tesla’s decision to stop accepting orders comes despite Canada’s October 9 Export and Import Controls System report showing 33,069 of 33,397 quota spots remain available. During the first six-month window, from March to August 2026, just 15,603 of the 24,500 available spots were claimed.

Under Notice to Importers 1168, import permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with no publicly announced per-automaker cap. Section 3.4.6 allows Global Affairs Canada to reserve portions of the quota to ensure equitable access, including for original equipment manufacturers.

When will orders resume

According to the message on Tesla’s website, orders may not resume until March 2027, when the first year of Canada’s Chinese EV import quota program ends and the government could make additional allocations available.

The Model 3 Premium RWD is priced at $39,490 in Canada. The Performance variant remains available as it is sourced from Tesla’s Fremont factory in the U.S., and not China.

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Canada's EV Market Is Recovering — But Quebec Is Dragging the National Average Down

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Canada's electric vehicle market is posting solid year-over-year gains, but the headline numbers hide a sharp provincial divide. According to new analysis from Electric Autonomy Canada, national EV sales are up more than 30 percent from 2025 and have consistently held 10 percent market share — yet the recovery isn't evenly distributed.

Quebec's outsized pull on national numbers

Quebec was responsible for 60 percent of all Canadian EV sales in 2024, when buyers could stack a $7,000 provincial incentive on top of the federal credit for $12,000 in total support. That pushed Quebec's EV market share to 42 percent in Q4 2024.

Today, with the provincial rebate capped at $2,000, Quebec's share has fallen to 18 percent. Because of Quebec's weight in the national total, its pullback drags the Canada-wide average down — masking the fact that most other provinces have already returned to, or exceeded, 2024 levels.

Where growth is actually happening

British Columbia: resting at 20 percent market share, leading the country
Ontario: set a quarterly ZEV sales record in Q2 with 16,913 units (7.4% share)
Alberta: Q2 EV sales up 37 percent from 2024, reaching 4.7 percent market share

The tepid national recovery is mostly confined to Quebec. Elsewhere, the market is setting records.

Canada is now an affordable EV market

J.D. Power reported in June that the average transaction price for an EV in Canada has fallen to $49,500 — down 15 percent from 2025. There's now little price gap between EVs and comparable gasoline vehicles, even before incentives.

Three factors are driving this:

The EVAP incentive's $50,000 price cap has pushed automakers to price under it
Tesla's aggressive pricing on the Shanghai-built Model 3 has set a bar competitors must meet
At least twelve models now sell under $40,000, up from just one (Fiat 500e) a year ago

The average Canadian EV is now roughly 36 percent cheaper than the average U.S. EV ($78,000 CAD equivalent), largely because the U.S. mix skews toward pricier Tesla, Rivian, and Cadillac models.

Why Q4 could sharpen the rebound

Historically, Q4 is Canada's strongest quarter for EV sales as 2027 model-year vehicles arrive in showrooms. The gas-price spike — now in its seventh month — has more buyers calculating long-term savings. The planned EVAP step-down to $4,000 in 2027 will drive deadline buying in December.

Chinese brands Omoda and Jaecoo, which have proven popular in Australia and the U.K., have announced anticipated Canadian arrivals in late 2026. While likely too late to move the 2026 needle significantly, they'll generate momentum into 2027.

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Tesla Canada Exec Says Chinese EV Import Quota Isn't First-Come-First-Served — Government Holds Back Permits

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tesla Canada's public policy executive Iain Myrans has pulled back the curtain on how Ottawa's Chinese EV import quota actually works — and it's not the first-come, first-served system the government's public documentation suggests.

What the program looks like on paper

Under the trade arrangement Prime Minister Mark Carney negotiated with Beijing in January 2026, up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs per year can enter Canada at a 6.1 percent most-favoured-nation tariff (down from the previous 100 percent surtax). Year one is split into two 24,500-vehicle windows running March–August 2026 and September 2026–February 2027.

Global Affairs Canada's Notice to Importers Serial No. 1162 describes permits as issued first-come, first-served, valid for 60 days. But the lived reality for automakers is different.

What's actually happening

Writing on LinkedIn on October 14, Myrans cited Section 8(1) of the Export and Import Permits Act, under which the minister decides how many permits are issued and on what terms. He noted Global Affairs Canada can hold back permits so newcomers and other automakers get a fair share.

"Global Affairs Canada is providing in advance the maximum number of cars OEMs can expect to bring in for a period," Myrans wrote. "So, while the program outwardly looks like it is a first-come-first-served model, there is a lot more behind it."

The numbers don't add up

Tesla stopped accepting Model 3 Premium orders on October 12, saying its allocation was exhausted. Yet government data from October 9 shows only 328 vehicles had entered against the second window's 33,397 available permits — leaving over 33,000 spots unused.

During the first window (March–August), only 15,603 of 24,500 permits were used. Nearly 9,000 spots went unclaimed.

Global Affairs Canada previously told Drive Tesla Canada it "is consulting with interested companies to optimize remaining quota availability," but has not disclosed individual automaker allocations.

What this means for buyers

With over 33,000 permits sitting idle while Tesla restricts orders, the government's approach to "equitable access" may be limiting EV sales rather than encouraging them. Tesla expects Model 3 Premium orders to resume in March 2027 when the next allocation window opens.

Buyers can still order the Model 3 Performance trim, which is built in the U.S. and not subject to the Chinese import quota.

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BYD Atto 8 Debuts With 9-Minute Flash Charging — Canada Watch

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

BYD unveiled the Atto 8 electric SUV at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, bringing its second-generation Blade 2.0 battery and Flash Charging technology to Europe for the first time. The seven-seat model, sold as the Tang L in China, is slated for European dealerships in Q1 2027.

What’s new with the Atto 8

The Atto 8 uses a 115 kWh Blade 2.0 battery that BYD claims can charge from 10% to 97% in nine minutes with a compatible Flash Charger, and 20% to 97% in 12 minutes at -30°C. The rear-wheel-drive Design trim is rated at 456 hp with up to 653 km WLTP range. The dual-motor Excellence AWD reaches 764 hp and 0-100 km/h in 4.6 s.

Inside, BYD offers a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 26-inch head-up display, panoramic glass roof, and heated/ventilated/massaging seats. Cargo capacity is 1,960 L with rear seats folded plus a 136 L frunk. Pricing has not been announced.

Flash Charging and Canada

BYD says it has installed over 10,000 Flash Chargers in China and plans up to 6,000 outside China by end-2027. Job postings indicate the company is preparing to bring Flash Chargers to Canada.

BYD continues to test vehicles in Canada, including the Sealion 7 and Fangchengbao Ti7 sightings in Markham. The Canadian website advertises an upcoming launch, but BYD has not confirmed which models it will sell.

Takeaway for Canadian buyers

The Atto 8 showcases BYD’s fastest charging tech to date, but availability in Canada is still unconfirmed and the vehicle is initially aimed at Europe. If BYD follows its test fleet activity, a Canadian launch could follow after Europe, pending regulatory clearance and charging infrastructure rollout.

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China Cuts EV Export Tax Rebates, Potentially Raising Tesla Model 3 Prices in Canada

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration announced that the value-added tax rebate on new energy vehicle exports will drop to 9% from 13% on April 1, 2027, covering passenger EVs, plug-in hybrids, electric buses and semi tractors.

Why the change matters

The reduction comes as Chinese automakers increasingly rely on international markets. CAAM data shows NEV exports more than doubled through September, up 130% to 4.006 million, with September alone at 571,000 units, up 160%.

By Deutsche Bank’s math, BYD stands to lose about 5,000 yuan, roughly C$1,060, in profit on each car shipped abroad. Geely, Chery and SAIC could face similar cost pressures, and Tesla’s Shanghai-built exports could feel comparable effects.

Canada exposure

Tesla imports its Model 3 from Giga Shanghai under Canada’s annual 49,000-vehicle Chinese EV import quota, which allows qualifying vehicles to enter at a 6.1% tariff. Tesla paused orders for the Model 3 Premium in Canada citing exhausted import allocation, with orders expected to resume in March 2027.

China’s reduced export rebate takes effect just one month later. While Tesla has not announced Canadian pricing changes, smaller tax refunds could increase export costs, putting pressure on pricing or margins.

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Global Affairs Canada Responds to Tesla Model 3 Import Pause

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Global Affairs Canada says it is consulting with automakers to optimize the remaining Chinese EV import quota, as Tesla has paused new orders for the Model 3 Premium in Canada citing exhausted allocation.

What Global Affairs said

In an exclusive statement to Drive Tesla, spokesperson Rachael Dolan said: “Global Affairs Canada is consulting with interested companies to optimize remaining quota availability and evaluate the quota’s implementation to inform a longer-term policy designed to catalyze new joint-venture investment on Canadian soil, with Canadian supply chains, and Canadian workers.”

The department declined to confirm or deny a company-specific limit, citing commercial confidentiality. “While we can provide information on overall volumes, we do not disclose the names of companies or details of any shipments, including anticipated quota use.”

Quota status

According to the October 9 Export and Import Controls System report, 33,069 of 33,397 quota spots remain available. In the first six-month window from March to August 2026, 15,603 of 24,500 spots were claimed, with Tesla accounting for the majority.

Import permits are issued first-come, first-served under Notice to Importers 1168. Section 3.4.6 allows Global Affairs to reserve portions of the quota for equitable access, though no set-aside has been publicly announced.

Impact on buyers

The Shanghai-built Model 3 Premium RWD is priced at $39,490 in Canada. Tesla says orders may not resume until March 2027, when the first year of the quota program ends. The Performance variant remains available as it is sourced from Fremont, U.S.

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Ottawa moves to formally repeal EV mandate, industry welcomes shift

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

The federal government has taken the formal step to repeal Canada's Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (EVAS), publishing proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I on August 15 that would remove the mandatory zero‑emission vehicle sales requirements introduced in 2023.

The proposal is subject to a 75‑day consultation period ending October 29. If finalized, the amendments would come into force when the regulations are registered.

The existing standard called for zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs) to represent at least 20 per cent of model‑year 2026 light‑duty vehicles offered for sale, rising to 60 per cent in 2030 and 100 per cent in 2035 and beyond. Automotive industry groups have argued the targets were unrealistic given consumer demand, affordability concerns, gaps in charging infrastructure, and broader economic pressures facing the sector.

"It's clear from our conversations with senior officials of Environment Canada that the plan will not be coming forward until 2027," said Huw Williams, Public Affairs for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). "We should now have a reprieve for the 2026, 2027 model years and we look forward to working with government to get the formula right."

Williams said one of the most significant elements of the government's announcement is its own Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement explaining the rationale for repealing EVAS.

"That Regulatory Impact Assessment mirrors almost exactly the argument that CADA and the manufacturers have been making to the government," Williams said.

The federal analysis acknowledges that changing market and trade conditions have made compliance with the existing requirements increasingly difficult and could place additional pressure on automakers. It also notes that ZEV sales declined from about 14 per cent of new vehicle sales in 2024 to about nine per cent in 2025. Sales improved somewhat in early 2026, but remained well below the original 20 per cent EVAS requirement.

Williams said the government's findings support arguments CADA has made for more than two years about consumer demand, charging infrastructure, and the potential consequences of trying to force EV adoption ahead of the market. CADA is also continuing discussions with Quebec and British Columbia, which maintain their own ZEV requirements, about moving toward a harmonized national regulatory approach.

Global Automakers of Canada President and CEO Lucas Malinowski also welcomed the federal move. "That's going to be important just from a regulatory and legal certainty for automakers," Malinowski said. He said the industry expects Ottawa to consult further on the replacement greenhouse gas regulations this fall.

Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, also welcomed the decision, saying in a post on X that repealing EVAS reflects current market realities. "The auto industry is under intense pressure from tariffs," Kingston posted. "Imposing costs on manufacturers through a damaging mandate made a bad situation worse." Kingston said Canada now needs "reasonable, achievable and technology‑agnostic vehicle emissions standards that reduce emissions while preserving consumer choice and industry competitiveness."

Attention will now shift to what replaces EVAS. Ottawa has said it intends to introduce stronger, Canada‑specific greenhouse gas emission standards designed to reduce emissions while allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in the technologies they use. The government says the new framework is intended to put Canada on a path toward 75 per cent EV sales by 2035 and 90 per cent by 2040. Details of those regulations, however, have yet to be finalized, setting up another important round of consultations between Ottawa and the automotive industry.

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Canada built nearly 100 EV charging stations in Q3 2026

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Canada’s EV charging infrastructure continued its steady expansion in the third quarter of 2026, with nearly 100 new stations coming online across the country.

A report from data intelligence firm Paren, released October 13, found that Canada added 103 new charging stations and 391 new fast-charging ports during Q3 2026. This brings the national network to 2,740 stations and 9,615 fast-charging ports year‑over‑year, up from 2,275 stations and 7,585 ports in Q3 2025.

Of the 103 new stations, 93 were brand‑new sites and 10 were existing stations that added additional ports. This compares with 77 new sites and 24 expansions in Q2 2026.

Paren’s analysis shows a clear divide between Tesla and non‑Tesla providers. Non‑Tesla stations averaged 3.2 new ports per site, in line with the previous quarter. Tesla stations, however, averaged 9.8 new ports per site—still a wide margin over non‑Tesla competitors, though down from 16.3 ports per site in Q2 and the lowest since Q1 2026, when Tesla added only 10.6 ports per station.

Despite installing 88 of the quarter’s 391 new ports (22.5 %), Tesla’s share of Canada’s DC fast‑charging (DCFC) portfolio has slipped to 32.1 %, down from 36.0 % in 2025, even as its absolute number of ports rose from 2,729 to 3,091.

The next‑largest contributors were Circuit Électrique, which added 61 total ports (15.6 % of the quarter’s total), and ChargePoint, which added 41 ports (10.5 %). The remaining 27 networks outside the top ten collectively added 90 ports, representing 23.0 % of the quarter’s new ports.

Geographically, eight provinces and territories saw at least one new station in Q3. However, 86.4 % of the new stations were concentrated in just three provinces: Quebec led with 49 stations (up from 44 in Q2), Ontario added 22 stations (up from 21), and British Columbia contributed 18 stations (down from 21 in Q2).

Utilization rates reveal where the chargers are busiest. British Columbia (13.1 %) and Ontario (11.5 %) have the highest charger utilization, with Prince Edward Island close behind at 10.1 %. At the other end, the Northwest Territories lag at just 0.3 % utilization, while Yukon and Saskatchewan sit at 3.9 %.

The figures underscore that Canada’s charging network is growing, though the pace of Tesla‑specific deployment is slowing relative to the broader market, and utilization remains highly regional.

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Tesla Unveils Flex Connect Grid System to Accelerate Supercharger Rollouts in Canada

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:12:42 GMT

Tesla has introduced a new electrical interconnection approach called Flex Connect that could allow Superchargers to begin operating more than two years earlier than previously possible. The system lets stations start up using existing utility capacity and increase power as the local grid is upgraded.

How Flex Connect works

Instead of waiting for costly and time-consuming grid upgrades, Flex Connect permits Superchargers to operate at reduced output while utilities temporarily curtail power during periods of high demand. Drivers should notice little difference, particularly at newer locations where charging demand is typically low.

Tesla has already been working with Pacific Gas and Electric in California, accelerating several Supercharger projects with dozens more underway. V4 Supercharger cabinets can now communicate directly with utility systems using the IEEE 2030.5 standard, allowing charging power to be adjusted based on forecast electricity demand.

What could this mean for Canada

The technology could benefit Canada’s Supercharger network, especially in smaller communities where electrical infrastructure may lack sufficient capacity to support a new high-powered charging station without significant upgrades. Rather than waiting years for improvements, Tesla could potentially open stations with reduced capacity and increase available power as the local grid is upgraded.

Numerous Canadian projects have remained inactive for months, sometimes more than a year, after construction was completed. Those delays are not necessarily caused by insufficient grid capacity, but can also involve utility equipment availability, namely transformers. Flex Connect would not resolve those issues if the equipment needed to safely energize a station is still missing.

Tesla has not announced any Canadian utilities participating in the program, but the technology could provide another option for expanding its charging network into smaller and more remote communities.

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Tesla Nears Double Supercharger Count in Merritt, B.C.

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:09:35 GMT

Tesla is preparing a major Supercharger expansion in Merritt, B.C., a key stop on the Coquihalla Highway. Construction is underway on a new site near Highway 5 and Highway 5A, with what appears to be at least 32 stalls, including several pull-through stalls for trailers.

Why Merritt matters

Merritt already has four Tesla Supercharger stations with a combined 40 stalls. If the new site opens with 32 stalls, the town would have 72 in total, an 80% jump.

The location sits at the junction of several major travel routes, connecting the Lower Mainland with the interior and serving drivers heading toward Kamloops, Kelowna and other destinations.

More B.C. sites coming

Merritt isn’t the only B.C. community with new Superchargers on the way. Construction is also underway on a 12-stall V4 site at Highgate Village in Burnaby, two new stations in Surrey, and a long-awaited site in Keremeos. Tesla also started construction earlier this month on a new Supercharger in Squamish.

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Tesla Pauses Model 3 Premium Orders in Canada, Citing Exhausted Import Quota

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:09:35 GMT

Tesla has stopped accepting orders for the Model 3 Premium in Canada, pointing to the federal government’s Chinese electric vehicle import quota. A message on Tesla’s Canadian website appeared Monday afternoon stating: “Model 3 Premium orders paused after high demand exhausted Tesla’s import quota. Ordering resumes if Govt of Canada issues more quota, expected March 2027.”

Government figures show quota is mostly unused

According to Global Affairs Canada’s latest utilization report updated October 9, just 328 vehicles have been imported under the second quota window that began September 1. That leaves 33,069 of the available 33,397 allocations unused, approximately 99%.

Canada’s agreement with China allows 49,000 vehicles annually to enter at a reduced 6.1% tariff. Only 15,931 allocations have been used since the program began in March.

Why the pause is confusing

Under Notice to Importers No. 1168, permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible importers. No manufacturer-specific limits have been announced. Tesla’s reference to March 2027 coincides with the start of the next quota year on March 1, but with over 33,000 spots still available it remains unclear why orders need to wait.

Both Premium variants are now unavailable to order, including the Rear-Wheel Drive model starting at $39,490. The Model 3 Performance, sourced from the United States, remains available at $74,990.

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Tesla Supercharger Payment Kiosks Arrive in Canada

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:09:35 GMT

Tesla’s centralized Supercharger payment kiosks have arrived in Canada. The first units are now live at the Kingston, Ontario Supercharger, where non-Tesla drivers can tap a card and start charging without a mobile app.

What the kiosks change

Until now, Canadian Superchargers relied on the Tesla app or in-car navigation for non-Tesla access via the NACS adapter program. The new kiosks mirror installations in the United States and provide a pay-at-station option for visitors, rental cars, and drivers without a Tesla account.

The terminals are mounted beside the stalls and accept tap-to-pay credit cards. Pricing remains the same as on the app, with dynamic rates shown on the screen before charging begins.

Where to expect them next

Drive Tesla reports the Kingston site is the first Canadian location, with rollout expected at high-traffic corridors along Highway 401 and the Trans-Canada Highway. The kiosks are part of Tesla’s broader effort to open the network to all EVs while maintaining a seamless experience.

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Auto Industry Pushes Back on B.C.'s Lowered EV Sales Target, Warns of Market Distortion

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:08:00 GMT

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) is challenging British Columbia's revised zero-emission vehicle sales target, arguing the province's go-it-alone approach creates regulatory fragmentation that hurts consumers and dealers alike. On October 10, the association warned that B.C.'s target — now 75% ZEV sales by 2035, down from 100% — remains misaligned with the federal framework Ottawa is still finalizing.

What B.C. changed

In April 2026, the B.C. NDP government lowered its 2035 zero-emission vehicle mandate from 100% to 75% of new light-duty sales, keeping interim targets of 26% in 2026 and 90% by 2030. The province also expanded ZEV credit eligibility to include plug-in hybrids with shorter electric range and introduced a ZEV Affordability Program rewarding automakers for lowering prices or offering financing incentives.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the revision makes the mandate "more realistic" while awaiting Ottawa's emissions standards, expected by October 29. "There should be one harmonized sales target for the country and B.C.'s should match that," Dix told reporters.

Industry says fragmentation persists

Brian Kingston, CVMA president, said the lowered target doesn't solve the core problem: a patchwork of federal and provincial rules. "We now have three different regulatory regimes — federal, B.C., and Quebec — each with different targets, timelines, and compliance mechanisms. That creates unnecessary complexity and cost," Kingston said in a statement.

The association represents Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis in Canada. Its members argue that disjointed mandates force manufacturers to allocate specific vehicle trims to specific provinces, limiting consumer choice and inflating compliance costs that ultimately get passed to buyers.

Quebec separately announced in June 2026 it would lower its 2035 ZEV target from 100% to 85%, citing similar market-readiness concerns. Both provinces moved after Prime Minister Mark Carney paused the federal 2026 EV sales requirement in February and launched a review of the national Zero-Emission Vehicle Availability Standard.

What the federal review could change

Ottawa's consultation on replacement emissions standards closes October 29. The federal government has signaled it will shift from a prescriptive sales quota to a fleet-average emissions standard — similar to the U.S. CAFE model — which would give automakers more flexibility in how they comply.

Clean Energy Canada's Joanna Kyriazis argues the provincial mandates accelerated charger deployment and model availability in B.C. and Quebec, which lead the country in EV adoption at 23% and 21% of new sales respectively. "The mandates worked to pull supply into these markets. Weakening them now risks stalling that momentum," she said.

Dealers caught in the middle

Blair Qualey, president of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, called B.C.'s changes "helpful interim steps" but urged a comprehensive review next spring. "Dealers need certainty to plan inventory, train staff, and invest in charging infrastructure. A harmonized national standard is the only way to deliver that," Qualey said.

For B.C. buyers, the immediate effect is more plug-in hybrid options counting toward the mandate and potential price pressure from the affordability credits. But the longer-term question — whether Canada ends up with one national standard or three — remains unresolved until Ottawa finalizes its framework later this month.

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First Chinese-Made EVs Reach Vancouver Port Under Carney-Xi Quota Deal

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:08:00 GMT

The first Chinese-made electric vehicles have arrived at the Port of Vancouver under the Canada-China EV quota agreement Prime Minister Mark Carney struck with President Xi Jinping in January 2026. A vehicle carrier, the Glovis Treasure, offloaded Chinese-built Lotus Eletre SUVs in early October — the leading edge of a quota system that reopened Canada's market to Chinese EVs after a 100% surtax shut them out in October 2024.

What the quota allows

The deal permits up to 49,000 Chinese EVs into Canada over a 12-month period at a tariff rate of approximately 6.1%, replacing the punitive tariff the previous government imposed. The quota represents less than 3% of the Canadian new-vehicle market and mirrors the annual pace of Chinese-made EV imports (primarily Teslas from Shanghai) Canada received before the surtax.

The cap is designed to evolve: starting in 2027, a growing share of the quota will be reserved for vehicles costing $35,000 or less, reaching 50% of the allowance by 2030 — a deliberate mechanism to push the quota from luxury stopgap toward affordable supply.

Who's shipping first

The opening shipments are not budget cars. Lotus — owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding — shipped Eletre SUVs starting at $119,900. Carney, speaking at the Economic Club of New York in September, said most cars shipped under the quota initially will be Teslas built in China, with "a broader range of lower-cost cars coming in over time, but in a controlled way."

Canadian officials are still debating how to divide the quota among manufacturers, including whether to cap any single company's share so one automaker cannot dominate the allowance. As of mid-September, importers had used roughly 15,600 of the year's allocation — less than a third.

BYD and Zeekr build Canadian footprints

The manufacturer most openly preparing for the quota era is BYD. The company is planning roughly 20 sales locations with partners in Canada, according to an adviser who spoke with Bloomberg. Its hiring push has begun in earnest: ten management positions are now advertised through BYD North America in Toronto, spanning sales, marketing, dealer development, finance, aftersales, and operations — with listings drawing more than 100 applications each within 24 hours.

Zeekr, Geely's premium brand, has posted six senior leadership roles of its own. The job descriptions point to a traditional dealership network rather than Tesla-style direct sales. Industry reporting suggests both companies' consumer launches may now slip to 2027 as the quota system's per-manufacturer uncertainty complicates planning.

Geely confirms 2027 launch timeline

Days after the Vancouver arrival, Geely Auto Group formally announced its Canadian entry with a Markham, Ontario headquarters and a 2027 commercial launch target. The company has not yet named specific models but says its Canadian leadership team is in place and a retail/service network is being built with "experienced local partners."

What it means for Canadian buyers

Don't expect BYD or Zeekr showrooms this year. Hiring is real, but launch timing depends on quota allocations that haven't been finalized.
The first wave is luxury. Lotus Eletres and China-built Teslas set the tone early; the $35,000-and-under reserved share only phases in from 2027.
Price pressure is the point. Ottawa's own framing treats the quota as a lever for lower-cost EVs in a market where average EV prices remain well above gas equivalents.
U.S. border barrier remains. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said Chinese EVs entering Canada "won't cross the border into the U.S.," citing connected-vehicle data security rules — limiting cross-border resale value.

The next deadline to watch: Ottawa's per-manufacturer quota allocation decision, expected before year-end. Until then, the 49,000-vehicle window remains largely unfilled — and the first Chinese EVs to legally reach Canadian soil in two years are sitting in Vancouver, waiting for the market to catch up.

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Geely Confirms Canadian Market Entry for 2027, Establishes Markham Headquarters

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:08:00 GMT

Chinese automaker Geely Auto Group has formally confirmed its entry into the Canadian vehicle market, with first vehicles slated to arrive in 2027. The announcement, made October 9 via the newly launched Geely Auto Canada entity based in Markham, Ontario, makes Geely the first Chinese mass-market EV brand to commit to a Canadian launch under the revised trade framework Prime Minister Mark Carney negotiated with Beijing in January.

Leadership and network in place

Geely Auto Canada says its Canadian leadership team is now in place, led by Managing Director Bryan Wu. The company is actively building a retail and service network ahead of commercial launch, working with "experienced local partners" to support customers during and after purchase.

"Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto's international growth," Wu said in the press release. "We are entering this market with a long-term commitment, bringing our global technology and engineering capabilities to Canadian drivers while building strong local partnerships and the support customers need to feel confident in choosing Geely. We know that trust is earned over time, and we are committed to earning it here."

Models, pricing, and dealers still undisclosed

The company has not yet identified which models will come to Canada, nor has it announced pricing or dealership locations. Geely Auto produces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and gasoline-powered vehicles globally; the brand has not confirmed whether its Canadian lineup will be exclusively zero-emission or include a mix of powertrains.

Geely Auto Group sold more than 3.02 million vehicles globally in 2025, including nearly 1.69 million "new energy vehicles" (BEVs and PHEVs). Beyond its namesake brand, the group includes Zeekr, Lynk & Co., and Proton. Its parent, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, also holds interests in Volvo, Lotus, and Polestar — brands already sold in Canada.

Part of a broader Chinese wave

Geely's entry follows Ottawa's January decision to replace the 100% surtax on Chinese-made EVs with a 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff rate and an annual import quota of 49,000 vehicles, rising 6.5% per year. The changes took effect in March 2026.

Several other Chinese automakers are preparing Canadian entries: BYD is planning roughly 20 sales locations and has posted management roles in Toronto; Zeekr (Geely's premium brand) has posted six senior leadership roles; Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo brands have launched a Canadian recruitment site. Industry reporting suggests consumer launches for most may slip to 2027 as per-manufacturer quota allocations remain undecided.

What this means for Canadian buyers

New competition in the mainstream EV segment: Geely's global portfolio includes affordable BEVs like the Geometry E and Galaxy E5 — vehicles that could undercut current Canadian pricing if they arrive under the quota's affordable-vehicle provisions.
Quota mechanics: Starting in 2027, a growing share of the 49,000-vehicle quota will be reserved for vehicles costing $35,000 or less, reaching 50% of the allowance by 2030 — a deliberate mechanism to push the quota from luxury stopgap toward affordable supply.
U.S. border barrier: U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra recently stated Chinese EVs legally imported to Canada "won't cross the border into the U.S.," citing connected-vehicle data security rules. This limits North American resale value for quota-sourced vehicles.

The next milestones to watch: Ottawa's per-manufacturer quota allocation decision (expected before year-end), Geely's model and pricing announcement (likely early 2027), and whether the federal emissions standard due October 29 creates a stable national framework for all automakers.

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Tesla to nearly double Supercharger stalls in Merritt, B.C.

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Tesla is preparing a major expansion of its Supercharger network in Merritt, B.C., a small interior city that already hosts four stations with a combined 40 stalls.

According to Drive Tesla Canada, the company is building a site near the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 5A on the former Merritt Visitor Centre property. Reader photos shared with the outlet show construction is well underway with at least 32 stalls, including several pull-through stalls for vehicles towing trailers.

Why Merritt matters for EV travel

Merritt sits at the junction of several major routes, including the Coquihalla Highway that connects the Lower Mainland with the interior. It is a common charging stop for drivers heading to Kamloops, Kelowna and destinations throughout B.C.

Existing capacity: four Tesla Supercharger stations with 40 stalls
New site: estimated 32 stalls
Projected total: ~72 stalls after completion, an ~80% jump

More B.C. sites on the way

Drive Tesla reports construction is also underway on a 12-stall V4 site at Highgate Village in Burnaby, two new stations in Surrey, a site in Keremeos where work began in July, and a new Supercharger in Squamish in front of the Sea to Sky Hotel.

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Volkswagen Recalls 28,000 ID.4s in Canada Over Battery Fire Risk

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Volkswagen has issued a safety recall for approximately 28,000 ID.4 electric SUVs in Canada and the United States, citing a risk of high-voltage battery fires. The recall covers model years 2023 through 2026, with 22,524 vehicles affected in the U.S. and a comparable number in Canada.

What the recall covers

Transport Canada recall 2026-517 and NHTSA campaign 26V630 both target 2023-2026 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs supplied by SK Battery America. The defect determination date was September 23, 2026, following a field study ordered by Volkswagen's Product Safety Committee in June.

The issue: certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge above 80% may trigger thermal propagation within the high-voltage battery, which can result in a vehicle fire. Volkswagen says the root cause is still unknown.

Immediate owner guidance

Until a permanent repair is developed, Volkswagen advises all affected owners to:

Limit maximum charging to 80% state of charge
Watch for a warning sticker to be mailed for placement on the vehicle
Expect some vehicles to receive an over-the-air software update that caps charging at 80%

Dealer and owner notifications are expected on or before November 27, 2026. The final remedy remains under development, and Volkswagen has indicated this will be a phased recall.

Canada-specific details

While the NHTSA report specifies 22,524 U.S. vehicles, Transport Canada's filing covers the Canadian portion of the same global recall population. The affected vehicles were produced between January 1, 2023 and February 1, 2025.

Transport Canada's notice states that approximately 0.1% of the affected population is estimated to contain the defect. No Canadian incident counts have been publicly released, but the U.S. filing identifies 23 thermal event claims between January 2024 and August 2026.

What owners should do

ID.4 owners in Canada can check their VIN at Volkswagen Canada's recall lookup or Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

Volkswagen says a reimbursement plan will not be offered because the affected vehicles are within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.

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Tesla Begins Construction on New Kelowna Supercharger to Double City Capacity

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:17:38 GMT

Tesla has started construction on a new Supercharger station in Kelowna, British Columbia, which will double the city's electric vehicle charging capacity upon completion.

The new Supercharger is located at the Orchard Park Shopping Center at 2271 Harvey Ave. This location was previously marked as 'in development' on Tesla's map but is now confirmed to be under construction.

Third Supercharger Location for Kelowna

This will be Tesla's third Supercharger station in Kelowna. The new 16-stall V4 Supercharger joins:

An existing 8-stall V2 Supercharger behind the Best Western Plus hotel at Leckie Rd and Hwy 97
An 8-stall V3 Supercharger at the Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre in West Kelowna

With the addition of the new 16-stall station, Kelowna's total Supercharger capacity will increase from 16 stalls to 32 stalls, effectively doubling the city's charging capability for Tesla and compatible non-Tesla EVs.

Construction Progress Already Visible

Construction has progressed significantly, with several V4 Supercharger posts already installed at the site. The development was confirmed by X user Troy Ryder, who shared pictures showing the 16-stall Supercharger taking shape in the south side of the Orchard Park Shopping Center parking lot.

The new station follows Tesla's standard V4 Supercharger design, capable of delivering up to 250kW peak power per stall, though actual charging speeds will depend on vehicle capabilities and station utilization.

Strategic Location for Okanagan Travel

The Orchard Park Shopping Center location is strategically positioned to serve both local Kelowna EV owners and travelers passing through the Okanagan Valley. The site is easily accessible from Highway 97, the main north-south route through British Columbia's interior.

This expansion continues Tesla's pattern of strengthening charging infrastructure along major travel corridors, making longer electric vehicle trips more convenient for residents and visitors alike.

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Tesla Begins Construction on 12-Stall Supercharger in Montreal's Saint-Leonard Neighbourhood

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:17:38 GMT

Tesla has begun construction on a new Supercharger station in Montreal, Quebec, which will add 12 stalls to the city's charging network upon completion.

The new Supercharger is being built at Carrefour Carnaval, located directly off the Autoroute 40 eastbound service road near the Boulevard Langelier exit, at 6675 Rue Jean-Talon East in the Saint-Leonard neighbourhood.

Construction Follows Previous Planning Efforts

The Montreal project has been on Tesla’s radar for some time. The location appeared on Tesla’s Find Us map with an “In Development” label in October 2024, though the pin disappeared during negotiations before returning in an August 2026 update.

Construction is now underway, as confirmed by Supercharger tracker Marco RPi, who shared videos showing early work at the site.

Part of Quebec’s Expanding Charging Network

The Montreal station follows several recent additions to Tesla’s Quebec charging network:

In March 2026, Tesla opened stations in Laval (16 V4 stalls) and Quebec City’s Carrefour Neufchâtel (12 stalls), adding a combined 28 stalls to the province.
On September 29, 2026, Tesla opened a 24-stall station in Mont-Tremblant, which was marked as the home of its 3,000th Canadian Supercharger stall.

With the Montreal site under construction, Quebec continues to see steady growth along major travel corridors, helping to fill gaps and make longer electric vehicle trips easier across the province.

Access for Non-Tesla EVs

Like other recent Tesla Superchargers, the Montreal station will be accessible to compatible non-Tesla electric vehicles using a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter.

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Polestar Posts Record Q3 Sales but Growth Slows Outside the U.S.

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Polestar has recorded its strongest third quarter ever with 14,371 global deliveries, a 1% increase over Q3 2025. However, the regional breakdown reveals a growing divergence: excluding the United States, sales fell 8% to 12,211 vehicles.

By the numbers

Market	Q3 2025	Q3 2026	Change
Global	14,222	14,371	+1%
Excluding U.S.	13,256	12,211	−8%
U.S. only	966	2,160	+124%

Nine-month totals show the same pattern: global sales of 44,790 are up just 0.6%, while non-U.S. sales slipped 0.5% to 40,773. The U.S. market accounted for all of Polestar's overall quarterly growth.

U.S. exit looms for 2027

The U.S. sales surge is somewhat surprising given Polestar's planned exit from the American market. As previously reported, Polestar will end new vehicle sales in the U.S. beginning with the 2027 model year after being denied authorization under the Connected Vehicle Rule. Existing inventory can still be sold, but the company's growth strategy now increasingly depends on other markets, including Canada.

"We delivered our best third quarter despite increasingly challenging market conditions," said CEO Michael Lohscheller.

New models coming to Canada

Polestar has started customer deliveries of its flagship Polestar 5 GT, while the new Polestar 4 SUV adds a more conventional alternative to the existing coupe-styled lineup. For Canadian buyers, the Polestar 4 brings back a rear window and offers additional passenger and cargo space. Polestar previously said Canadian deliveries were expected in Q4 2026, with local pricing still to be announced.

What this means for Canadian buyers

With the U.S. market closing to new Polestar sales after 2026, Canada becomes one of the brand's most important markets globally. The Polestar 4 and Polestar 5 will need to carry the growth that U.S. sales previously provided. Canadian pricing for both models remains unannounced, but the timing of Q4 Polestar 4 deliveries suggests the brand is prioritizing markets where it has regulatory certainty.

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Mitsubishi Lowers 2026 Outlander PHEV Base Price to $46,998 — Now EVAP Eligible

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada has officially lowered the starting MSRP of the 2026 Outlander PHEV by $3,000, making the base ES S-AWC trim now start at $46,998. The change, effective October 2026, converts what had been a temporary monthly discount into the new permanent price.

The price change

Previous MSRP: $49,998 (ES S-AWC)
New MSRP: $46,998 (ES S-AWC)
Reduction: $3,000

Prices for the rest of the 2026 Outlander PHEV lineup remain unchanged: SE S-AWC at $52,598, LE S-AWC at $54,798, SEL S-AWC at $57,598, GT S-AWC at $60,598, GT Premium S-AWC at $61,698, and GT Noir S-AWC at $63,048. All prices exclude fees and levies.

Why this matters for EVAP eligibility

The new base price is significant because it brings the Outlander PHEV under the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) price cap of $50,000 for plug-in hybrids — but only at the base ES S-AWC trim before fees.

EVAP offers up to $2,500 toward eligible plug-in hybrid purchases or leases, provided the selling price doesn't exceed $50,000. The previous $49,998 MSRP would have exceeded the cap once dealer fees and levies were added. At $46,998, there's now roughly $3,000 of headroom for fees while staying eligible.

Context: from temporary to permanent

Mitsubishi Canada had been offering a $3,000 temporary discount on the Outlander PHEV since May 2026, extending it month to month. The October announcement makes that discounted price the new regular MSRP for the 2026 model year closeout.

The Outlander PHEV has been Canada's top-selling plug-in hybrid for three consecutive years (2022-2024), and the price reduction aims to maintain that momentum heading into the 2027 model year.

2026 Outlander PHEV highlights

The 2026 model received a mid-cycle refresh including:

Battery capacity increased 18% to 22.7 kWh, raising all-electric range to 72 km (from 61 km)
Electric+gasoline consumption improved to 3.2 Le/100 km (from 3.6)
Gasoline-only efficiency improved to 8.6/8.6/8.6 L/100 km city/highway/combined
New 12.3-inch centre display and standard Yamaha audio system across all trims

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BMW iX4 Arrives in Canada from $79,900 with Up to 680 km Range

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

BMW is expanding its Neue Klasse electric lineup in Canada with the new iX4, an electric SUV coupe that slots between the iX3 and the flagship i7. The iX4 50 xDrive starts at $79,900 and delivers up to 680 km of estimated range with charging speeds up to 400 kW.

Pricing and positioning

The iX4 50 xDrive carries a $79,900 starting MSRP in Canada, positioning it $4,000 above the iX3 which launched earlier at $74,900. An M60 xDrive performance variant with 603 horsepower will follow later in 2027; Canadian pricing for that model has not been announced. Both versions will be built at BMW's Debrecen, Hungary plant alongside the iX3.

Powertrain and performance

iX4 50 xDrive: Dual-motor all-wheel drive, 463 hp, 476 lb-ft torque, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (estimated)
iX4 M60 xDrive: 603 hp, 645 lb-ft torque, 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (estimated)

Both models use an 800-volt architecture with a 112.2 kWh battery. BMW says a suitable high-power charger can add up to 296 km of range in 10 minutes, with 10-80% charging in 21 minutes. The 680 km range figure remains preliminary and based on WLTP testing; Canadian ratings will likely be lower.

Technology and features

The iX4 debuts BMW's Panoramic iDrive system, projecting key information across the bottom of the windshield alongside a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard equipment includes an M Sport package and a full-length panoramic glass roof.

Optional bidirectional charging adapters enable vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability. The available Highway Assistant allows hands-free highway driving at speeds up to 130 km/h.

Canadian market context

With the iX3, i3 sedan, and now iX4, BMW is building out a three-model Neue Klasse portfolio for Canada. The iX4 adds a sportier coupe-SUV body style without sacrificing the fast-charging technology that makes the platform compelling for Canadian road trips. First deliveries are expected in March 2027.

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Kia Canada Will No Longer Offer the Niro After 2026

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Kia Canada has confirmed it is discontinuing the Niro subcompact SUV after the 2026 model year. The nameplate will still be sold in other markets but will not continue in Canada in 2027.

The Niro was offered in Canada as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicle. The PHEV was dropped earlier in 2026. The hybrid and EV versions remain listed for now but will be phased out following the 2026 model year.

2026 pricing for the final Canadian Niro models

Kia Niro Hybrid 2026: MSRP $30,845, about $33,730 with fees and levies.
Kia Niro EV 2026: MSRP $45,595, about $47,771 with fees and levies.

Where will Kia point buyers?

“With the launch of our Seltos HEV powertrain and EV3, we have the right mix within the segment to support the Canadian market,” a Kia Canada spokesperson said via email.

The 2027 Kia Seltos hybrid is forthcoming in Canada with pricing still to be announced. The new Kia EV3 launched in Canada for 2027 with a starting MSRP of $36,995, starting around $40,000 with fees and levies included.

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Volkswagen Reveals ID. Tiguan as ID.4 Replacement

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Volkswagen has revealed the all-new ID. Tiguan compact electric SUV, which will replace the ID.4 and ID.5 in global markets. The model will be available in some markets in early 2027, while Canadian market timing has not been announced.

The battery-electric vehicle picks up a familiar VW name, with Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer calling the ID. Tiguan one of the brand’s most important electric vehicles for the years ahead. The manufacturer said range with the larger battery is up to 600 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle, equivalent to around 514 kilometres on EPA testing.

Three powertrain options

RWD with 140-kW (188 hp) motor and 58-kWh battery
RWD with 210-kW (282 hp) motor and 77-kWh battery
4MOTION AWD with 220-kW (295 hp) and 77-kWh battery

The ID. Tiguan has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms.

Interior highlights

The ID. Tiguan features a triple-display layout with a 10-inch driver display, 15-inch centre infotainment screen and an available 12-inch front passenger display with privacy mode. Physical HVAC controls return, and the car offers two Qi2 wireless charging points with magnetic rings.

Design cues follow Volkswagen’s Pure Positive language, and a retro display option lets drivers choose digital instrument clusters modeled after classic Golf and Tiguan generations.

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Tesla Adds Model Y V2L in Canada, Then Quietly Removes It Less Than 24 Hours Later

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:25:00 GMT

Tesla has once again created confusion over Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) availability in Canada. Less than 24 hours after adding the feature to the Model Y Premium AWD and Performance variants on its Canadian website, the company has quietly removed it from both variants.

What happened

Screenshots captured by Drive Tesla Canada on Thursday evening showed both Model Y Premium AWD and Performance variants supporting “Vehicle to load (120V 20A AC) with charge port and Outlet Adapter.” This would have allowed owners to draw up to 2.4 kW of power from the vehicle’s battery through an Outlet Adapter connected to the charging port.

By Friday afternoon, that wording had been removed from Tesla’s Canadian website for both variants.

Context and confusion

As reported yesterday, Tesla had updated its Canadian Model Y lineup with new features, including V2L capability for the Premium All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant. However, the sudden reversal raises questions about whether Tesla accidentally published the feature—essentially a copy-and-paste error from launches elsewhere—and whether the Canadian Model Y was ever V2L compatible in the first place.

Tesla has already introduced V2L on the Model Y in other markets, including in the U.S. and China over the past week. The unannounced change is even more frustrating because similar specification errors have occurred earlier this year on the Model Y Performance and Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive variants.

What drivers should know

For now, Tesla’s Canadian website no longer lists V2L capability on any Model Y variant. Whether that changes again remains to be seen, but Drive Tesla Canada will update this story if Tesla provides more information.

Canadian buyers who may have placed an order based on the specifications displayed before they were removed should seek clarification from Tesla before finalizing their purchase.

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BC Hydro Opens 350 kW EV Charging Hub in Hope

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

BC Hydro has switched on its first dedicated ultra-fast EV charging hub in Hope, delivering the highest-powered chargers in its provincial network and giving drivers on Highways 1, 3 and 5 a significant boost in convenience and charging speed.

Location and power

The hub is located at the Esso Gas Station and Silver Creek Travel Centre at 19700 Klassen Road, beside Tesla’s 24-stall Supercharger. The site features four 350 kW chargers, each capable of adding roughly 100 kilometres of range in about five minutes.

With power sharing, each unit can support two EVs simultaneously at up to 175 kW, allowing as many as eight vehicles to charge at once.

Network growth

Over the past year BC Hydro has tripled the size of its network, adding 418 new charging ports and opening roughly two dozen new multi-port hubs across B.C. The network now includes 753 ports at 170 sites, with a target of 800 ports by spring 2026.

The Hope hub is a preview of what’s ahead. BC Hydro plans to introduce its first 400 kW charger later this year, capable of adding 100 km of range in as little as three minutes.

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Ford EV Sales Sink 80% in Q3 2026 as Mach-E and Lightning Struggle

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Ford’s electric vehicle sales kept sliding in the third quarter of 2026, falling 80% compared with a record quarter a year ago, with all of its remaining EVs posting significant declines.

U.S. sales numbers

Ford sold 6,047 EVs in Q3 2026, down 80.2% from 30,612 in Q3 2025 and 38% from the 9,746 delivered in Q2 2026.

Last year’s comparison is distorted by a rush to beat the U.S. federal tax credit expiry on September 30, 2025. The quarter-on-quarter fall shows the slowdown goes beyond a one-time effect.

EVs accounted for 1.2% of Ford’s U.S. sales in Q3, down from 5.6% a year earlier.

Model breakdown

Mustang Mach-E: 5,574 units, -72.4% from 20,177 in Q3 2025; -20.7% from 7,032 in Q2 2026.
F-150 Lightning: 289 units, -97.1% from 10,005 a year ago and -88% from 2,421 in Q2. Production of the battery-electric Lightning ended in late 2025.
E-Transit: 184 units, -57.2% from 430 in Q3 2025.

Through September, Ford has sold 22,653 EVs in the U.S., down 67.5% from 69,600 in the same period of 2025. Hybrids declined 19.7% to 44,308, helped by Maverick Hybrid record deliveries of 27,793 units.

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2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback Priced From $48,998 in Canada

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Mitsubishi has announced a starting price of $48,998 for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback electric crossover in Canada. The brand says the model will make its Canadian debut in November, marking its return to battery electric vehicles in the country.

Price and warranty

The base price puts the Eclipse Sportback under the $50,000 cap for the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, qualifying buyers for the full $5,000 rebate in 2026. Quebec shoppers can add a provincial rebate of up to $2,000.

Starting MSRP: $48,998 CAD
Five-year/100,000 km new vehicle warranty
10-year/160,000 km powertrain and battery warranty
Five years of unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance

Powertrain and charging

Mitsubishi says the Eclipse Sportback shares a 75 kWh battery with the redesigned Nissan LEAF, with a rated range up to 454 km. Home and Level 2 charging use a J1772 port, while fast charging uses a built-in NACS port with a CCS adapter offered by dealers.

Model positioning

The Eclipse Sportback is positioned as a Nissan LEAF alternative. The Nissan 75 kWh LEAF S+ is priced from $45,198 in Canada with an estimated range of 488 km, undercutting the Mitsubishi by $3,800 on paper.

Adding the Technology Package raises the price to $54,098, though Mitsubishi has not detailed its contents.

What’s next

The Eclipse Sportback kicks off Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan to roll out at least one all-new or heavily reworked model annually through 2030.

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Nearly Half of Canadians Lean Toward EVs, Price and Selection Still Hold Back Buyers

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Nearly half of Canadians are leaning toward an electric vehicle for their next purchase, according to Abacus Data’s latest survey for Clean Energy Canada. The poll puts EV interest at 48% in October 2026, up from 45% in April.

Key findings

48% of Canadians now lean toward an EV, up from 45% in April
Interest is highest among 18- to 29-year-olds at 67%
42% of EV-inclined buyers may wait for more Chinese models; 37% cite a lack of electric pickups
69% want public chargers to accept debit or credit without an app

Awareness gaps

Among those not certain between gas and electric, 60% were at least somewhat aware of new EVs priced $30,000 to $40,000, but only 20% were very aware. Awareness of used EVs priced $20,000 to $30,000 was 52% overall and 14% very aware.

Broader ownership cost knowledge was higher: 69% knew EVs are cheaper to own and drive, and 62% knew about the $5,000 federal rebate for eligible new vehicles.

Market preferences

When asked about market influence, 47% supported European influence versus 21% for U.S. influence after considering effects on brands, models, sizes and EV choices.

On public charging, 69% supported requiring chargers to accept debit or credit payments without an app, rising to 75% among EV-inclined Canadians.

Abacus surveyed 2,762 adults online from September 18 to 23 and weighted responses to reflect Canada’s population.

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Tesla Supercharger Under Construction in Deschambault, Quebec

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Tesla is adding another charging stop along Quebec’s Highway 40, with a new Supercharger now under construction at Restaurant Le Chavigny in Deschambault. The site sits between Trois-Rivières and Quebec City and would fill a gap on the Portneuf corridor.

Site details

The location appeared on Tesla’s Find Us map earlier this week. Le Chavigny announced the start of construction in a Facebook post, confirming it is working with Tesla to bring several fast-charging stalls to the property at 11 Rue des Pins, just off Exit 254.

Address: 11 Rue des Pins, Deschambault, QC
Expected activation: before end of 2026
Stalls: not officially confirmed; an image shared by the restaurant suggests up to 16 stalls

Route context

The restaurant offers highway access and on-site dining, making it a convenient stop for longer drives through the region. Deschambault joins other recent Quebec Supercharger projects, including Montcerf-Lytton, Montreal, and Brownsburg, which also began construction this week.

Tesla recently opened a 24-stall location in Mont-Tremblant on September 29 featuring the company’s 3,000th Canadian Supercharger.

What drivers should know

Construction is underway and timing remains tentative. As with recent sites, official stall count and power level will be confirmed when Tesla updates the location profile.

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Tesla Canada ordered to pay $161,700 after Model X fire in Montreal

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:10:00 GMT

Tesla Canada has been ordered to reimburse insurer Intact $161,700 over a 2020 Model X that caught fire in Montreal, according to the Quebec Superior Court decision released October 9, 2026.

Sacha De Santis was driving the Model X in Ahuntsic-Cartierville around 1 a.m. on March 5, 2023 when he noticed a smell of smoke from inside the vehicle shortly after switching on the heat. He stopped, left the car, and within about five minutes it was engulfed in flames and declared a total loss. A 2023 police investigation found no sign of a crime.

Court ruling

Intact paid $161,700 for the write-off and sued Tesla Canada, arguing the Model X was still covered by Tesla’s basic vehicle warranty, which provides coverage for four years or 80,000 kilometres. An expert report presented to Quebec Superior Court indicated the fire originated near the passenger-side dashboard, with a premature electrical failure considered the probable cause.

During proceedings, a Tesla employee suggested vehicle fires were generally associated with misuse or deliberate damage. Justice Ian Demers rejected Tesla’s application to overturn the default judgment Intact had secured in June, finding the company failed to provide supporting evidence or raise a sufficiently credible defence.

The ruling turned down Tesla’s bid to overturn a default judgment; it was not a full trial on the cause of the fire. Tesla Canada has not publicly commented on the ruling, and the period for filing an appeal had not expired at the time of publication.

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