Charge News Canada

Canada proposes raising the EV luxury tax threshold to $150,000

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The Canadian government has proposed raising the federal luxury tax threshold for fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles from $100,000 to $150,000. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the change on Thursday, with the higher threshold taking effect Friday, subject to parliamentary approval, according to the Department of Finance Canada.

How the luxury tax works

Canada's federal luxury tax applies to qualifying passenger vehicles valued above $100,000. The tax is calculated as the lesser of 10% of the vehicle's full taxable value or 20% of the amount exceeding the threshold. Under the proposal, the calculation stays the same — the $150,000 threshold simply applies to eligible zero-emission vehicles. Gasoline-powered vehicles and other vehicles not covered by the proposal remain subject to the existing $100,000 threshold.

The government says the change is meant to reflect the higher starting prices of zero-emission vehicles, which have generally sat above the line that gas equivalents clear comfortably.

Who benefits most

The bigger threshold moves the line that separates a taxed vehicle from an untaxed one. At the proposed $150,000, several premium EVs that currently trigger the luxury tax would clear it at their starting prices:

Lucid Air Touring — starts at $112,800, below the new threshold
Lucid Gravity Touring — starts at $113,500, below the new threshold
Lucid Gravity Grand Touring — starts at $139,500, below the new threshold
Rivian R1T and R1S — Canadian configurations priced below $150,000

Buyers of more expensive models, including the $161,200 Lucid Air Grand Touring, would see their tax bills reduced rather than eliminated.

What it means for Tesla buyers

For Tesla, the change has limited impact. The Model S and Model X were discontinued earlier this year, and the Cybertruck presents a unique situation as production nears its end. The Cybertruck Premium AWD was last listed at $139,990 before Tesla stopped accepting new orders, and the Cyberbeast remained available at $167,990. If the luxury tax applied to those starting prices, the proposed change would reduce the Premium AWD's tax from $7,998 to zero, while the Cyberbeast's tax would fall from $13,598 to $3,598.

The proposal is not yet law. It takes effect Friday only if Parliament approves it, and the Department of Finance has not published a detailed transition guide. Canadian buyers shopping for a premium EV above the current $100,000 line should confirm the applicable threshold with their dealer at the time of purchase.

Canadians can check every available purchase incentive, including federal and provincial rebates, in our complete EV rebates guide.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla FSD Referral Program Now Live in Canada — What Owners Need to Know

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tesla North America confirmed on November 12 that its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) referral program is now available in Canada and Mexico, expanding the software-only rewards first introduced in the U.S. on October 29. In a post on X, the Tesla NA account shared its original U.S. announcement with the update: "Now available in Canada & Mexico."

How the referral program works

Eligible referrers must either subscribe to FSD (Supervised) or have purchased it outright. A referred friend receives a one-month FSD trial, and the referrer earns a reward only if that friend converts to a paid subscription during the trial period. Simply sharing the link does not earn a reward.

Rewards follow the same structure as the U.S. program:

FSD subscribers: one free month of FSD (Supervised) per successful referral
Outright FSD owners: US$99 in Tesla Credits per successful referral (Canadian-dollar equivalent to be confirmed in-app)

Referrers can earn up to 12 rewards per calendar year, with the cap resetting on January 1. Rewards appear as "pending" in the Tesla app until the grant date, and each reward expires 12 months after that date.

Eligibility and requirements

Per Tesla's published terms, the referred recipient must have an eligible vehicle and must not have subscribed to FSD or redeemed an FSD trial in the previous 12 months. Participation also depends on the account's registered market. One-year complimentary FSD grantees are excluded from both sides of the referral.

Owners need Tesla app version 4.62.0 or newer. The referral section is accessible via the top-right menu → "Refer and Earn" → FSD tab, alongside solar referrals and referral history.

What changed from the U.S.-only launch

When the program launched on October 29, it was explicitly U.S.-only — our October coverage noted Canada was excluded with no stated timeline. The November 12 expansion closes that gap for Canadian and Mexican owners. Tesla has not published separate Canadian-dollar credit amounts for outright-ownership referrals, so owners in that tier should check the benefit displayed in their app.

FSD (Supervised) remains a driver-assistance system, not an autonomous driving service. Drivers must stay attentive and remain responsible for the vehicle throughout the trial period.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Wall Connector Hits $885 CAD — Fourth Price Hike in 2026

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tesla has quietly raised the price of its home charging hardware again. The standard Wall Connector now costs $885 in Canada, up from $815, while the Universal Wall Connector — which includes a built-in J1772 adapter for non-Tesla EVs — has climbed past the $1,000 mark. This marks the fourth price increase in the standard unit this year.

The 2026 price ladder

Here is how the standard Wall Connector has moved through 2026 in CAD terms:

Early 2026: $760 (after a spring bump from $630)
July 2026: $815
September 2026: $815 (Universal moved to $945)
November 2026: $885 (Universal now above $1,000)

On the U.S. side, the standard unit went from $450 at the start of the year to $635 — a 41 percent jump in under twelve months. Tesla has not offered a public explanation, though rising copper costs are widely cited as a likely factor.

Still worth it for Canadian drivers?

The Wall Connector delivers up to 11.5 kW (roughly 44 km of range per hour), pairs with the Tesla app for Wi-Fi connectivity, remote diagnostics, and access controls, and recently gained smart-charging features for Powerwall owners. For full-time Tesla owners in Canada, the hardware still outperforms a Level 1 cord by a wide margin, but the sticker price now rivals a mid-range third-party charger.

Worth noting: Tesla's store still requires a registered vehicle account to purchase a Wall Connector, and financing starts around $58 USD per month. If you are comparing options, the home EV charger installation cost guide breaks down total installed costs across provinces, including installation labour that typically adds $500 to $1,500 on top of the hardware.

For drivers weighing whether to buy a Tesla at all, the charging hardware cost is just one line item. Check the complete EV rebates guide to see how federal and provincial incentives stack before you budget for a home charger.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Removes Entry-Level Model Y AWD from Configurator; Premium Trims Sold Out for 2026

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The cheapest way to buy an all-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y is gone. Tesla has removed the $41,990 Model Y AWD from its U.S. order page, less than a year after launching the trim, according to NotATeslaApp citing @SawyerMerritt on X. The company has not publicly explained why it pulled the trim or whether it will return.

A short run for the Model Y AWD

Tesla launched the Model Y AWD in February 2026, adding a dual-motor option to the lower-cost lineup that had been branded the Model Y Standard. At the same time, Tesla dropped the "Standard" name, leaving the lineup as Model Y (RWD/AWD), Model Y Premium (RWD/AWD), and Model Y Performance.

The Model Y AWD was priced at $2,000 more than the $39,990 RWD and matched the Premium AWD's 4.6-second 0-60 mph time. It had the lowest range in the lineup at 294 miles and came with the same stripped-back interior as the RWD — fabric seats, a 7-speaker sound system, manual steering column adjustment, and no rear screen.

Premium trims sold out for 2026

Tesla also updated its delivery windows. All Model Y Premium trims are now sold out for 2026, with new orders showing delivery estimates of January to March 2027, up from December 2026 to January 2027.

The six-seat Model Y L has also slipped again. New orders now show February to April 2027 deliveries, up from January to March 2027. Tesla had already pushed back some Model Y L orders after its U.S. launch this summer.

Tesla keeps trimming its lineup

This is the latest in a string of recent lineup cuts. The Model S and Model X were discontinued earlier this year, and Tesla recently announced it will end Cybertruck production in 2027 to make room for more Cybercabs. It has also stopped taking orders for the two cheapest Cybertruck trims, leaving the top-spec Cyberbeast as the only one available.

With Model Y Premium orders already pushed into 2027, Tesla may simply be focusing production capacity on higher-priced trims. The Model Y RWD remains the only entry-level trim, and the cheapest all-wheel-drive option is now the Premium AWD at $49,990 — $8,000 more than the base AWD was.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

UAW Urges Congress to Lock Down Chinese EV Access Before the Window Closes

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The United Auto Workers is pushing congressional leaders to make the ban on Chinese automakers permanent and statutory before year-end, arguing that executive-order-based restrictions can be reversed by a single presidential decision. The union's letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warns that "autoworkers cannot afford any lapse in Congress's attention on this issue."

What the coalition is asking for

The UAW's concerns span three areas:

Global EV overcapacity — Chinese automakers are producing far more than domestic demand can absorb, creating pressure to export at prices that undercut Western manufacturers.
Chinese ownership of Western automakers — equity stakes in established brands (Geely's majority hold in Volvo, which assembles in South Carolina; near-20% Chinese ownership of Mercedes-Benz, which builds in Alabama) complicate any simple "ban on Chinese brands" rule.
Offshoring risk — the possibility that U.S.-based plants could shift production or sourcing to China.

The legislative vehicle

The Connected Vehicle Security Act, co-authored by Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, has cleared the Senate Commerce Committee. Moreno has said he is "really, really close" to a deal and hopes for a Senate vote as early as the following week. A lobbying group representing GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, and other major U.S. automakers is pressing for the work to be finished this year.

Where the coalition splits

The current rule, introduced under the Biden administration in early 2025, already effectively bars Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the U.S., backed by tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese-made EVs. The new push is about making that restriction legally permanent so it survives changes in administration.

The internal debate is over how far the ban should go:

The UAW wants a blanket restriction on any Chinese ownership involvement.
Some legislative proposals would restrict brands in which Chinese entities hold more than 15% equity.
Ford has pitched a framework allowing Chinese automakers to enter only through joint ventures where a U.S. partner holds at least 51%, inverting the model China long imposed on foreign carmakers. Ford has already agreed to build vehicles for Geely at its idle Valencia, Spain plant from 2028, and dismissed reports of a specific JV with Xiaomi.
GM is lobbying against any joint-venture framework, viewing it as a back door for low-cost Chinese rivals.

Why it matters for Canadian buyers

Canada's 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff on Chinese-built EVs (under the 49,000-vehicle annual quota) keeps Chinese models technically accessible. A tighter U.S. statutory ban would signal a firmer North American regulatory posture, but Canada's quota system operates independently. For Canadian buyers, the near-term effect is limited; the longer-term signal is that the regulatory floor under which Chinese EVs can compete in North America is being formalised, potentially reducing future price competition from Chinese brands in the Canadian market.

For the broader policy picture, see our coverage of the Chinese EV import quota and Ford's Brampton pushback.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Honda CR-V Goes 100% Hybrid for 2028: America's Best-Selling SUV Ditches the Gas-Only Option

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Honda has confirmed that the seventh-generation CR-V, arriving as a 2028 model, will be offered exclusively with a two-motor hybrid powertrain. The gas-only variant is gone. For a vehicle on pace to top 400,000 U.S. sales for a third consecutive year, that is a decisive bet on hybrid demand.

Hybrids are already the majority

The decision is not a surprise in hindsight. Hybrid variants already account for more than 50% of CR-V sales and roughly 30% of total Honda brand sales in North America. Luis Guerra, Assistant Vice President of Honda National Auto Sales, framed the move plainly: "With a 100% hybrid powertrain, the next-generation Honda CR-V will further expand the appeal of America's most popular SUV as demand for hybrid-electric vehicles reaches record levels."

What's under the hood

The new fifth-generation hybrid system widens the operating band in which the engine runs at peak efficiency and adds a new electric all-wheel-drive unit. Honda targets a fuel-economy improvement of more than 10% over the current hybrid CR-V. The platform is modular, with increased body rigidity at lower weight and greater parts commonality across the lineup.

Where it will be built

Hybrid powertrains: Honda's Ohio transmission plant, where system capacity is set to rise by 250%
Engines: The Anna Engine Plant is being retooled for a new four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle unit
Vehicle assembly: Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, and Honda's Indiana plant

Since 2006, more than seven million CR-Vs have been built in North America, roughly half in the U.S.

Why this matters for Canadian buyers

Following Toyota's decision to make the RAV4 hybrid-only, Honda's move signals that the hybrid is becoming the baseline powertrain for high-volume compact SUVs in North America. With U.S. fuel-economy penalties effectively eliminated, the shift is driven by consumer demand rather than regulatory compliance.

One caveat: removing the cheaper combustion entry point could push the CR-V's starting price higher at a time when affordability pressure is a top concern for buyers. Honda will need the new modular platform's parts commonality to keep the price competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.

The CR-V is the first of several new hybrids Honda plans to bring to North America by 2030. For Canadian shoppers, that means a deeper bench of efficient, lower-emission options in the segment that dominates new-vehicle sales here.

Compare current hybrid and EV incentives in your province in our EV rebates guide, or check how much you could save versus a gas-only SUV in our charging-cost calculator.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

VW Anhui Freezes New EV Model Launches Through 2028 as ID. UNYX Sales Disappoint

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Volkswagen's Chinese EV joint venture, Volkswagen Anhui, has no new models planned for 2027 or 2028, according to an internal document reviewed by Reuters. The freeze comes after the ID. UNYX series sold just 11,360 vehicles in the first nine months of 2026, against a 2027 sales target of 128,000 — a gap that underscores the difficulty Western OEMs face in China's hyper-competitive EV segment.

The numbers tell the story

An internal document dated late October shows VW Anhui plans to produce 33,000 ID. UNYX vehicles this year. The 2027 target of 128,000 units implies a roughly fourfold year-over-year jump that the current lineup does not support. A planned 2028 crossover entry has also been shelved.

The current ID. UNYX lineup comprises four models:

ID. UNYX 06 — all-electric SUV
ID. UNYX 07 — sedan
ID. UNYX 08 — SUV (co-developed with Xpeng)
ID. UNYX 09 — sedan (co-developed with Xpeng; launched at a limited-time price of ¥169,900 / ~$25,290)

Price cuts and rapid refreshes have not been enough

VW Anhui has resorted to aggressive discounting and rapid model updates to stimulate demand. In September the ID. UNYX 08 was refreshed just five months after launch, with a limited-time starting price 17.4% below its April debut price. In October, the ID. UNYX 06 and 07 received updates adding LiDAR-based driver assistance and lower entry prices. Yet none of these moves have closed the gap between production plans and actual sales.

What VW China is doing instead

Rather than launching new models, VW China says it is focused on expanding and optimising the dealer network, including a "store-in-store" arrangement with FAW-Volkswagen that lets selected FAW dealers display and sell VW Anhui models. The company also committed to introducing 30 new energy vehicle (NEV) models across China through 2029, though it stopped short of confirming any all-new VW Anhui names for the next two years.

What this means for the broader market

The freeze is a clear signal that even a joint venture backed by a major European OEM and a local partner (Anhui Jianghuai / JAC, in which VW holds a 75% stake since 2020) cannot offset the pace of Chinese domestic innovation. For Canadian and global buyers, the takeaway is that the EV product cycle in China is accelerating while Western OEMs struggle to keep up. Expect continued price pressure from Chinese EVs — including those entering Canada under the 6.1% most-favoured-nation quota — to intensify through 2027.

For Canadian EV buyers weighing a purchase, the competitive landscape is shifting in favour of value. Our complete EV rebates guide covers every federal and provincial incentive available right now.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Carney Heads to APEC to Push EV Manufacturing Ties with China

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to raise electric-vehicle manufacturing and automotive-sector cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit next week, following a stop in Dublin for the European Political Community gathering. According to reporting from CnEVPost and Quartz on November 12, the EV manufacturing agenda is a key pillar of Canada's Asia leg, which also includes summits in the Philippines and Cambodia.

What is on the table

The Carney government's stated goal is to deepen bilateral ties in the auto sector beyond the existing 49,000-vehicle-per-year import quota that took effect in January 2026. The quota, struck during Carney's January visit to Beijing, allows Chinese-built EVs (primarily Teslas from Shanghai, with BYD, Zeekr, and Lotus following) to enter Canada at a 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff instead of the 100% surtax that had blocked the market since October 2024.

Quota usage has been slow — only about 31% of the 49,000 permits had been drawn down as of mid-September, largely because Chinese automakers were still navigating Canada's safety certification process. The APEC talks are expected to address certification timelines, potential local assembly or joint-venture structures, and the quota's built-in ratchet that shifts the allocation toward vehicles priced at $35,000 or below, reaching 50% of the total by 2030.

Political context

The visit lands amid a broader realignment of Canada's trade strategy. Carney has been courting both the EU (with associate-membership talks in Dublin) and Asia to diversify away from U.S. dependence following the 50% auto tariffs imposed under the U.S. trade framework. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly warned Ottawa against allowing Chinese EV kits to be assembled at the Brampton plant, a flashpoint that could complicate the APEC agenda if it touches on in-Canadian manufacturing.

Carney's environment minister will also be active at COP31 in Turkey, where electrification is a major theme, linking the diplomatic trip to Canada's broader clean-energy policy push.

What Canadian EV buyers should watch

Any announcement on accelerating safety-certification timelines for Chinese EV models
Signals on the 2027 quota composition shift toward sub-$35,000 vehicles
Whether local assembly or battery-joint-venture language appears in a joint statement
Provincial reactions, particularly Ontario's stance on Brampton-plant involvement

The outcome of the APEC talks will shape whether the Chinese-EV quota moves from a trickle to a meaningful supply channel for Canadian buyers in 2027 — and whether the affordable-EV segment gains serious competition beyond the current Tesla and legacy-OEM lineup.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Lakeland EV Charging Launches Home Charging Rewards Program with SWTCH

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Lakeland EV Charging, an Ontario-based charging network operator, has partnered with SWTCH to launch a home-charging rewards program aimed at Canadian EV owners nationwide. The offer bundles a Level 2 home charger — available in J1772 or NACS, plug-in or hardwired — with ongoing cashback on every kilowatt-hour charged at home, according to the company's November 12 announcement.

How the program works

Enrolled participants pay a $300 refundable deposit plus $30 in shipping. Installation costs (if a licensed electrician is required) are the homeowner's responsibility. Once the charger is installed and paired with the SWTCH app, the owner earns $0.03 per kWh for home charging. After the first 1,500 kWh are logged, the deposit is refunded automatically and the rate steps up to $0.11 per kWh. Payouts hit the driver's bank account once the balance reaches $100.

Charger: up to 11.5 kW, 7.62 m cable, Wi-Fi connectivity
Connector options: J1772 or NACS
Configuration: plug-in or hardwired
Rebate: $300 deposit refunded after 1,500 kWh
Cashback: 3¢/kWh → 11¢/kWh post-rebate

Where the money comes from

SWTCH monetizes the carbon credits generated when a participating driver charges at home under Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations. The carbon credits are sold to fuel producers, and a portion of that revenue is passed back to the driver as the per-kWh rebate. In other words, the homeowner is effectively being paid a small share of the carbon price that the fuel industry must pay.

Canadian angle and fit

The program is open to EV owners across all provinces, not just Ontario residents or Lakeland public-charging users. For a typical household doing roughly 1,200 kWh of home charging per month, the post-rebate 11¢/kWh rate translates to approximately C$132 per month in cashback, or about C$1,584 per year. That is a meaningful offset against the C$500–C$800 installation cost of a Level 2 charger and positions the program as one of the most generous home-charging incentive stacks available in Canada right now.

Lakeland is simultaneously expanding its public DC fast-charging network in Ontario, so the home-charging rewards program also serves as a customer-acquisition tool for its broader charging ecosystem. The move puts Lakeland in direct competition with existing rewards programs from Grizzl-E, FLO, and WattsApp, all of which currently target the Canadian home-charging market.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Megacharger Network Nearly Doubles to Nine Locations in One Month

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Tesla's public Megawatt Charging System (MCS) network has nearly doubled in a single month. The company opened a new six-stall Megacharger in Hodgkins, Illinois — delivering up to 1.2 MW per stall — while three additional locations appeared on its official map in Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah, according to Tesla Charging's announcement on November 11 and a review of the Tesla "Find Us" map.

The new sites at a glance

Hodgkins, Illinois — 6 Megachargers, up to 1.2 MW (officially announced)
Urbandale, Iowa — 7 Megachargers, the largest of the four new sites
Ogallala, Nebraska — 2 Megachargers, up to 1.2 MW
Riverdale, Utah — 2 Megachargers, currently listed at 414 kW maximum

The network went from five operational locations in October to nine this week, spanning California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. The Georgia stations — the first on the East Coast — opened in late October, and the Illinois site marks Tesla's first Megacharger in the Midwest.

Why the pace matters

The rapid build-out is directly tied to Tesla's Semi truck rollout in the U.S. HMD Trucking recently received its first of a 50-truck Semi order in Chicago, and Tesla Semi announced on Wednesday that "Chicago's first 50 Semis" were en route for delivery to an unnamed fleet. The Megacharger network is the enabling infrastructure: at 1.2 MW, a Semi can recover roughly 60% of its range in about 30 minutes — a fraction of the time required at a standard DC fast-charger for a Class 8 battery pack exceeding 1,000 kWh.

What it means for Canadian fleets

While no Canadian Megacharger sites have been announced yet, the U.S. expansion pattern is instructive. Cross-border freight corridors through Chicago, Windsor, and the Trans-Canada Highway corridor will increasingly see electric trucking as a viable option. Tesla has previously confirmed pre-assembled MCS units for Canadian deployment, and the U.S. network's near-doubling in a single month suggests the company is moving faster than its earlier timelines implied. Canadian fleet operators evaluating electric conversions on the U.S. side of their routes should note that charging availability along the Chicago corridor is now materially better than it was two months ago.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Lucid CEO Admits Company 'Didn't Even Know Where Cars Were' — Delivery Delays Cost Orders

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Lucid Motors CEO Silvio Napoli made a blunt admission on the company's Q3 2026 earnings call: the automaker could not locate its own vehicles during the first part of the quarter. "So beginning of Q3, we struggled because, and I have to say this, we didn't even know where cars were," Napoli told investors during the Monday conference call.

What went wrong

According to Napoli, Lucid lacked basic visibility into where vehicles sat across production, shipping, and storage. The gap between the factory and the customer was not just a logistics problem — it was a sales problem. Customers placed orders, but the company sometimes could not deliver within the timeframe needed to close the sale.

"We had orders that were taken where it would take sometimes two weeks to deliver to the customer, and so we will lose the order," Napoli said. In a market where a luxury EV buyer can shop across multiple brands, a two-week uncertainty window is enough for a deposit to evaporate.

The numbers behind the admission

Q3 2026 deliveries: 3,806 vehicles, down 7% year-over-year
Production: 2,954 vehicles (deliberately reduced to work down inventory)
Revenue: US$350 million
Net loss: US$831 million
Inventory at end of September: US$1.22 billion

The production figure is below deliveries, which means Lucid was drawing down the US$1.22 billion inventory pile it built up in earlier quarters. The company said it is deliberately running production below demand to normalize stock levels.

What Lucid says it has done

Napoli said the company has since improved its vehicle-tracking systems across production, shipping, and storage. The goal, in his words, is to let the sales team "sell the cars that we know can be available on the day for the customers who require it." The fix is operational rather than technological — better data pipelines between the factory, logistics partners, and dealer inventory systems.

What this means for Canadian buyers

Lucid sells the Air and Gravity in Canada through a limited dealer network. The delivery-delivery problem Napoli described is a North American issue, not a Canada-specific one, but it directly affects any Canadian customer waiting on an order. With inventory at US$1.22 billion and production deliberately constrained, Canadian buyers should expect shorter wait times going forward — but the company's negative gross margin (−74% per the Q3 report) means pricing pressure is unlikely to ease soon.

The PIF loan expansion announced the same week (US$1.75 billion additional facility) gives Lucid the capital to fix these operational gaps, but the admission itself is a reminder that even well-funded EV startups can stumble on the basics of knowing where their product is.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

OPP Charges Two Tesla Drivers on Highway 417 for Sleeping and Watching Videos While Using FSD

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

The Ontario Provincial Police have charged two Tesla drivers on Highway 417 in the Ottawa area for inattention while using Full Self-Driving (FSD), the latest in a growing number of enforcement actions across Canada targeting drivers who delegate too much to driver-assistance systems.

What happened

The OPP said an officer spotted a Tesla Model Y travelling on Highway 417 during rush hour traffic on Tuesday with the driver's eyes closed and hands off the steering wheel. FSD was active in the vehicle. Rather than activating sirens, the officer pulled close enough to capture body-camera footage, which may have triggered an alert inside the Tesla. Constable Michael Fathi confirmed the driver's eyes were closed and her hands were off the wheel.

The driver now faces a careless driving charge carrying a $490 fine and six demerit points upon conviction, according to the OPP.

In a separate incident shortly before 4 p.m. the same day, another driver was stopped on Highway 417 near Parkdale Avenue after an officer spotted him watching videos on his phone. The OPP said FSD was also active in that vehicle, and an accompanying police photo showed it was a Tesla. That driver faces both distracted driving and careless driving charges — the distracted driving offence carries a $615 fine, three demerit points, and a three-day licence suspension, while the careless driving charge adds a $490 fine and six demerit points.

A pattern, not an isolated incident

The Ottawa charges follow a string of similar cases in British Columbia this year:

March 2026: A Tesla driver was ticketed after allegedly sleeping behind the wheel on Highway 1 in North Vancouver.
Summer 2026: A driver in Langley was stopped with both hands off the wheel; the officer had to abandon a priority call to make the stop.
Recent: A driver in Port Coquitlam was described by police as "sound asleep" behind the wheel of a Model Y and turned out to hold a novice driver's licence.

The B.C. cases resulted in fines of $368 under the province's driver-inattention provisions. The Ontario charges carry heavier penalties, particularly the licence suspension attached to the distracted-driving component.

What the law actually says

Tesla's FSD is sold as a level-2 driver-assistance system, not a self-driving system. The driver is legally responsible for vehicle control at all times. Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, operating a vehicle without due care and attention is an offence regardless of whether an assist system is engaged. The OPP has made clear in its public statement that the presence of FSD does not change the legal standard: the driver must remain at the wheel, attentive, and ready to take over.

What this means for Canadian Tesla owners

The enforcement signal is unambiguous. Police in both B.C. and Ontario are actively ticketing drivers who use FSD while inattentive, and the penalties are escalating. For Canadian Tesla owners, the practical takeaway is straightforward: FSD is a tool that reduces fatigue on long highway stretches, but it does not absolve the driver of legal responsibility. Sleeping or watching videos while FSD is active is not a grey area — it is a chargeable offence in Ontario and British Columbia.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Honda CR-V Reclaims 'Most Stolen Vehicle' Title in Canada for 2025

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Honda CR-V has reclaimed its position as the most-stolen vehicle in Canada for 2025, according to Motor Illustrated's annual theft report published November 10. The compact SUV's return to the top of the list is a reminder that high-demand, widely available vehicles remain prime targets for organized theft rings operating across the country.

Why the CR-V keeps topping the list

The CR-V's combination of strong resale value, widespread parts availability, and high global demand makes it a persistent target for vehicle theft networks. Unlike the high-end luxury vehicles that dominated theft lists in earlier years, the CR-V represents a "volume play" for thieves: there are millions of units on Canadian roads, parts are easy to source, and the vehicle can be moved quickly across borders.

Volume: The CR-V is one of the top-selling compact SUVs in Canada year over year, meaning a large installed base is available for targeting.
Parts availability: Widespread dealer networks make component stripping viable and fast.
Resale demand: Strong demand in grey-market channels keeps the street value high.

What this means for Canadian CR-V owners

For the roughly 1.2 million CR-Vs currently on Canadian roads, the renewed theft spotlight has practical implications:

Insurance premiums: Insurers in provinces with the highest CR-V theft rates (notably Ontario and British Columbia) may adjust premiums or require additional anti-theft hardware.
Security upgrades: Steering-wheel locks, GPS trackers, and engine immobilizers all reduce the probability of a successful theft and can lower insurance costs.
Hybrid owners: With Honda's new CR-V hybrid powertrain rolling out of Alliston, Ontario (see our separate report), the next generation of CR-Vs will likely carry updated security features as standard.

The CR-V's theft profile is a useful bellwether for the broader Canadian auto market: as EVs and hybrids gain market share, theft patterns are shifting toward higher-value, higher-demand models rather than the luxury sports cars that dominated lists a decade ago.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Extends Cybertruck Production to End of Summer 2027, Citing Backlog

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will extend Cybertruck production through the end of summer 2027, effectively adding two months to the previously stated mid-2027 shutdown timeline. The decision, shared in a post on X on November 11, cites the need to work through the substantial order backlog for the electric pickup truck.

Timeline confusion and shifting narratives

The announcement adds another layer to what has become a confusing story surrounding the Cybertruck's production wind-down. Just days earlier, Musk had stated that the production line would shut down in approximately eight months to make room for increased Cybercab robotaxi production at Giga Texas. By Saturday, he had acknowledged that the order backlog was far larger than Tesla could produce before dismantling the line, and the company had added an extra shift to try to fulfill those orders.

Now, just two days later, Tesla is extending production by what appears to be a relatively short period — two months at most. The changing explanations are difficult to reconcile: Tesla is reportedly preparing to discontinue a vehicle because it needs the factory space for Cybercab production, yet Musk says demand for that same vehicle is so strong that the company cannot build enough of them before shutting down the line.

What this means for Canadian buyers

Extended delivery window: Canadian Cybertruck buyers with outstanding orders may see a slight extension in delivery timelines as the factory prioritizes clearing the backlog.
Trim availability: With the Premium AWD trim already removed from the configurator, the Cyberbeast remains the only orderable option in Canada at C$167,990.
Cybercab transition: The extension is a temporary measure; the core plan remains to repurpose the Giga Texas space for Cybercab production.

For Canadian consumers, the practical takeaway is that the production window is still finite. The extension provides a short-term buffer but does not alter the long-term trajectory of Tesla's shift toward autonomous vehicles. Buyers should plan around the existing timeline and the eventual shutdown of the Cybertruck line.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Toyota RAV4 Reaches One Million Sales Milestone in Canada

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Toyota has celebrated a significant milestone in the Canadian market: the one-millionth RAV4 sold in Canada since the model's introduction in 1996. The milestone, reported by Toyota Canada and automotive media on November 10, highlights the compact SUV's enduring popularity and its critical role in Toyota's Canadian manufacturing strategy.

A Canadian manufacturing success story

Of the one million RAV4s sold to Canadian buyers, 807,909 units were built in Ontario, primarily at Toyota's Cambridge and Alliston plants. This figure underscores the deep integration of the RAV4 into Canada's automotive supply chain and the brand's commitment to domestic production.

Total Canadian Sales: 1,000,000 units since 1996
Domestic Production: 807,909 units built in Ontario
Market Position: The RAV4 remains one of the best-selling SUVs in Canada for over two decades

The RAV4's longevity in the Canadian market is a testament to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. As the automotive landscape shifts toward electrification, the RAV4's popularity provides a strong foundation for Toyota's future electric and hybrid offerings in the country.

What this means for the Canadian EV market

While the RAV4 is primarily a gas and hybrid model, its massive sales base gives Toyota a significant advantage as it transitions to electric vehicles. The brand's established dealer network, customer loyalty, and manufacturing footprint in Ontario position it well to compete in the growing EV segment. For Canadian buyers, the RAV4 milestone reinforces the brand's commitment to the market, suggesting continued investment in both traditional and electric powertrains.

As Chinese EV brands like Chery and BYD enter the Canadian market, Toyota's entrenched position in the compact SUV segment will be crucial in maintaining its market share. The one-millionth RAV4 is not just a sales milestone; it is a statement of intent and resilience in a rapidly changing automotive industry.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Grizzl-E Launches Free EV Charger Trade-In Program with Cashback Rewards

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Canadian EV charger maker United Chargers has launched a free trade-in program that lets homeowners swap an eligible Level 2 charger from virtually any brand for a new Grizzl-E Essential at no upfront cost, according to the company's announcement on November 11. The promotion also enrolls participants in the Grizzl-E Club cashback program, earning 10 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour for home charging.

How the trade-in works

Homeowners apply through the Grizzl-E Club website and receive the new charger before returning the old one. United Chargers provides a prepaid shipping label, and customers have 30 days to send back their previous unit. A refundable security deposit is required at order time but is returned once the old charger is received and approved.

Eligibility and requirements

The existing charger must still be functional
It must support at least 32 amps and operate at 208–240 volts
Chargers with damaged cables do not qualify
The offer is available to first-time Grizzl-E Club members only; existing Club members and commercial customers are excluded
Almost any brand of Level 2 charger is accepted, including older Grizzl-E Classic and Smart models

Cashback economics

Once the trade-in is processed, members earn rewards starting at 10¢ per kWh, scaling up to 15¢ per kWh including a 5¢ bonus tier. For a typical Canadian household charging 1,200 kWh per month, that translates to roughly C$120–180 in monthly credits, depending on the tier reached. United Chargers, based in Ontario, first introduced the Grizzl-E Club in 2025 as a bundled hardware-plus-rewards model.

Why it matters for Canadian EV owners

The promotion runs through December 31, 2026. With federal and provincial EV rebates (the federal iZEV program and Quebec's bonus) reducing the sticker price of the vehicle, the charger has become the next cost centre for new EV owners. A free upgrade to a 32-amp, 240-volt unit plus ongoing cashback effectively offsets the C$500–C$800 typical installation cost of a Level 2 home charger. For owners still on a 240-volt Level 1 wall outlet, the trade-in removes the last barrier to a proper home charging setup ahead of the winter driving season.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Finland Becomes 11th European Country to Approve Tesla Assisted Driving

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Finland's Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) approved Tesla Assisted Driving (TAD), formerly known as Full Self-Driving (FSD), on Tuesday, making Finland the 11th European country to recognise the system. Tesla Europe confirmed the decision on X and said rollout to Finnish customers begins soon.

The 11 European countries so far

Finland joins the Netherlands, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, Slovenia, Czechia, Croatia, Slovakia, Latvia, and Lithuania (which rolled out in May 2026) in granting national-level approval for the driver-assistance system. EU-wide approval still requires a successful vote by the European Commission's Technical Committee for Motor Vehicles (TCMV), after which the regulation takes approximately three weeks to enter into force. A vote is expected in December at the earliest, having been pushed back from its original October 6 schedule.

Key conditions imposed by Traficom

Speeding restriction: Drivers can no longer set the system to hold a speed 50% above the posted limit on an ongoing basis. Any setting that permits speeding reverts to the posted limit when the vehicle is restarted.
Winter-weather caveat: Traficom warned that snow, slush, or dirt covering the vehicle's cameras could degrade performance. "The system's design and approval assessment have taken winter conditions into account, but its operation may be subject to various limitations if the cameras become covered," said Traficom Senior Specialist Jukka Juhola.

Why Finland approved ahead of the EU process

Traficom said it moved ahead of the broader EU approval process because Tesla had already made the changes requested by regulators across multiple member states. The national-level approach mirrors the path taken by the Netherlands and Lithuania, which both cleared TAD before the EU-wide TCMV vote concluded.

What this means for Canadian and other North American drivers

TAD availability in Europe does not directly affect North American markets, where Tesla has offered FSD (now rebranded) as a paid subscription since 2023. However, the regulatory template established in Finland—particularly the speeding cap and camera-obstruction disclosure—could influence Transport Canada's framework if a formal approval process opens for driver-assistance systems on Canadian roads. Canadian Tesla owners should monitor the national transport ministry for any parallel regulatory review.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Opens Canada's Northernmost Supercharger in Wandering River, Alberta

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Tesla's newest Supercharger in Wandering River, Alberta, is now open, taking over from Grande Prairie as the northernmost location in the company's Canadian charging network. The eight-stall V4 station, located at the Shell on 101 1st Street just off Highway 63, came online Tuesday after a construction process that was first spotted more than a year ago.

Station details and pricing

Location: Shell, 101 1st Street, Wandering River, AB (just off Highway 63)
Stalls: 8 V4 Superchargers
Pricing: $0.50/kWh for Tesla drivers; $0.71/kWh for non-Tesla EVs (NACS adapter available)
Connector: V4 (NACS) with CCS adapter for non-Tesla vehicles

Closing the Highway 63 gap

Wandering River sits roughly 400 km north of Edmonton along Highway 63, the primary route to the oil-sands communities of Fort McMurray and Athabasca. Before this station opened, northern Alberta EV drivers faced a significant charging gap between the Grande Prairie Supercharger and the next major hub. With Wandering River now live and a Fort McMurray Supercharger already under construction (work began in July), Tesla is addressing what has been one of the most requested routes on its Canadian Supercharger map.

What's next for northern Alberta

Once the Fort McMurray station opens, Wandering River will hand over its "northernmost" title. Tesla has not announced a specific opening date for Fort McMurray but the construction was well advanced as of mid-2026. Combined with the recently completed Lethbridge Supercharger in southern Alberta, the province now has three active or near-active Supercharger sites spanning most of the province's north-south corridor.

For drivers planning a cross-Canada road trip or an oil-sands commute, the Wandering River station eliminates the longest single-leg uncharged segment in western Canada's Supercharger network.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

BYD Reaches 19 Million NEV Production Milestone, Launches Tai 9 Reservations

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

BYD, the world's leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has announced it has reached a **19 million unit production milestone**. This achievement underscores the company's dominance in the global electric vehicle market and its rapid scaling of production capacity. Concurrently, BYD has opened reservations for the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 9, a new model aimed at capturing the premium SUV segment.

Production Milestone

The 19 millionth NEV rolling off the production line marks a significant step in BYD's trajectory since its electrification pivot. This volume places BYD far ahead of its global competitors in total electrified vehicle output. The company continues to expand its manufacturing footprint to meet surging demand in both domestic and export markets, particularly as European and Asian markets show increasing adoption rates.

Fang Cheng Bao Tai 9

Alongside the production milestone, BYD's Fang Cheng Bao brand has launched the reservation period for the Tai 9. This model is positioned as a high-end electric SUV, competing directly with established luxury brands in the premium segment. The launch of the Tai 9 signifies BYD's continued push upmarket, leveraging its vertical integration in battery technology and powertrain efficiency to offer competitive features at aggressive price points.

Implications for the Global Market

Supply Chain Scale: Reaching 19 million units demonstrates BYD's ability to manage complex global supply chains at an unprecedented scale.
Market Pressure: The sheer volume of production puts pressure on competitors like Tesla and traditional automakers to match BYD's cost structures and release cadence.
Premium Segment Entry: The Tai 9 launch indicates BYD is no longer just a volume leader but is actively competing for high-margin premium customers.

For Canadian and global investors, BYD's continued growth highlights the intense competition in the EV sector. While BYD does not currently sell directly in the Canadian market, its global production scale influences pricing and technology adoption across the industry.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

European Parliament Members Push for BYD Cybersecurity Investigation

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

A group of 14 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has formally requested that the European Commission investigate potential cybersecurity risks associated with BYD vehicles. The inquiry focuses on data privacy, vehicle connectivity, and the potential for foreign state influence through connected car technologies.

The Security Concern

The letter from the MEPs highlights growing concerns about how data from connected vehicles is managed, stored, and transmitted. With BYD's rapid expansion in the European market, with over 280,000 cars sold in the first nine months of 2026, the volume of data being generated has raised alarms among policymakers. The core question is whether BYD's data infrastructure poses a security risk to European users or national interests.

BYD's Response

BYD has responded to the inquiries by stating that it adheres to strict data protection standards and that its European operations are compliant with local regulations. The company has emphasized that its data centers serving European customers are located within the EU to ensure compliance with GDPR and other data sovereignty laws. However, the Parliament members argue that a formal, independent assessment is necessary to verify these claims.

Regulatory Implications

If the European Commission proceeds with the investigation, it could lead to:

Stricter Data Localization Rules: Mandating that all vehicle data processed for EU citizens must be stored on EU soil.
Supply Chain Audits: Requiring third-party audits of software and hardware supply chains for Chinese-made EVs.
Market Access Restrictions: Potential limitations on BYD's ability to sell in certain sensitive sectors or government fleets if risks are confirmed.

This development mirrors similar scrutiny faced by other Chinese tech and auto companies in the West. For Canadian consumers, while this is an EU-specific regulatory action, it signals a global trend toward stricter cybersecurity standards for connected vehicles, which may eventually influence North American regulations as well.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Rivian 2026.41 OTA Update Brings Waze Audio Alerts and Alternative Routes

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Rivian has released its 2026.41 over-the-air (OTA) update, bringing a suite of navigation and user interface enhancements to its R1T and R1S vehicles. The most notable addition is the integration of Waze audio alerts, allowing drivers to receive real-time traffic and hazard information directly through the vehicle's audio system.

Key Features in 2026.41

Waze Audio Alerts: Drivers can now receive spoken alerts for accidents, police, and heavy traffic directly from Waze, reducing the need to look at the screen while driving.
Alternative Routes: The navigation system now offers more robust alternative route suggestions, helping drivers avoid congestion and optimize travel time more effectively.
UI Refinements: Various bug fixes and visual tweaks to the dashboard interface for smoother operation.

Why Waze Integration Matters

The integration of Waze data into Rivian's native navigation system is a significant step for the brand. By leveraging crowd-sourced data, Rivian can provide more dynamic and real-time traffic information than static mapping providers alone. This is particularly useful for Canadian drivers navigating seasonal road closures, construction zones, and winter weather disruptions.

How to Update

The 2026.41 update is being rolled out in stages. Owners can check for the update by navigating to Settings > Software > Update on their Rivian's display. As with most OTA updates, the vehicle must be parked, on, and have sufficient battery charge to complete the installation. The process typically takes 30-45 minutes.

For Canadian EV owners, this update further enhances the value proposition of Rivian vehicles by improving the daily driving experience with third-party data integration. It positions Rivian competitively against Tesla and other premium EV brands that have already integrated similar crowd-sourced navigation features.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Stellantis Offers to Repay Brampton Funding as Plant Sale to Roshel Sparks Political Backlash

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Stellantis has offered to voluntarily return government funding tied to its idle Brampton, Ontario assembly plant following a firestorm of political criticism over its decision to sell the facility to Canadian defence contractor Roshel. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the sale "a betrayal of the workers" and "a betrayal of the obligations to Canada" on Tuesday, escalating the dispute into a national policy issue.

The funding at stake

Ottawa pledged up to C$529 million in 2022 to support retooling at Stellantis' Brampton and Windsor plants. According to reporting, C$222 million was actually paid to Stellantis' Canadian operations between 2023 and 2025. Stellantis has offered to return the government support "received for Brampton Assembly's original retooling plan" but has not disclosed the exact amount it expects to repay.

Political fallout

PM Carney: Called the situation "unacceptable" and a violation of multiple government agreements.
Unifor President Lana Payne: Condemned the sale, saying Stellantis abandoned its commitments to workers. More than 2,000 employees were laid off when Brampton stopped production in 2023.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre: Criticized the government, calling for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly's dismissal and demanding return of taxpayer funding.

What happens next

Under the agreement announced Monday, Roshel plans to establish an advanced manufacturing centre at the Brampton site. However, its CEO has declined to assume responsibility for rehiring all former Stellantis employees. Industry Minister Joly will meet with Stellantis, Unifor, and provincial representatives in Toronto on Thursday. The proposed sale remains subject to government and regulatory conditions, with closing expected by the end of 2026.

For the Canadian EV ecosystem, the Brampton saga underscores the fragility of large-scale manufacturing commitments when global corporate strategy shifts. The plant had been earmarked for EV production as part of the federal retooling incentive, but Stellantis' broader strategic retreat — including a $26 billion charge on its EV strategy — left the facility idle. The fight over repayment of public funds will likely shape future government auto-investment policy and the conditions attached to future EV manufacturing deals in Ontario.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Hits 100 Locations and One Million Sessions in North America

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging (HPC) has reached a major milestone in North America: 100 charging locations and more than one million charging sessions, three years after launching the network. The company announced the achievement on November 11, 2026.

Network scale

100 locations across 28 U.S. states and British Columbia (the only Canadian province currently operational)
934 charging ports installed
~205 megawatts of total charging capacity
1M+ charging sessions completed
245,000+ unique customers served
93% of Alpitronic stalls now offer native NACS connectors alongside CCS

Growth trajectory

The network started with just 5 locations and 32 charging ports in November 2023. By 2025 it had expanded to 63 locations, and 2026 brought it to 100. Mercedes-Benz was the first network to deploy 400 kW charging across its entire footprint, and it is now rolling out 600 kW ultra-fast chargers in select markets.

Canadian relevance

British Columbia is the only Canadian province with operational Mercedes-Benz HPC locations. The 93% NACS compatibility means most EVs sold in Canada can charge without an adapter. The network's expansion is part of a broader trend: J.D. Power's 2026 charging rankings placed IONNA, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian in the top three, ending Tesla's three-year run at #1. Across North America, public DC fast-charging ports grew 102% between 2023 and September 2026, outpacing the 73% growth in charging stations.

For Canadian EV owners, the milestone signals that non-Tesla charging options are maturing quickly — particularly in BC, where Mercedes-Benz HPC is now a viable alternative for long-distance trips. The company has not announced plans to expand into other Canadian provinces.

What's next

Mercedes-Benz says it will continue expanding the network into 2027, with a focus on high-traffic corridors and urban areas. The 600 kW chargers, already deployed in select US markets, are expected to reach Canadian sites as well. The company has also partnered with Starbucks for co-located charging in select West Coast locations, combining charging with retail dwell time.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Unplugged Performance offers to take over Cybertruck production from Tesla

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Unplugged Performance, the Irvine-based Tesla aftermarket and performance company, posted an open offer on X on November 10 proposing to take over Tesla's Cybertruck production line at Giga Texas, letting Tesla redirect all factory space, headcount, and R&D toward the Cybercab robotaxi.

"We fully support putting Cybercab first, and we'd be glad to take the Cybertruck line off your hands," the company wrote in a widely-shared thread. Under the proposal, Tesla would receive a licence fee plus a share of FSD and Robotaxi network revenues from every vehicle Unplugged produced.

The deal structure

Funding: A consortium of investors (Unplugged says it would assemble the capital) — no cost to Tesla's floor space or headcount.
Priority: Cybercab gets first call on battery-cell supply; Cybertruck production takes whatever is left.
Scope: Not just the Cybertruck — Unplugged also proposed building a three-row "CyberSUV" and an unmanned "CyberCargo" hauler.
Revenue to Tesla: Licence fee per unit + FSD/robotaxi data revenue share.

Why it went viral — and why it probably won't happen

The offer landed the same week Musk confirmed the Cybertruck line shuts around mid-2027 and that Tesla would refund many reservation deposits because it cannot fulfil existing orders before the line closes. The timing made the proposal feel urgent, and it quickly went viral across Tesla communities.

But the economics are the sticking point. Tesla, with its scale, vertical integration, and existing tooling, has already decided the Cybertruck is not worth the capital cost of continuing. For a consortium of outside investors to underwrite the same line at a smaller volume, the unit economics would need to work at a much lower utilisation rate — and the Cybertruck's 2026 run-rate (roughly 1,300–1,900 units/month in the US) makes that a stretch.

Unplugged itself acknowledged it was only "gauging interest" and is not accepting money or commitments. The company has invited potential strategic partners to reach out, but as of this writing no formal term sheet or Tesla response has been confirmed.

What it means for Canadian buyers

Regardless of whether the deal materialises, the practical takeaway for Canadian Cybertruck owners is the same: the production window is finite. Canadian MSRP stands at C$139,990 (Premium AWD) and C$167,990 (Cyberbeast) as of November 2026. A successful Unplugged takeover would extend the line, but Tesla's current commitment is to wind down by mid-2027 and focus on Cybercab. Until a formal agreement is signed, plan around the existing timeline.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

GM: EV Sales Surge in Western Canada Driven More by Government Incentives Than Gas Prices

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

General Motors has highlighted a notable surge in EV sales across Western Canada, but the company attributes the momentum primarily to government incentives rather than declining gasoline prices. According to EnergyNow reporting, this finding underscores that policy support — not fuel-cost pressure — is the dominant driver of EV adoption in the region.

Incentives Over Gas Prices

GM's assessment challenges a common narrative that rising gas prices are the primary catalyst for EV purchases in Canada. Instead, the company points to: - **Federal and provincial EV rebates** (including the iZEV program and provincial top-ups) as the key demand driver - **Charging infrastructure investment** in BC and Alberta reducing range anxiety - **Consumer education and dealer incentives** amplifying the effect of rebates This is particularly relevant for Western provinces like British Columbia, where the EV penetration rate has historically been the highest in Canada, and Alberta, where the province has recently increased its EV rebate program.

What This Means for Canadian EV Buyers

The data suggests that Canadian EV buyers are responding to **policy signals** rather than organic price shifts. For prospective buyers, this means: - Maximizing rebate eligibility (federal + provincial stacking) can save $5,000–$12,000 on a purchase - The EV market in Western Canada is still in an early-adopter phase, meaning charging infrastructure is improving but not yet universal - Dealers are likely to offer additional incentives to capture incentive-driven demand

The Broader Policy Implication

If incentives are the primary driver, then any future changes to the federal EV rebate program or provincial programs could have a disproportionate impact on sales. This is a critical data point for policymakers evaluating the long-term sustainability of EV adoption targets in Canada.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Honda Bets on Flexible Hybrid-EV Factories in North America to Offset China Slump

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Honda is doubling down on North America with a new strategy centered on "flexible hybrid-EV factories." According to Automotive News, the automaker is betting on flexible manufacturing capabilities in the region to offset the continued slump in sales in China, where its EV efforts have struggled to gain significant market share.

Why Flexibility?

The new approach allows Honda's North American plants to switch production between hybrid and pure electric vehicles based on real-time demand. This flexibility is a direct response to the volatile EV market, where consumer preferences are shifting rapidly. By not committing exclusively to one powertrain, Honda can mitigate risk and maintain high factory utilization rates.

Profit Recovery and Cost Efficiency

Honda's decision comes as its profits begin to recover, driven largely by strong performance in North America. The company had previously warned of significant losses related to its EV initiatives, leading to the cancellation of several US-bound EV models, including the Prologue. Key aspects of the new strategy include: - **Hybrid-EV Platforms:** New platforms designed to accommodate both powertrains with minimal retooling. - **North American Focus:** Leveraging the region's relative stability compared to the hyper-competitive Chinese market. - **Tariff Mitigation:** Producing vehicles closer to the North American market helps insulate Honda from some of the tariff-related cost pressures affecting global supply chains.

Implications for Canadian Buyers

For the Canadian market, this shift may mean a wider range of hybrid options and potentially more competitive pricing on EVs produced in North America. As Honda seeks to stabilize its global portfolio, the North American region remains a critical pillar of its recovery plan.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Nissan Cuts Global Sales Outlook as China Slump Drags Automaker Toward 23-Year Low

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Nissan has once again lowered its global sales forecast for 2026, warning that the automaker is on pace for its worst global sales in 23 years. The Japanese manufacturer reported a net loss for the first half of the fiscal year, citing a deepening slump in its largest market, China, where competition from local EV makers has intensified.

The China "Albatross"

According to reports from Automotive News and CNBC, the "China albatross" is the primary drag on Nissan's performance. The company cut its full-year sales target to 2.97 million units, a significant reduction from previous forecasts. Analysts note that the fierce price competition and rapid technological advancement of Chinese EV brands have eroded Nissan's market share in the region.

Financial Impact and Strategic Pivot

The financial strain is evident in Nissan's Q2 results, where operating profit was nearly wiped out, and auto net cash fell by 29%. In response, Nissan's CEO has outlined a plan to "fight back," focusing on: - Shifting production of petrol cars to other regions to offset Chinese demand - Accelerating the launch of new electric models in key markets - Reducing costs through supply chain optimization For Canadian consumers, this global shift may influence Nissan's North American strategy, potentially leading to more competitive pricing on its remaining combustion and hybrid models as the company seeks to shore up profits elsewhere.

What This Means for the EV Market

Nissan's struggles highlight the broader challenges facing traditional automakers in the transition to electric vehicles. While the EV market continues to grow globally, the dominance of Chinese manufacturers in their home market is creating a ripple effect that is impacting global sales figures and profit margins for established brands.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Cybertruck Posts Strongest Sales Month in Over a Year — Then Tesla Kills the Line

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Cox Automotive estimates put Tesla's October Cybertruck deliveries at 1,914 units in the United States, an average transaction price of US$92,380, and the strongest monthly result in over a year according to Kelley Blue Book data published November 10. The figure is nearly 49% above the 2026 nine-month average of 1,287 per month, but still well below the 2024 pace of roughly 3,247 per month (38,965 units total).

The timing is ironic: Musk confirmed on November 6 that Giga Texas will dismantle the Cybertruck line around June–July 2027 to free capacity for the Cybercab, and on Monday he said Tesla would refund many reservation deposits because order volume exceeds remaining build slots.

What the numbers say

Oct 2026: 1,914 units (KBB/Cox estimate), ATP US$92,380
2026 YTD (Jan–Sep): 11,586 units, ~1,287/mo average
2025 full-year: 20,237 units, ~1,686/mo
2024 full-year: 38,965 units, ~3,247/mo

Canadian angle: a closing window

Canadian MSRP remains C$139,990 (Premium AWD) and C$167,990 (Cyberbeast) as of this writing, but US prices have already jumped up to 9% ahead of the wind-down. With US–Canada tariff exposure on imported steel and aluminium components, Canadian pricing could tighten further before the line closes. The EVAP rebate (up to C$5,000 federal + provincial top-ups in some provinces) still applies, effectively reducing the sticker by roughly 3–5%.

Why the surge matters

The October spike likely reflects a "last-chance" buying window: aware the line is shutting, early adopters pulled forward orders. Musk's own X post acknowledged the backlog exceeds remaining capacity, and Tesla added an extra shift at Giga Texas to try to clear it. For Canadian owners, the practical implication is shorter wait times on remaining allocations but a shrinking parts and software-support horizon after 2027.

Bottom line

October's numbers confirm the Cybertruck still has a loyal core, but the production clock is ticking. If you are on the fence, the next 18 months are the only window to buy new at current Canadian pricing before either tariff-driven repricing or scarcity premium takes hold.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

BYD Confirms Flash Charging Is Coming to Canada

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 03:30:00 GMT

BYD has confirmed that its Megawatt Flash Charging network is coming to Canada, according to reporting from AutoTrader and Electric Vehicles.com on November 9. The confirmation follows months of speculation after BYD registered BYD Canada Company Limited in Markham, Ontario, launched a Canadian website, and began hiring for a Flash Charging business development role in the country.

What the Flash Charger actually does

BYD's second-generation Flash Charger delivers up to 1,500 kW of power through a T-shaped station with two charging cables. The company claims a compatible vehicle can charge from 10 to 97 per cent in approximately nine minutes, adding roughly 400 km of range in the time it takes to buy a coffee. In a cold-weather test at -30°C, a Denza Z9GT charged from 20 to 97 per cent in 12 minutes on a 1,500 kW unit — a critical data point for Canadian winters where range anxiety is most acute.

The stations do not pull 1,500 kW directly from the local grid. Each unit carries its own battery buffer that delivers the burst of power during a charge, then recharges slowly from ordinary grid connections when no vehicle is plugged in. BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu has compared the installation to fitting an air conditioner — a plug-and-play approach that avoids overloading local infrastructure.

The Canadian rollout timeline

BYD has installed its 10,000th Flash Charger in Shenzhen, roughly six months after launching the second-generation technology, and is targeting 20,000 stations by the end of 2026 in China. The company is installing them at fueling stations operated by Sinopec, PetroChina, CNOOC, Teld, and JD.com rather than building every site from scratch.

For Canada, the confirmation implies a phased rollout that will likely follow the arrival of BYD vehicles under the Chinese-EV import quota. The first quota year allows 49,000 vehicles at a 6.1 per cent most-favoured-nation tariff, with 32,794 permits remaining as of November 6. BYD's Canadian website already features Flash Charging specifications prominently, including a claim that a 20-to-97-per-cent charge at -30°C takes just three minutes longer than in normal conditions.

What this means for Canadian EV drivers

For context on the speed gap: Tesla's latest V4 Superchargers peak at roughly one-third of the Flash Charger's 1,500 kW rating. If BYD deploys Flash Chargers in major Canadian corridors, the engineering bar for "fast" charging is being reset in real time. The stations are open to non-BYD vehicles — about one-third of charging sessions on the Chinese network have come from other brands — so the network could benefit the broader Canadian EV ecosystem.

However, the charging infrastructure buildout faces the same municipal permitting challenges that the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council's recent survey identified: parking minimums, utility connection delays, and inconsistent approval processes across municipalities. The federal Budget 2026 allocated C$587 million to renew the ZEVIP program for 55,000 new chargers over five years, but industry leaders note that the money must be paired with streamlined permitting to deliver on schedule.

Canadians can compare current public charging costs across networks in our public charging cost guide, and check every available purchase incentive in the complete EV rebates guide.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Chery's Jaecoo ET Set to Lead Canadian EV Debut Next Spring, Priced at C$65,000–$70,000

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Chery Automobile is set to open its Canadian lineup with the Jaecoo ET, a premium five-seat electric SUV that is essentially a rebadged Exeed ET, when its Omoda and Jaecoo brands arrive next spring, according to GlobalChinaEV and Le Guide de l'auto. The starting price has been estimated at C$65,000 to C$70,000 — an outside estimate, not a price Chery has officially announced.

Chery has not yet confirmed the model. The official Omoda & Jaecoo Canada website names no vehicle, price, or retailer, and notes that the vehicles shown are intended for other markets. In late September, the same site said the brands were coming in late 2026, while a late-winter or early-spring launch is now expected.

The vehicle behind the badge

The ET comes from Exeed, Chery's upmarket brand, which sells only in China. Outside China, essentially the same vehicles are sold under the Exlantix name. For Canada, the ET is reported to get minor changes and its own design cues, including a front grille with vertical openings, and it rides on Chery's EOX platform for larger electrified models.

At about 5 metres long with a 3-metre wheelbase, the ET is larger than a Ford Mustang Mach-E or a Tesla Model Y but is pitched at the same buyers, with more space and comfort. Chery quotes 3.45 cubic metres of cabin space for the export ET, which also gets adaptive air suspension with continuous damping control.

Powertrain and range

In China, the Exeed ET is 4,955 mm long with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, and its battery-electric versions use CATL packs of 77 kWh and 100 kWh on an 800-volt platform. Battery-electric prices for the 2025 model run from 219,800 CNY (about US$32,700) to 279,800 CNY (about US$41,700) for the dual-motor Ultra. That all-wheel-drive version is rated at 655 km on China's CLTC cycle.

The Canadian version is reported to come standard with all-wheel drive and two motors making a combined 473 horsepower, fed by a 100 kWh battery on an 800-volt architecture. That output matches the 353 kW Chery quotes for the export Exlantix ET, which it says reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Preliminary figures point to about 525 km of WLTP range — roughly 410 km on the EPA cycle — with average consumption approaching 25 kWh/100 km. DC fast charging is reported to peak at 290 kW. In China, Chery says the 800-volt ET can add 475 km of CLTC range in 11.5 minutes. Those numbers could still be revised before sales begin.

Cold-weather readiness

Chery is reported to have made cold-weather changes for Canada: a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, heated front and rear seats, a rear-camera washer, and a heated windshield, with battery preconditioning standard. Pop-out door handles are reported to have been swapped for conventional ones that cope better with ice, and the charge-port door has been strengthened.

Inside, the reported Canadian specification includes Nappa leather and massaging front and rear seats, an electrochromic glass roof, and a 2,140-watt, 23-speaker audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

Rebate eligibility and the import quota

The ET would miss out on the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP), which excludes Chinese-made vehicles. Its rebates require a vehicle to be made in Canada or in a country with a free-trade agreement with Canada, and cap the transaction value at C$50,000 for vehicles not built in Canada. The program pays up to C$5,000 when the dealer's eligibility assessment is submitted in 2026, and up to C$4,000 in 2027.

The ET would enter under Ottawa's quota for China-built EVs, assessed at a most-favoured-nation tariff of 6.1 per cent with a permit. The first quota year allows 49,000 vehicles, with 32,794 permits remaining as of a November 6 update. The second quota year opens on March 1, 2027, around the time the ET is expected to go on sale. Global Affairs Canada can also set aside part of the quota for automakers, including new entrants.

Leasing terms are still being set, with Chery working on lease offers with J.D. Power and several financial institutions. A second model, the Jaecoo 5, is expected a few months after the ET, pending Transport Canada certification, at an estimated C$35,000.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Oshawa's All-Canadian EV Prototype Borealis Debuts at New Council Inauguration

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Oshawa, Ontario marked the start of its 2026-2030 council term with a fitting nod to its automotive future: the all-Canadian Project Arrow Borealis prototype was displayed at the city's inaugural council meeting held on November 10 at the downtown Tribute Communities Centre.

A vehicle built in Canada, for Canada

The Borealis is a next-generation zero-emission and autonomous vehicle prototype designed and built in partnership by students at Oshawa's Ontario Tech University. It is part of the Project Arrow 2.0 initiative, which brings together post-secondary academics and students to lead the build process. The vehicle showcases the kind of innovation and advanced manufacturing capability that is driving Oshawa's economic transformation beyond its historic role as a mass-production auto city.

Why Oshawa, why now

Oshawa has long been the heart of Canadian automotive manufacturing, but the shift toward electrification and autonomy is reshaping the city's industrial identity. The Borealis debut at the council's first meeting — the first time in the city's modern history that a new council was sworn in outside city hall — sends a clear signal: the next generation of Oshawa's economy will be defined by zero-emission technology and Canadian talent.

The Tribute Communities Centre, which turned 20 this month, hosted the ceremony to accommodate roughly 75 attendees. Incoming Mayor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, who won with 15,400 votes, was sworn in alongside four new councillors. Videos tracing Oshawa's journey from its hard-working industrial roots to a future driven by innovation were shown on the venue's score clock.

What it means for Canadian EV innovation

While the Borealis is a prototype and not a production vehicle, it represents a growing ecosystem of Canadian talent working on the full stack of EV and autonomous-vehicle development. For Canadian EV buyers and industry watchers, it is a reminder that the country's automotive story is not just about importing and selling vehicles — it is also about building them, from the battery to the autonomy software, on home soil.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Global EV Sales Milestone: Gasoline-Only Cars Fall Below 50% for the First Time

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:45:00 GMT

A historic milestone was reached in the global automotive market: gasoline-only cars have officially fallen below 50% of total new vehicle sales. This shift, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, marks a definitive turning point in the industry's transition away from internal combustion engines.

The numbers behind the milestone

According to recent global sales data, electric and hybrid vehicles now account for over 50% of new car sales worldwide. While EVs continue to grow their share, it is the surge in hybrid vehicles that has been the primary driver of this shift. This trend is particularly pronounced in Europe and China, where government incentives and stricter emissions regulations have accelerated the transition.

Global Shift: Gasoline-only vehicles now represent less than half of all new car sales globally.
Regional Variations: Europe leads in EV adoption, while Asia-Pacific sees strong growth in both EVs and hybrids.
North America: While lagging behind Europe, North America is seeing steady growth in EV and PHEV sales, driven by new model launches and improved charging infrastructure.

Implications for the Canadian market

This global trend has significant implications for Canada. As more manufacturers shift their focus to electrified powertrains, Canadian consumers will have access to a wider variety of EV and hybrid models. This increased competition is expected to drive down prices and improve technology, benefiting buyers in the long run.

Furthermore, this milestone underscores the growing importance of charging infrastructure. As the number of EVs on the road increases, the need for a robust and reliable charging network becomes even more critical. Canadian provinces are responding with increased investments in public charging stations and incentives for home charger installation.

What's next for the auto industry

The fall of gasoline-only cars below the 50% mark is not just a statistical milestone but a signal of a fundamental change in consumer behavior and industry strategy. Automakers are increasingly focusing their R&D and marketing efforts on electrified vehicles, and traditional gas-only models are becoming niche products.

For Canadian drivers, this means more choices and better technology. Whether you are looking for a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid that offers the best of both worlds, the market is now firmly on the side of electrification.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

VinFast Extends 10-Year Warranty to VF 8 in Canada, Bolstering Total Cost of Ownership

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

VinFast has confirmed that its flagship electric SUV, the VF 8, will carry the company's full 10-year/200,000 km limited warranty in Canada. This development, announced alongside the launch of their Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, aims to alleviate one of the primary concerns for Canadian EV buyers: long-term reliability and residual value.

Warranty details and implications

The 10-year warranty covers both the new-vehicle limited warranty and the battery warranty, which is unlimited in mileage. For a vehicle like the VF 8, which is positioned in the competitive luxury EV segment, this extended coverage is a significant differentiator. Most competitors, including Tesla and BMW, typically offer warranties ranging from 4 to 8 years, making VinFast's offering one of the most generous in the industry.

10-Year/200,000 km Limited Warranty: Covers major mechanical and electrical components.
10-Year Unlimited-Mileage Battery Warranty: Ensures battery capacity above a certain threshold for a decade.
Transferability: The warranty is transferable to subsequent owners, which is a key driver for potential resale value.

Competitive landscape in Canada

As the Canadian EV market matures, warranty terms have become a critical factor in purchase decisions. The VF 8, with its 10-year warranty, now competes directly with models like the Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, both of which offer strong but shorter warranty packages. For Canadian buyers looking to maximize the value of their investment, the VinFast VF 8 offers a lower risk profile regarding long-term maintenance and battery degradation.

This move also aligns with VinFast's broader strategy to establish itself as a reliable brand in North America, moving beyond its initial perception as a budget-friendly option to a more premium positioning.

What this means for buyers

For prospective buyers of the VF 8, the 10-year warranty provides peace of mind and potentially lowers the total cost of ownership. If you are considering a luxury EV in Canada, the extended warranty may tip the scale in VinFast's favor, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for more than five years.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

BMW Confirms Cheaper LFP Batteries for EVs Outside China

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

BMW confirmed during its latest earnings call that it will adopt lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs for select EV models sold outside China. The move targets cost reduction on entry-level trims and could extend to the upcoming Neue Klasse platform, though the company did not specify which exact models or trims will receive the LFP chemistry.

What BMW said

The announcement came on the company's quarterly earnings call, where executives confirmed that LFP cells will be used in some EV variants outside the Chinese market. BMW did not confirm specific model names, price reductions, or a timeline for North American or European launch. The company's current mainline EVs use nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells, which deliver superior range and energy density but at a higher cost.

LFP in context

BMW has already deployed LFP batteries in China. The iX3 30 L, sold in the Chinese market, uses a 77 kWh LFP pack that delivers a 630 km range. The higher-spec iX3 40L and iX3 50L trims in China continue to use NMC packs, illustrating the tiered approach BMW is taking with battery chemistry.

Industry analysts expect BMW to follow a similar strategy globally: an entry-level LFP variant for the Neue Klasse range, with NMC reserved for higher-end trims that prioritise range and performance.

Supply-chain diversification

In the same announcement, BMW disclosed that it is broadening its battery supply network. The company has secured deals with Samsung SDI for European production and LG Energy Solution for U.S.-based production, both expected to ramp up at the end of the 2020s. This multi-source strategy reduces reliance on any single cell supplier and aligns with North American and European local-content requirements.

For Canadian buyers, the practical implication is that a future lower-trim BMW EV — possibly the Neue Klasse sedan or SUV — could arrive at a lower price point than the NMC-equipped version, making the brand more competitive against Tesla, Hyundai, and the growing field of Chinese-branded EVs entering the Canadian market.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

HMD Trucking Receives First of 50 Tesla Semi Trucks in Chicago

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

HMD Trucking has taken delivery of its first Tesla Semi, marking a milestone for the company's 50-truck electric fleet order announced in September 2026. The truck, received on November 2 in Chicago, is the first Tesla Semi registered in Illinois.

What the test drive revealed

Before the formal delivery, HMD operated the Semi for more than 4,000 miles (6,437 km) during a summer testing programme. The company reported an average energy consumption of 1.74 kWh per mile, a figure Tesla has cited in its own efficiency claims for the Semi under real-world, mixed-load conditions.

HMD plans to use its initial trucks primarily for local operations around the Chicago area. The company also indicated plans to expand the electric fleet "far beyond the Chicagoland market" as additional units arrive.

Operator perspective

Michael Mahler, COO of HMD Trucking, told Drive Tesla Canada that the company's nearly 15 years of experience with Tesla vehicles gave it a clear understanding of what the Semi can do. "Tesla has been transparent with us regarding the capabilities of Semi every step of the way and it has not disappointed," Mahler said.

What it means for Canadian freight

While this delivery is U.S.-based, the Illinois registration is notable for Canadian operators: cross-border freight corridors run through Chicago, and the presence of Tesla Semi infrastructure in the region could influence Canadian trucking companies evaluating electric conversions on the U.S. side of their routes. Tesla has not yet announced a Canadian Semi sales programme, but the company's North American charging and service build-out — including the Port of Long Beach Megachargers that went live in late October — suggests a broader commercial-EV rollout is underway.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Lucid Cuts Service Wait Times 20% as North American Network Expands

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Lucid Motors has reported a 20 percent reduction in global service wait times for the third quarter of 2026, a figure the company attributes to expanded staffing, a larger mobile-repair fleet, and the opening of several new service locations across North America.

Mobile repair capacity up 15 percent

According to Lucid's Q3 update, mobile service capacity across North America rose 15 percent during the quarter. The company is targeting a 40 percent increase by December, supported by an additional 20 Gravity-based mobile service vehicles. Those SUVs carry tools, parts, and an air compressor in a layout that offers more than twice the storage of Lucid's existing Air-based service cars.

The Gravity-based mobile repair platform was introduced in April 2026. By adding 20 more units by year-end, Lucid aims to cut the gap between a customer's service request and the actual repair appointment.

New fixed locations

Mission Viejo, California — combined sales and service facility now open.
Downtown Los Angeles — scheduled to open before December 2026.
Dallas, Texas — scheduled to open before December 2026.
Highland Park, Illinois — planned for early 2027.

Workforce and broader expansion

Lucid's worldwide technical and service support workforce grew more than 40 percent quarter-over-quarter. The company's stated targets are a 50 percent increase by the end of 2026 and 60 percent during Q1 2027.

Overseas, Lucid is adding retail and repair partners in the Netherlands and Germany, with Emil Frey France supporting its French market entry. In Saudi Arabia, a company-operated body and paint shop has opened in Riyadh, with further service sites in Riyadh and Dammam expected to come online during the first half of 2027.

For Canadian owners, the expansion is notable because Lucid has not yet announced a dedicated Canadian service centre. The company's current North American footprint remains concentrated in California, Texas, and Illinois, meaning Canadian customers will continue to rely on mobile-service visits or travel to U.S. locations for warranty work.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Lucid Secures $1.75B PIF Lifeline as Q3 Revenue Misses Estimates

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Lucid Motors has reported its third-quarter 2026 financial results, revealing a continued struggle to achieve profitability despite a significant liquidity boost from its primary investor. The company announced it has secured an additional $1.75 billion in loan financing from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, expanding the existing facility to support its turnaround plan.

Q3 Financial Performance

According to the earnings report, Lucid's revenue rose 4% quarter-over-quarter but still missed Wall Street estimates. The most critical metric for long-term viability, cash burn, saw a notable improvement:

Cash Burn: Reduced by 30% to approximately $1 billion for the quarter.
Gross Margin: Remained deeply negative at -74%, indicating that the cost of producing vehicles far exceeds their selling price.
Revenue: Showed a modest 4% increase, driven by continued delivery of the Lucid Air and early Gravity SUV units.

PIF Loan Expansion

The $1.75 billion expansion of the PIF loan facility provides Lucid with a critical runway to keep its operations running while it scales production. This is the latest in a series of financial support packages from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which has been a cornerstone of Lucid's survival strategy.

The company emphasized that the reduced cash burn reflects ongoing cost-cutting measures and improved operational efficiency. However, the negative gross margin of -74% suggests that Lucid is still losing significant money on every vehicle it sells, a common challenge for EV startups in the early stages of production scaling.

What this means for Canadian buyers

For Canadian consumers, the PIF lifeline ensures that Lucid remains in the market, maintaining dealer networks and service support for existing Air and Gravity owners. The company continues to focus on its luxury segment, competing with brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. While the financial struggles may limit aggressive marketing or discounting in the near term, the secured liquidity provides stability for the foreseeable future.

Investors and observers should watch for continued improvement in gross margins, which is the key metric that will determine if Lucid can eventually achieve self-sufficiency without further external funding.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Polestar Increases EV Discounts to $15,000 in Canada, But There’s a Catch

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Polestar has announced an increase in its electric vehicle discounts in Canada, raising the bonus to C$15,000 for select models. While the headline number is attractive, the company notes that monthly lease payments remain largely unchanged, suggesting the discount is being absorbed into the lease structure rather than lowering the upfront sticker price significantly.

The New Incentive Structure

The new C$15,000 bonus is designed to make luxury EVs more accessible to Canadian buyers, particularly in the competitive premium segment. Key features of the new offer include:

Discount Amount: Up to C$15,000 off the purchase price for qualifying models.
Monthly Payments: Lease payments have been held steady, meaning the discount is effectively subsidized by the lessor rather than passed on as a lower monthly cost.
Model Eligibility: The discount applies to specific trims of the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, with the Polestar 4 potentially excluded or offered at a lower discount tier.

The "Catch": Inventory and Timing

The "catch" mentioned in the announcement refers to inventory availability. Due to high demand and supply chain adjustments, not all models are immediately available with the full discount. Buyers may need to wait for new stock to arrive, or settle for a different trim level.

Additionally, the bonus is often tied to specific financing or leasing terms, meaning cash buyers may not receive the same effective discount as those financing through Polestar's partner banks. Canadian buyers are advised to verify the exact terms with their local dealer before making an offer.

Competitive Landscape

This move positions Polestar competitively against other luxury EV brands in Canada, such as Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, which have also been offering incentives to stimulate demand. The C$15,000 discount brings the effective price of the Polestar 2 closer to that of mid-range non-luxury EVs, potentially attracting buyers who are price-sensitive but desire premium features.

For Canadian consumers, this is a good time to negotiate. With increased discounts and stable lease rates, buyers have more leverage to request additional perks, such as free charging credits or extended warranties.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

2027 BMW i3 Review: The New Contender for Canadian EV Buyers

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

The 2027 BMW i3 has arrived in Canadian showrooms, and it’s a significant upgrade from its predecessors. BMW has focused on addressing the two biggest complaints from early i3 owners: range anxiety and interior space. With a new battery platform and a refined driving experience, the i3 is positioning itself as a serious competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Range and Performance

The headline feature of the 2027 i3 is its new 80 kWh battery pack, which offers an estimated 580 km of range on the WLTP cycle (approximately 450-480 km in real-world Canadian conditions). This is a substantial jump from the previous model and puts it in direct competition with the long-range EVs that have dominated the market.

Under the hood, the single-motor rear-wheel-drive version produces 268 horsepower, while the dual-motor i3 M Sport variant pushes 385 horsepower. 0-100 km/h acceleration is achieved in 5.9 seconds, making it a sporty choice for Canadian commuters who enjoy a bit of power on the highway.

Interior and Technology

BMW has completely redesigned the interior for the 2027 model year. The new iDrive 9 infotainment system features a larger, curved display that integrates the instrument cluster and central screen. The build quality is noticeably improved, with softer materials and better sound insulation, making long winter drives more comfortable.

Infotainment: 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.9-inch central display
Charging: 800V architecture supports up to 200 kW DC fast charging
Comfort: Heated seats, steering wheel, and rear heated seats in higher trims

Price and Availability in Canada

The 2027 BMW i3 starts at approximately $52,900 CAD for the base eDrive35 model. With the current federal and provincial rebates (such as the Quebec EV rebate or Ontario PHEV/BEV incentives), the effective price can drop significantly below $45,000 CAD for eligible buyers.

For Canadian drivers, the i3 offers a compelling alternative to Tesla, particularly for those who prefer a traditional driving feel and premium build quality over Tesla’s minimalist tech-focused approach. It’s a strong entry into the premium EV segment for the winter season.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

EV Drivers in Canada Can Now Earn Money by Charging Their Cars

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For years, electric vehicle (EV) owners in Canada have focused on saving money on fuel and maintenance. Now, a growing number of drivers are finding that their EVs can actually earn them money. This is made possible through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to send stored electricity back to the power grid during peak demand periods.

How V2G Monetization Works

Traditional EV charging is a one-way street: energy flows from the grid to the car. V2G technology uses a bidirectional charger to reverse this flow. When electricity prices are high (typically during evening peaks in summer or winter), the grid needs more power. EV owners can sell the excess energy stored in their batteries back to the utility, earning a credit on their utility bill or a direct payment.

This isn't just theoretical. Utilities in Ontario and British Columbia are piloting programs that offer financial incentives for participating in demand-response events. By plugging in for a few hours during peak times and allowing the grid to draw power from your car, you can offset your charging costs significantly.

Is It Worth It?

The earnings vary by province, season, and how often you participate. However, for owners who charge their vehicles overnight and drive them during the day, the potential savings can be substantial. Here’s what to consider:

Equipment Costs: You need a bidirectional charger and a V2G-enabled EV (like the Nissan Leaf or upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning). Installation can cost between $2,000 to $5,000 CAD.
Utility Programs: Not all utilities offer V2G incentives yet. Check with Hydro One, BC Hydro, or your local municipal utility.
Battery Health: Frequent deep discharges to sell power may slightly accelerate battery degradation, though modern BMS (Battery Management Systems) mitigate this risk.

The Future of the "Energy Car"

As Canada’s grid becomes more reliant on renewable energy, the need for flexible storage grows. EVs represent a massive, distributed battery network. For Canadian drivers, this means their cars are no longer just transportation devices but active participants in the energy economy. It’s a small step toward a more sustainable and economically viable electric future.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

GM Recalls 9,000 EVs in Canada Over Potential Loss of Brakes

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

General Motors has announced a safety recall affecting approximately 9,000 electric vehicles in Canada, covering specific models of the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV. The recall addresses a critical software issue in the brake system that could potentially lead to a loss of braking power under certain driving conditions.

The Safety Concern

According to the recall notice, a defect in the brake software module may cause the system to miscalculate the required braking force during specific scenarios, such as hard braking from high speeds or when the tires lose traction on slippery surfaces. In these instances, the vehicle may not slow down as quickly as expected, increasing the risk of a collision.

Affected Models

The recall primarily targets the following models manufactured in recent production batches:

Cadillac Lyriq: Certain 2024-2026 model years
Chevrolet Blazer EV: Certain 2024-2025 model years

Owners can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the GM Canada website or contact their local dealer to confirm if their vehicle is affected. The fix is expected to be a free software update that can be installed over-the-air (OTA) for most vehicles, though some may require a dealer visit.

Owner Guidance

GM advises owners to remain calm and drive carefully until the update is applied. There have been no reported accidents or injuries directly linked to this specific defect in Canada, but the company is addressing the issue proactively to ensure the highest safety standards. Owners should not ignore the recall notice if they receive one, as consistent braking performance is essential for safe EV operation.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla Discontinues Cybertruck Premium AWD in Canada and U.S., Raises Cyberbeast Price by US$7,500

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:40:00 GMT

Tesla has removed the Cybertruck Premium AWD from its online configurator in both Canada and the United States, leaving the top-tier Cyberbeast as the only orderable trim. Alongside the trim reduction, Tesla raised the Cyberbeast's U.S. starting price from US$102,490 to US$109,990 — a US$7,500 increase. Canadian Cyberbeast pricing remains unchanged at C$167,990, according to Drive Tesla Canada's November 10 report.

What changed in the configurator

With the Premium AWD removed, Canadian and U.S. buyers now have a single option: the Cyberbeast, which features the tri-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain producing 845 horsepower and 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds. The base Dual Motor AWD trim was removed from the U.S. configurator earlier in the production wind-down cycle, and the Premium AWD had been available in Canada at C$139,990.

The change follows Tesla's announcement that it will wind down Cybertruck production at Giga Texas around June or July 2027, repurposing the manufacturing space for the Cybercab robotaxi. CEO Elon Musk has said the company will "have to return deposits for a lot of people" because the order backlog exceeds remaining production capacity.

Why the price hike

The US$7,500 increase on the Cyberbeast appears to reflect reduced production volumes and the loss of economies of scale as the Cybertruck line prepares to shut down. Tesla has already raised Cybertruck prices by up to 9 percent in earlier rounds, and the U.S. tariff exposure on every unit built in Texas and shipped to Canada adds a layer of cost that the C$167,990 Canadian sticker price currently absorbs.

For Canadian buyers with outstanding Premium AWD orders, the discontinuation does not void existing deposits — Tesla will still build and deliver those vehicles before the line shuts down. However, delivery timelines may stretch as the factory prioritizes clearing the backlog before dismantling the assembly line.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

China Brands to Launch 18 EVs in Canada Before 2030, Analyst Says

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:35:00 GMT

Domestic Chinese brands are poised to flood Canada's electric vehicle market with 18 models before 2030, according to Canadian Black Book analyst Daniel Ross. The forecast, reported by Automotive News on November 9, 2026, suggests the China-brand wave will help the EV segment gain momentum but will simultaneously pressure incumbent automakers competing on price and range.

What the 18-model pipeline looks like

Ross's projection builds on the federal government's 100,000-vehicle tariff-quota framework, which has already facilitated the arrival of BYD, Geely (Zeekr, Lotus, Lynk & Co), and Chery models in Canadian showrooms. The 18-model count includes both passenger vehicles and light commercial EVs expected to clear Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards testing and obtain import certification.

Key brands in the pipeline include:

BYD — Atto 3, Sealion 7, and upcoming mid-size SUVs
Zeekr (Geely) — premium EVs leveraging the Geely platform
Lynk & Co — compact and mid-size crossovers
Chery — Omoda and Tiggo sub-brands
Lotus — high-performance EVs (Eletre, Emeya)

What it means for Canadian buyers

The influx of Chinese-brand EVs is expected to compress pricing across the segment. Canadian EV import quotas currently allow up to 100,000 China-made vehicles per year at a reduced 6% tariff rate, versus 100% for non-qualifying imports. As more models clear the quota window, retail pricing pressure on established brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla intensifies.

Incumbent automakers face a dual challenge: matching the aggressive pricing of Chinese entrants while defending market share in a segment where Canadian EV penetration reached 13% of new-vehicle sales in 2025, well below the 2030 target of 60% that was originally set under the ZEV mandate before the federal government scaled back its targets.

For buyers, the practical implication is a wider choice of affordable EVs, but also a need to verify that Chinese-brand models meet all Canadian safety and emissions standards before purchase.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Fake BYD Website Offers C$41,900 EV in Canada — Here's How to Spot the Scam

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

A fraudulent website impersonating BYD Canada is advertising an Atto 3 electric vehicle for $41,900 and directing prospective buyers to pay by direct bank transfer, according to a warning video published by EV YouTuber Simply Gregster EV on November 10, 2026. BYD Canada has issued a public caution that "unauthorized websites or accounts online may falsely claim to be affiliated with or authorized by BYD Canada."

How the fake storefront works

The site listed the BYD Atto 3 alongside charging accessories — a flash charging station at $15,000, a Blade battery at $5,000, and a home wall charger at $3,000. When a buyer adds the Atto 3 to the cart and proceeds to checkout, the site requests name and billing details, then instructs payment via direct bank transfer using an Order ID as the reference. No credit card processing, no secure gateway, no escrow.

Gregster identified several red flags in minutes:

The WhatsApp contact number used a Turkish +90 country code, not a Canadian number
The listed address was in Hong Kong, which traced back to an actual BYD dealership
The checkout form defaulted to United States billing with state and ZIP code fields
The promotional copy included the awkward phrase "every model coming to Canadian" — a grammatical error inconsistent with a legitimate manufacturer site

Why it matters for Canadian EV buyers

The scam exploits the surge of interest in Chinese-made EVs entering the Canadian market under the federal tariff-quota framework. BYD vehicles have been spotted road-testing in Canada, and a BYD Sealion was recently photographed on Highway 407 with manufacturer plates, fueling speculation about a near-term launch. Scammers are capitalizing on that anticipation before any official Canadian launch has been confirmed.

Gregster also noted a second, related site that requested credit card information plus a $1,000 reservation deposit — that site had already disappeared by the time of recording.

What to do if you've encountered a suspicious site

BYD Canada's official contact information uses an email ending in @byd.com and lists a North York, Ontario office. Any site that asks for a bank transfer, uses a non-Canadian phone number, or defaults billing to a different country should be treated as fraudulent. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8477) accepts reports of online vehicle purchase scams.

Vehicles entering Canada must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations before they are road-legal. No legitimate Canadian dealer can sell a new vehicle outside established dealer channels, and no manufacturer sells directly to consumers by bank wire.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Budget 2026 Confirms EVAP Continues Through 2031 — Tax Credits Extended to 2040

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:40:00 GMT

The Carney government's second federal budget, tabled November 5, delivers a quiet but important confirmation for Canadian EV buyers: the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) continues without changes to its funding structure, eligibility criteria, or rebate amounts. The Budget does not detail any future modifications to the $5,000 point-of-sale incentive for battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles, or the $2,500 incentive for plug-in hybrids.

EVAP, which launched in late March 2026, is a federally run point-of-sale incentive with a hard deadline of March 31, 2031 — or earlier, if allocated funds are exhausted. The Budget's silence on any changes effectively signals the program will run its full five-year course under its current rules.

The rebate you can still claim

As the Budget confirms, the EVAP structure remains:

BEV and FCEV: Up to $5,000 at point of sale
PHEV: Up to $2,500 at point of sale
Price cap: $50,000 final transaction value (no cap for vehicles made in Canada)
Limit: One incentive per individual over the program's lifetime
Window: February 16, 2026 through March 31, 2031 (or when funds run out)

The step-down schedule already in place — reducing the BEV rebate to $4,000 in 2027 and $3,000 in 2028 — remains unchanged. The Budget does not accelerate or delay this taper.

Tax credits extended to 2040

Less visible to consumers but critical for long-term industry health: the Budget extends the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit and the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit from their originally planned 2034 expiry to the end of 2040 — a six-year extension. The Budget document projects these measures will cost $2.4 billion from 2027-28 through 2030-31, and $36.1 billion from 2031-32 through 2041-42.

The extension also expands eligibility to include high-voltage intra-provincial transmission lines in each province, and a new funding tranche is earmarked for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SRP) Programme — a $4.5-billion program launched in 2021 to fund grid modernisation, energy storage, and renewable energy deployment.

Federal fleet goes electric

The Budget renews the Greening Government Operations Fleet Programme with $2.2 million over five years starting in 2027-28. Federal agencies will continue moving their vehicle fleets to zero-emission models in line with the Greening Government Strategy targets set in December 2017.

For Canadian EV buyers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: the $5,000 rebate is confirmed for the next five years, the regulatory environment supporting EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure is locked in through 2040, and the federal government itself will be a growing ZEV fleet buyer. The EVAP window is still open, and the step-down schedule gives buyers a reason to act before the rebate shrinks in 2027.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Musk Says Cybertruck Is Profitable — Explains Cancellation and Deposit Refunds

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:35:00 GMT

Elon Musk has clarified that Tesla is not ending the Cybertruck because it loses money, pushing back against reports that the electric pickup was unprofitable. "This is not a case of Cybertruck being unprofitable, as has been misreported by legacy media," Musk wrote on X on November 9.

Instead, he said the opportunity cost of the Cybertruck's complexity "is vastly outweighed by the value of incremental Cybercab production." The announcement comes days after Tesla confirmed it will wind down Cybertruck production at Giga Texas around mid-2027 to free up factory space for the Cybercab robotaxi.

More orders than Tesla can build

Musk also said that "the Cybertruck order rate far exceeds our production rate." Tesla will build as many trucks as it can before the line shuts down in about eight months, but it "will have to return deposits for a lot of people." The company has already added an extra shift at Giga Texas to try and clear the backlog before the line is dismantled.

That matches what Musk said a few days earlier, when he announced Tesla would add an extra Cybertruck shift to work through the backlog before the line is torn down around June or July 2027. Tesla also recently raised Cybertruck prices by up to 9 percent and paused new orders for the base Dual Motor AWD trim, likely because it cannot fill the orders it already has.

Why not just build another factory?

When asked why Tesla doesn't simply build more factory space, Musk replied that building a high-volume factory is extremely difficult, adding that "prototypes are trivial by comparison." He also noted that Tesla has a limited number of skilled engineers, and keeping the Cybertruck going means tying up people, factory space, and equipment that could be scaling Cybercab production instead.

What it means for Canadian buyers

The Cybertruck remains available to order in Canada, with the Premium AWD starting at C$139,990 and the Cyberbeast at C$167,990. However, with the base Dual Motor AWD trim now paused in the U.S. configurator and production winding down by mid-2027, Canadian buyers who have placed orders should monitor their delivery timelines closely. The next eight months will determine whether they receive a truck or a refund.

Trim	U.S. Price (Nov 2026)	Canadian Price	Status
Dual Motor AWD	US$82,490	—	Orders paused
Premium AWD	US$92,490	C$139,990	Available
Cyberbeast	US$102,490	C$167,990	Available

Existing Cybertruck owners will still get parts and service after production ends. For anyone still waiting on an order, the next eight months will decide whether they get a truck or a refund.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Starlink Expands Demand-Based Pricing to Canada — Toronto Now Priced 10% Over List

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 03:30:00 GMT

SpaceX has expanded its dynamic Starlink Residential pricing across much of the United States, with customers in some areas seeing monthly bills increase by as much as 20 percent depending on their location. According to a report by PCMag, the pricing changes have spread beyond the initial markets in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, reaching customers in Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Washington, and Alaska.

The changes are based on local network capacity and customer demand, allowing SpaceX to charge different prices depending on where subscribers live. In an email to affected customers, SpaceX explained: "As more people in your area use Starlink, less network capacity is available and service pricing may change from time to time."

What the U.S. changes mean

For customers facing the maximum 20 percent increase, the Residential Max plan rises from US$130 to US$156 per month, adding US$312 annually. However, prices are moving in both directions — customers in areas with available capacity, including Boston, San Francisco, and New York City, are being offered discounts of around 30 percent, sometimes reaching 50 percent.

What it means for Canadian subscribers

The changes also appear to be happening north of the border. During Drive Tesla Canada's own check of Starlink's Canadian Residential order pages, a downtown Toronto address (100 Queen St W) quoted Residential 100 Mbps at C$82.50 a month — 10 percent above the regular C$75 list price on Starlink's Canadian service plans page.

Meanwhile, addresses in Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, and Bracebridge showed C$52.50 a month under Starlink's current 30 percent promotional discount in Canada, which is advertised as ending November 30.

Toronto (downtown): C$82.50/month — 10% above list
Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, Bracebridge: C$52.50/month (30% promo)
Regular list price: C$75/month
Promo deadline: November 30, 2026

What to watch

SpaceX previously indicated it would review pricing roughly quarterly, although more recent customer notices have replaced that timeline with less specific language. For Canadian EV drivers relying on Starlink for rural or northern connectivity, the key question is whether the 30 percent promotional discount will remain available after November 30 or whether demand-based pricing will push prices above the C$75 list in high-density urban areas.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

GM Files Transport Canada Recall for 9,116 EVs Over Brake Software Flaw

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Transport Canada filed recall campaign RC 2026528 on November 9, 2026, affecting 9,116 electric vehicles from General Motors' Cadillac and Chevrolet brands sold in Canada. The defect involves a software fault in the brake system control module (BSCM) that can cause a temporary loss of braking at low speed, increasing crash risk. This is the Canadian regulatory filing corresponding to the broader NHTSA campaign 26V717 that reached 67,380 vehicles globally.

What's affected

The Transport Canada recall covers the following Canadian-registered vehicles equipped with the performance all-wheel-drive package:

2023–2027 Cadillac Lyriq
2025–2026 Cadillac Celestiq
2026–2027 Cadillac Vistiq
2024–2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Per the filing, the BSCM can misread wheel movement when a driver lightly applies the brakes while turning over a bump or dip, causing the module to misinterpret wheel speed and temporarily reduce braking force. Lyriq owners previously repaired under earlier recall 2024-453 are also in scope.

The fix and what owners should do

GM will push a free over-the-air software update to correct the BSCM logic. Owners can also book a dealership appointment if they prefer an in-shop update. GM expects to begin mailing notification letters in December 2026; the update has not yet been released for 2023–2024 Lyriq models.

Canadian owners can confirm their VIN is in scope at Transport Canada's recall database or by calling their GM dealer directly. Cadillac service line: 1-800-333-4223; Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020.

Canadian market context

GM led Canadian EV sales in 2025, making this recall a significant event for the brand's electrification push in North America. The 9,116-vehicle scope in Canada represents a meaningful share of the Lyriq and Blazer EV installed base and will likely draw scrutiny from provincial consumer-protection agencies. The OTA delivery method means no physical recall visit is required, but owners should confirm the update was applied before long winter commutes.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Starlink Opens U.S. Retailer Applications for V4 and Mini Kits — What It Means for Canadian Rural Connectivity

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:25:00 GMT

SpaceX has opened applications for U.S. stores to sell Starlink satellite internet hardware, adding a retail channel alongside its existing direct-to-consumer and reseller programs. The program, announced on November 9, invites businesses — from single-location shops to multi-store chains — to stock and sell the Starlink V4 residential dish and the portable Starlink Mini kit, with particular emphasis on serving rural and remote customers.

How the retailer program works

Under the new arrangement, participating retailers handle the hardware transaction while Starlink retains control over the internet service, customer support, payments, and account management. Retailers earn a margin on each kit sold but are not responsible for subscription management or technical support. The company has not publicly disclosed specific retailer margins, minimum order quantities, or other financial terms on its application page.

Starlink V4: The next-generation residential dish, designed for at-home broadband in areas where terrestrial coverage is limited.
Starlink Mini: A portable, low-profile kit aimed at travellers, campers, and RV users who need reliable connectivity on the go.
Eligibility: Open to single-location or multi-store businesses; emphasis on rural and remote customer bases.
Separate from reseller program: This retail channel is distinct from Starlink's existing Authorized Reseller program, which allows approved businesses to sell products and services alongside other offerings.

Canadian angle: rural and northern connectivity

While the current application window is U.S.-only, the move signals a broader shift in how Starlink distributes hardware. Canada's vast rural and northern communities — from remote BC homesteads to Inuit communities in Nunavut — have been among the heaviest adopters of Starlink as a primary or backup broadband option. The 30% permanent discount on Canadian Residential and Roam plans (announced November 5) already made Starlink more accessible, and a retail distribution channel could further reduce friction for first-time buyers who prefer in-person hardware purchase and setup assistance.

For EV owners in rural Canada, reliable connectivity is not just a convenience. Home charging dashboards, fleet-management apps, and remote monitoring of solar-plus-storage systems all depend on stable internet. A retail expansion into Canada could shorten the time from device purchase to full setup, particularly in areas where shipping delays or technical barriers have historically slowed adoption.

What to watch

Starlink has already expanded hardware availability through Amazon, its own physical retail stores (Bozeman, Montana and three more planned), vending machines, and a $1 trial offer launched in partnership with Target. The retailer program is the latest in a multi-channel strategy that could eventually extend into Canadian retail partnerships, particularly in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and the Territories where Starlink demand is highest and terrestrial alternatives are sparse. Canadian consumers should monitor Starlink's Canadian site and regional news for announcements of a parallel retail program.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.

Tesla's China Retail Sales Hit 8,817 in October — Worst Month Since July 2022

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:20:00 GMT

Tesla's retail sales in China fell to just 8,817 units in October 2026, the lowest monthly figure since July 2022, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (COCA). The plunge represents a 66.1% year-over-year decline and an 86.4% drop from September, when Tesla delivered 64,837 vehicles to Chinese buyers. This marks the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year decline in Tesla's home market.

What the numbers say

Metric	Oct 2026	YoY / MoM
China retail deliveries	8,817	-66.1% YoY / -86.4% MoM
Giga Shanghai exports	59,012	~2× September (30,529)
Export share of output	87%	Highest since Oct 2022
YTD China retail (10 mo)	390,000	-15% vs. 2025
YTD exports	811,000	+21.4% YoY

Why domestic demand is stalling

Tesla launched discounts of up to 7,000 yuan (approximately C$1,380) on the Model 3 and Model Y through October 31, but the incentive failed to reignite consumer interest. The company is now layering on five-year zero-interest financing for select Model 3 and Model Y trims and integrating Alipay's in-car payment platform to differentiate the ownership experience. South Korea absorbed 20% of total Shanghai exports, underscoring how much of Tesla's China-built production now serves markets outside its largest historical market.

What this means for Canadian buyers

Tesla Canada already paused new Model 3 orders in September, citing exhaustion of its China-built import allocation under the 49,000-vehicle quota. The retail slump in China reinforces the structural shift: Giga Shanghai is increasingly an export plant rather than a domestic sales channel. For Canadian buyers, the practical takeaway is that Model 3 availability from the Shanghai line remains constrained until the next quota window opens in March 2027, while domestic (Fremont) Model 3 and Model Y production continues to supply the Canadian market at full rate.

The broader signal is that Tesla's competitive moat in China — once built on price and brand — is eroding under sustained pressure from BYD, NIO, Li Auto, and XPeng, all of which posted record or near-record volumes in October. The question for 2027 is whether Tesla's software and Supercharger advantages can offset a product cycle that Chinese consumers increasingly view as mature.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.