BYD Wants Its Own Canadian Factory — No Joint Venture, Says Stella Li

BYD Says No to Joint Ventures in Canada

Stella Li, BYD's Executive Vice President and "World Car Person of the Year 2025," confirmed in an interview that BYD is seriously considering building a factory in Canada — but on its own terms. "I don't think a JV will work," she stated. BYD wants to own and operate any Canadian facility independently.

This is a statement that will create waves in Ottawa. The federal government has been actively pushing Chinese automakers toward joint ventures with Canadian companies, a model that would guarantee technology transfer and local control. BYD categorically rejects this approach.

Why BYD Refuses Joint Ventures

BYD's position makes commercial sense. The company has invested billions in its proprietary technology — Blade battery, e-Platform 3.0 motors, and autonomous driving intelligence. Share all that with a Canadian partner? No way.

BYD has also learned from history. Joint ventures imposed in China for decades on foreign automakers (GM-SAIC, VW-FAW) systematically led to intellectual property leaks. BYD doesn't want to reproduce this model in reverse.

Moreover, BYD is now the world's largest EV manufacturer. The company doesn't need a local partner to understand the market — it has the resources to establish itself independently.

BYD's Canadian Ambition

BYD's plan for Canada is ambitious on all fronts:

Dealerships — 20 retail locations planned in the first year, starting in the Greater Toronto Area. Three locations are already under discussion. Expansion will target Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary.

Models — Four vehicles are ready for the Canadian market: - BYD Seal — Sports sedan, ~$44,990 CAD, a direct Tesla Model 3 rival - BYD Dolphin — Compact, ~$35,000 CAD, the volume play - BYD Atto 3 — Compact SUV, ~$38,990 CAD, the potential bestseller - BYD Seagull — City car, ~$22,000 CAD, the price game-changer

Potential factory — BYD is actively studying the possibility of a Canadian factory, but no final decision has been made. If it materializes, locally produced vehicles would not be subject to the 49,000-unit quota or the 6.1% tariff.

Ottawa's Dilemma

The federal government finds itself in a tricky position. On one hand, it wants to attract Chinese manufacturing investment to create jobs. On the other, it wants to maintain control over technology and intellectual property.

With Stellantis-Leapmotor, Ottawa just rejected an assembly model that doesn't create enough local jobs. But if BYD proposes building a real factory with thousands of jobs, can Ottawa demand a joint venture and risk losing the investment?

This is the paradox of Canadian industrial policy in 2026: wanting Chinese investment while keeping control. BYD, with its deep pockets and global alternatives (Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, Indonesia), doesn't need Canada. Canada needs BYD.

What This Means for Canadian Consumers

In the short term, no change. BYD will first sell imported vehicles under the 49,000-unit quota. The first models should arrive at Canadian dealerships by late 2026.

In the medium term, if BYD builds a Canadian factory, prices could drop even further. A Canada-made BYD Seagull would face no tariffs and could qualify for EVAP with no price cap. We're talking about an EV under $20,000 — a price that would truly democratize electric vehicles in Canada.

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