Chery and Zeekr Are Coming to Canada in 2026 — Here's What to Expect

The Chinese EV wave is gaining momentum in Canada — and it's about to get significantly more crowded. After BYD and Lotus confirmed their Canadian entries under the new 6.1% tariff quota, two more major players are lining up for late 2026: Chery International and Zeekr. Together, they represent five potential new models targeting Canadian roads before year-end. Here's what buyers need to know about both brands before they arrive.

Chery: Four Sub-Brands, One Parent Company

Chery is one of China's largest and most experienced automakers, with over 25 years of production history and more than 10 million vehicles sold globally. In Canada, you won't see the "Chery" nameplate prominently displayed — instead, the company operates through four distinct sub-brands, each targeting a different segment of the market:

Of these, Omoda and Jaecoo are the most likely first arrivals in Canada. The Omoda E5 — a fully electric compact crossover — has already launched in Australia, the UK, and Southeast Asia with strong reception. Its existing homologation data from comparable markets gives it the shortest path to Transport Canada certification. Chery is actively working on this process and negotiating dealer partnerships in multiple Canadian cities.

The Jaecoo J7 is a rugged-styled SUV with particular appeal for Canadian buyers who prioritize winter performance and outdoor capability. Its all-wheel-drive variants and cold-weather battery management systems have been validated in European markets where winter conditions are a key purchase driver — which bodes well for buyers in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba.

Visit our Chinese EVs in Canada hub for a full list of every brand currently pursuing the Canadian market.

Zeekr: Geely's Premium EV Division Has Canada Registered

Zeekr is the EV-first sub-brand of Geely — the same Chinese conglomerate that owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. If Geely's Canadian track record is any guide (Polestar is already sold here; Lotus confirmed Q3 2026), Zeekr has real credibility and a legitimate runway in Canada.

The model targeting Canadian buyers is the Zeekr X — a compact electric SUV positioned at approximately $45,000 CAD, placing it in direct competition with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Zeekr has already filed trademark registrations in Canada — a standard first step before confirming market entry. The brand's global expansion strategy explicitly names Canada as a target market for 2026–2027.

Here's what the Zeekr X delivers at that price point:

• Battery: 66 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
• Range: 440 km (WLTP)
• Power: 272 kW — 365 horsepower
• 0–100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
• DC Fast Charging: 150 kW
• Cargo: 364 litres
• Drive: AWD

At $45,000, that's sports-car acceleration (3.8 seconds to 100), solid real-world range, and fast enough charging for most Canadian driving patterns — all for significantly less than a loaded Ioniq 5. The LFP battery chemistry also offers advantages in cold-weather durability that Canadian buyers should appreciate.

Zeekr X vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BYD Atto 3: The Numbers

How does the Zeekr X stack up against its two most likely Canadian competitors?

Assembled in China — not eligible for the federal EVAP rebate under current programme rules.*

The Zeekr X leads on acceleration and price-performance. It trails the Ioniq 5 on DC charging speed and range, and the Ioniq 5's 233 kW charging is a genuine edge for long-distance Canadian road trips. But at $10,000 less than the Ioniq 5, and with AWD standard, the Zeekr X's value case is compelling — especially for urban and suburban buyers whose charging habits don't depend on ultra-fast DC stops.

Market Entry Timeline: When to Expect These Brands

Based on current announcements, certification progress, and dealer partnership timelines:

• Q3 2026: Lotus Eletre — first confirmed Chinese-assembled EV in Canada
• Q3–Q4 2026: BYD first deliveries in Toronto and Vancouver
• Q4 2026: Chery/Omoda — Transport Canada certification process ongoing; dealer negotiations active
• Q4 2026–Q1 2027: Zeekr X targeting Canadian launch; trademark filed
• 2027 and beyond: NIO, XPeng, GAC, and further Chery sub-brands expected

The new 6.1% tariff quota (49,000 units annually) is what makes all of this economically viable. At the previous 100% surtax, none of these brands could price competitively in Canada. The new framework changes the math entirely. Read our complete guide to Chinese EVs and Canadian tariffs for a full breakdown of how the quota system works.

EVAP Eligibility: The Honest Answer

Neither Chery nor Zeekr will qualify for the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000). The programme requires vehicle assembly in Canada or a Free Trade Agreement partner country — China does not meet this requirement under current rules.

Provincial rebates are a different matter. Quebec's Roulez vert programme offers $2,000 for eligible EVs priced under $65,000 — and both the Omoda E5 (~$35,000–$42,000) and the Zeekr X (~$45,000) would fall within that ceiling. That brings the effective purchase price down to approximately $33,000–$40,000 for the Omoda E5 in Quebec — a serious value proposition for first-time EV buyers.

Check our EV incentives guide for province-by-province details, including the latest updates to Quebec, BC, and federal programme rules.

FAQ: Chery and Zeekr in Canada