EV & Charging Expo 2026 Toronto: Chery Keynotes — What to Watch for Chinese EVs

Canada's largest electric vehicle and charging event opens its doors today at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. The EV & Charging Expo 2026 (April 8-9) brings together over 2,000 delegates, 100+ exhibitors, and 100+ speakers — but one name commands our full attention: Chery International.

Chery Keynotes: A Clear Signal for the Canadian Market

Farzad Salehi, Senior Counsellor for North America at Chery International, delivers a keynote address on Day 1 (April 8). This is the first time a senior executive from a Chinese automaker has taken the stage at Canada's largest EV event.

This is significant. Chery recently opened a Toronto office, filed Canadian trademarks for its Omoda, Jaecoo, and Exeed sub-brands, and is actively recruiting. Its keynote presence at Toronto's premier EV event sends a clear signal: Chery is treating Canada as a priority market.

The talk will cover Chery's technological innovation and expansion across six continents, with a specific focus on opportunities in the Canadian market. Expect hints about launch timelines, planned models, and distribution strategy for Canada.

What Chery Could Announce

Daniel Breton: China as the Benchmark

On Day 2 (April 9), Daniel Breton, CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, delivers a keynote titled "Postcards from the Electrified Future." He draws on firsthand experience in China and Norway's EV markets to highlight the widening gap between Canada and these global leaders in EV adoption.

This is a powerful validation of China's role in global electromobility. When the president of the national EV industry body uses China as the benchmark, it speaks volumes about the importance of Chinese automakers for the future of the Canadian market.

Charging Infrastructure: Key Announcements

The expo is primarily an infrastructure event. Here are the sessions most relevant for Chinese EV buyers in Canada:

Major Exhibitors

Among the 100+ exhibitors, the most relevant for the Chinese EV ecosystem:

• Hypercharge (Gold Sponsor) — Charging and energy storage solutions, compatible with Chinese EVs using CCS
• Alpitronic — European high-power DC fast charging hardware
• ChargeHub — Charging station locator platform
• NAPA NexDrive — Live battery repair demonstrations
• Accuenergy — DC energy metering for charging, including megawatt standard
• Ford Pro, GM Envolve, Kia — Traditional competitors to Chinese brands

Government Announcement to Watch

Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy will make an announcement on Day 1. In the context of the 49,000 Chinese EV quota and the expanding EVAP program, any policy announcement could directly impact Chinese EV access to the Canadian market.

Possible topics:

• EVAP program updates (currently excludes Chinese-manufactured EVs)
• Charging infrastructure funding ($84.4M for 8,000+ chargers announced)
• Cybersecurity standards for charging stations
• Mandatory ZEV sales regulations

Practical Information

FAQ

Does Chery have a booth at the Expo?

Chery International has a keynote speaker (Farzad Salehi) but no confirmed exhibition booth. This is a strategic presence — the goal is to signal intent to enter the Canadian market, not to sell vehicles yet.

Will BYD be at the EV & Charging Expo 2026?

No. BYD has not confirmed an exhibitor or speaker presence. The Expo is primarily focused on fleet electrification and charging infrastructure rather than passenger vehicles. BYD is concentrating on opening its 20 Canadian dealerships.

Are there Chinese EV test drives on site?

No. The Plug'n Drive test drives will feature models from brands already established in Canada (Ford, GM, Kia, Hyundai). Chinese EVs are not yet commercially available in Canada. The first BYD test drives are expected in summer 2026.

How to follow the announcements live?

china-ev.ca will cover key Expo announcements in real time. Follow our coverage for the Chery keynote summary and any relevant policy announcements.