How to Pre-Order a Chinese EV in Canada

The Race for Chinese EV Pre-Orders Begins in Canada

If you're reading this article, you've probably already decided: you want a Chinese EV. BYD, Chery, maybe Zeekr. The question now is how to be among the first to get one in Canada. I've spoken with sources at several dealerships being established, importers, and industry analysts to put together this practical guide. The situation is evolving quickly, but here's what we know as of March 2026.

BYD is the furthest along among Chinese automakers in its Canadian entry. After registering with Transport Canada and announcing a network of 20 dealerships, BYD is currently preparing its online pre-order system. According to our sources, pre-orders for the BYD Seal and BYD ATTO 3 could open as early as Q3 2026. The required deposit would be around $500 to $1,000 CAD, fully refundable. That's comparable to the deposits Tesla asked for in its early days in Canada.

The Step-by-Step Pre-Order Process

Step one: sign up on the official manufacturer websites. BYD Canada should launch its full Canadian website by summer 2026. In the meantime, you can register your interest on their international site by selecting "Canada" as your country. Chery, through its Omoda and Jaecoo brands, should follow a similar process. Signing up for these lists commits you to nothing, but puts you at the front of the line for pre-order notifications.

Step two: choose your dealership. Unlike Tesla which sells directly, BYD and Chery will go through traditional dealerships in Canada. The first confirmed locations include dealerships in the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. Contacting a local dealer who has signed an agreement with BYD or Chery will often give you priority access to allocations. Dealerships in Mississauga, Laval, and Richmond are already starting to take names on informal waiting lists.

What to Know About Deposits and Consumer Protection

In Canada, automotive pre-order deposits are regulated by provincial consumer protection laws. In Québec, the Office de la protection du consommateur requires that any deposit be clearly documented and refund conditions explained in writing. In Ontario, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act offers similar protections. Make sure you receive a detailed receipt and fully understand the conditions before placing a deposit.

A practical tip: use a credit card for your deposit rather than a bank transfer. If something goes wrong, you benefit from your credit card company's chargeback protection. It's an extra layer of security that costs nothing. Most dealers accept Visa and Mastercard for deposits. If a dealer insists on cash or wire transfer only, that's a red flag. Legitimate dealerships have no reason to refuse credit cards for deposits.

Estimated Timelines and Managing Expectations

Let's be realistic: early buyers of Chinese EVs in Canada will need to be patient. Between pre-ordering and delivery, expect roughly 3 to 8 months. Transport Canada certification, import logistics, ocean shipping from China (about 30 days to the Pacific coast, 45 days to the Atlantic coast), and vehicle preparation at the dealership — it all takes time.

Buyers in Vancouver and the West Coast might receive their vehicles sooner than those in Toronto or Montreal, simply because ships arrive in Vancouver first. BYD already has a well-established logistics chain with its own roll-on/roll-off ships, which should speed up deliveries. For Chery, which uses third-party maritime carriers, timelines could be slightly longer. My advice: order early, stay in touch with your dealer, and don't plan to sell your current car until you have a confirmed delivery date.

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