‘It’s a good option’: Ottawa drivers open to Chinese made EVs

As the Canada-China EV deal faces push back, some Ottawa drivers say they’re open to the new option. CTV’s Petere Szperling reports.

As Ontario’s Premier and Canada’s auto industry labour leaders raise the alarm over a trade deal that would bring Chinese-made electric vehicles to Canada, others are welcoming the new option.

When it comes time to trade in the Tesla, Ottawa driver Eliane Farhat says she may consider a Chinese-made electric vehicle.

“Why not? Of course,” Farhat said.

Canada will allow up to 49,000 vehicles to be imported annually from China with a reduced tariff rate, as part of a recent trade deal struck between the two countries.

“The technology is evolving now. So, who knows? Maybe it’s better,” Farhat told CTV News Ottawa while charging her Tesla in west Ottawa. “It’s a good option.”

This week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Canada’s auto industry labour leaders raised concerns about the deal, warning it could threaten the Canadian auto sector.

“You know, maybe a few people might buy them, and I discourage anyone from buying a Chinese vehicle,” Ford said at a press conference. “But if they decide to do that, at what cost? Is it at the cost to your neighbour down the street that is working in the auto sector that he’s not going to have, or she’s not going to have a job? You got to look at more of a ‘Team Canada approach.’”

However, some feel differently.

“With all due respect to the Premier, I think most people ignore his guidance and they will buy what they perceive as being the best value for them,” says Raymond Leury of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa.

Leury says it’s about choice and affordability.

“They’re going to choose a solution that works for them, and it’s a lot less expensive. So, we expect and, we’re seeing it everywhere else, that the sales of EVs continue on expanding and eventually, they will dominate our roads.”

Ottawa drivers, both of electric and gas vehicles, have mixed opinions,

“You know, are you going to put people out of work here? Got to be thinking about it, and I think it’s a lot of people won’t buy them for that very reason,” says Brian Valentine.

“Probably. Yeah, but they have to make the charging less expensive too,” says Ech Kay, who drives a Tesla.

“I wouldn’t buy an electric car anyway,” says Glen Watson.

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