The M&E Dispatch // 053

Hello Everyone,

A reader, Grant, recently asked a question that cuts right to the heart of Canada’s EV strategy:

“And if the government wants us to drive electric cars, why can we not purchase perfectly good Chinese-made ones at a reasonable price?”

It’s a fair question. With affordability being one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, why aren’t we seeing lower-cost alternatives from global markets, particularly China, where manufacturers have mastered the art of producing efficient, budget-friendly EVs?

I suspect it’s more than just emissions that are at play.

The goal of expanding EV adoption is clear—reduce emissions, modernize transportation, and create a more sustainable future. But if affordability is key to making that happen, why are lower-cost options being kept off the market?

Chinese automakers—like BYD, NIO, and XPeng—are producing high-quality, long-range, competitively priced EVs. These aren’t low-budget knock-offs; they’re well-engineered, reliable vehicles that, in many cases, rival their North American counterparts in performance and efficiency. And they do it for half the price of many options available here.

So why aren’t they an option? The answer is complex, but much of it boils down to trade policies, industry protection, and long-term strategic concerns.

Governments in North America have invested heavily in developing a domestic EV industry—subsidizing production, providing tax incentives, and trying to foster innovation. However, introducing a wave of ultra-affordable Chinese EVs could disrupt that growth before it gains momentum by undercutting the market entirely.

If given the choice, many consumers would likely opt for a $20,000 BYD Seagull over a $60,000 Tesla or a $120,000 Ford Lightning. That’s a challenge for North American automakers who are still refining their approach to mass-market EV production.

There are valid concerns surrounding trade fairness, national security, and economic stability when it comes to opening the floodgates to low-cost imports. But some of the arguments need further scrutiny:

• Protecting Jobs? A strong domestic industry is important, but does limiting consumer choice truly support long-term growth, or does it slow innovation?

• National Security? Trade relationships are always a balancing act, but with global supply chains already deeply integrated, is outright restriction the best solution?

Ultimately, the issue isn’t black and white. Supporting North American EV development while ensuring consumers have access to affordable options is a tough challenge—but one that deserves a balanced approach.

As the global EV market continues to evolve, policymakers will have to navigate the fine line between protecting domestic industries and allowing competition that benefits consumers. Whether that means revising tariff structures, fostering more competitive local production, or reconsidering how we integrate global suppliers, the conversation isn’t going away.

For now, the options available in Canada remain limited. But given the pace of innovation and shifting market dynamics, it may only be a matter of time before alternative EVs—whether from North America or abroad—reshape the landscape entirely.

What do you think? Should Canada open the market to more affordable EVs, or is protecting local industry the right move given the current state of things?

// The Dirt

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Silver North Launches $1.5M Private Placement
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I’m sitting in the lobby overlooking Bastion Street in Nanaimo where the City is currently working to repair a portion of collapsed coal mine.

Gone, but not forgotten. I imagine the ghost of some old miners are having a laugh at the chaos this has caused. What do you mean your self driving car can’t turn around?

Have a great weekend all.
Game 1 is tomorrow. Go Bucks.

- Lee