Overview
- The Canadian government is allowing a limited number of China‑built EVs to enter under a reduced 6.1% tariff, enabling Tesla to import Shanghai‑assembled Model 3 Premium RWDs.
- Tesla lists the Canadian Model 3 Premium RWD at CAD 41,990 including freight and the car includes features such as ventilated seats and a panoramic roof.
- Government efficiency figures show the China‑imported Model 3 uses a smaller usable battery (about 70.8 kWh inferred), has combined consumption of 15.3 kWh/100 km and a rated range of 463 km, and it accelerates more slowly than U.S. Premium RWDs.
- Canada’s federal instant rebate excludes many China‑made cars, so rival models built outside China can be roughly CAD 3,800 to CAD 5,000 cheaper after the rebate, which changes real‑world affordability.
- The Model 3 now sits in a crowded roughly CAD 40,000 segment with vehicles such as the Kia EV3/EV4, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf S+ and Hyundai Kona Electric, and limited import volumes, dealer offers and local incentives will determine which models sell best.