EVfriendly News Roundup – August 2024

Canada hits China-made electric cars with 100% tariff

Canada has announced a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, following similar actions by the US and European Union. Additionally, Canada will impose a 25% duty on Chinese steel and aluminium. This move, set to begin on October 1 for EVs and October 15 for steel and aluminium, is part of a response to what Canada and its allies view as unfair subsidies provided by China to its EV industry. China has criticised these tariffs as trade protectionism, claiming they violate World Trade Organization rules. The situation escalates trade tensions between Canada and China, with China warning that these measures harm global economic stability.

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Canada is pouring billions into an EV industry it seems unwilling to protect

Canada is investing billions in its domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry and is under pressure to protect it from cheaper Chinese-made EVs. Andrew Phillips, a columnist, argues that allowing these imports would undermine the investment in Canada’s EV sector. He suggests that imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, similar to actions taken by the US and the EU, is necessary to protect Canadian jobs and industry. Despite these pressures, the Canadian government has been slow to act, opting for a consultation period instead of immediate tariff implementation. Critics, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have criticised this delay, calling for decisive action to protect Canadian interests.

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Goodyear Canada Investing $575M For Ontario Plant Expansion

Goodyear Canada Inc. is investing over $575 million to expand its plant in Napanee, Ontario. This expansion aims to increase production capacity for electric vehicle (EV) and all-terrain tires, creating 200 new jobs. The project supports Ontario’s growing EV sector and strengthens its role in the EV supply chain. The federal and provincial governments are backing the initiative with substantial funding and support, including up to $44.3 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund and $20 million from the Invest Ontario Fund. This investment aligns with Ontario’s strategy to bolster its automotive manufacturing capabilities and attract global EV-related investments.

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Save a buck a litre? Canadian EV drivers do just that every day

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) at home in Canada is significantly cheaper than using gasoline. While the average cost of gasoline is around $1.55 per litre, charging an EV at home in cities like Toronto can cost as little as $0.32 per equivalent litre of energy. Other cities, such as Vancouver and Montreal, offer even lower costs due to cheaper electricity rates. The higher efficiency of EVs compared to gasoline vehicles also means fewer energy losses, making EVs a more economical and environmentally friendly option. Although some challenges exist, such as the complexity of charging networks, the savings on fuel costs make EVs an attractive alternative for Canadian drivers.

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Trudeau defends billions spent attracting electric vehicle industry to Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his government’s investments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, highlighting a $44.3 million federal contribution to a $575 million expansion of a Goodyear plant in Napanee, Ontario. The expansion will create 200 jobs. Despite recent market slowdowns, Trudeau stressed that these investments are vital for Canada’s long-term economic and environmental future, criticising opposition leader Pierre Poilievre for his lack of support for the EV sector.

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