Spurred by rising fuel costs, demand for electric vehicles is increasing globally, with Chinese manufacturers, particularly BYD, capitalizing on this trend. Despite limited access to the U.S. market, BYD is experiencing surging orders across Asia and other international markets, driven by consumers seeking cost savings. The company is addressing supply challenges and aims to overcome charging time concerns with its new “flash charging” technology, a significant development expected to boost EV adoption worldwide. This global shift was evident at the Beijing Auto Show, where Chinese automakers featured prominently.
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Oil prices remain elevated above $100 per barrel due to damaged energy infrastructure in the Middle East and the ongoing closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has choked off 20% of global oil supply. Goldman Sachs anticipates that these high prices could persist, with a worst-case scenario projecting Brent crude potentially exceeding its 2008 all-time high. The U.S. is working to mitigate the impact of the conflict on domestic gasoline prices, which have reached their highest level since October 2022, while considering various measures to stabilize the market.
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Canada is reportedly exploring a joint venture to manufacture Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) for global export, a move that could significantly reshape the automotive landscape. This potential collaboration aims to leverage Canada’s existing manufacturing infrastructure and trade relationships to bring affordable, high-quality Chinese EVs to international markets.
The idea is that by building these vehicles in Canada, they would be exempt from certain tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States. This strategic positioning could make shipping to Europe and South America more efficient and cost-effective, opening up substantial new export opportunities. Canada’s extensive network of trade agreements with Europe, East Asia, and various South American nations further strengthens this prospect, allowing for broader market access.… Continue reading
Volkswagen has officially surpassed Tesla as Europe’s leading electric vehicle (EV) seller in 2025, a significant shift in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This development, while a win for the established German automaker, is also being viewed as a consequence of Tesla’s recent stumbles and a broader trend of European consumers leaning towards domestic brands. The narrative surrounding this shift suggests a complex interplay of market forces, consumer sentiment, and even geopolitical factors.
It appears that a growing wave of “Buy European” sentiment is playing a substantial role in Volkswagen’s ascent. Many consumers across the continent are reportedly shunning brands perceived as having problematic associations, with Elon Musk’s public stances and perceived meddling in European political affairs cited as a primary reason for Tesla’s declining appeal.… Continue reading
China’s BYD vehicle sales fall for fifth month in a row, a topic that’s sparked quite a bit of chatter, and it’s a good time to sift through what’s being said. It seems like a confluence of factors are at play, making this more interesting than just a simple dip in sales.
One of the prominent ideas is that BYD might be suffering from its own success. They’ve aggressively expanded, keeping costs low, and produced a lot of vehicles. However, the market, in China, could be reaching saturation. It is a bit like pushing a boulder up a hill, at some point the rate slows and starts rolling back.… Continue reading
In a landmark shift, electric vehicles (EVs) outsold gasoline-powered cars in Europe for the first time in December of last year. Over 300,000 EVs were purchased, representing a 50% year-over-year increase, driven by the availability of more affordable models. While hybrids still lead in sales, the growth rate of EV registrations is significantly higher, narrowing the gap. This trend signals a notable transition in the European car market, with gas car registrations declining substantially.
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Canada and South Korea have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote automotive manufacturing and investment in Canada. The agreement, signed during a visit by a South Korean government delegation, aims to advance South Korean automotive and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Canada, including battery production and the supply chain. This MOU is linked to South Korea’s bid to win a contract to build submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy, with Ottawa seeking commitments from both South Korea and Germany to facilitate auto industry production pledges in Canada. The potential submarine contract could be worth billions of dollars and lead to long-term international partnerships.
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In a recent trade agreement, Canada and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on certain goods to benefit citizens of both nations. China will lower tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, while Canada will decrease tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. Initially, tariffs on Chinese EVs will drop significantly, with a quota allowing a limited number of vehicles under most-favored-nation terms, though this quota is expected to grow over time. This agreement presents an opportunity for Canadians to purchase more affordable, innovative EVs while boosting Canadian agricultural exports. To maximize the environmental benefits of this trade deal, Canada could invest in solar energy solutions like agrivoltaics and home solar carports to power the growing number of EVs.
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US says Canada will regret decision to allow Chinese EVs into their market, and honestly, the whole thing feels like a bad joke with a predictable punchline. It’s like when they tried to scare Canada about banning American liquor – remember how well that worked out? Now, it’s Chinese electric vehicles, and the US is playing the same old tune. You’d think a country that preaches free market principles would understand that competition is, well, the point.
US says Canada will regret decision to allow Chinese EVs into their market, yet from the other side of the border, the situation looks completely different.… Continue reading
Following meetings with Chinese leaders, Canada has agreed to eliminate its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. In exchange, China will reduce its tariffs on Canadian canola seeds. The initial cap on Chinese EV exports to Canada will be 49,000 vehicles annually, increasing over five years. This agreement reflects a shift towards a more predictable partnership with China, especially as trade relations with the United States have become strained under the America-first approach.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood