Geely EX2 and EX5 spotted arriving in Canada for testing at Pearson Airport

Geely has sent two new electric vehicles (EV) to Canada this week for testing. The new shipment was spotted at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, and comes as the Chinese automaker is currently shipping its first EVs under the Lotus brand to be sold in Canada under the new import framework.

According to photos shared online, a Geely EX5 electric SUV and the smaller EX2 hatchback were spotted being unloaded at the airport on Wednesday. While Geely has not announced Canadian launch plans for either vehicle, the arrival of both models strongly suggests the company is preparing to conduct testing and certification work ahead of a potential launch.

The timing is particularly interesting given Canada’s newly introduced quota system for Chinese-built EVs. While the policy was designed to create a more balanced framework for imports after Ottawa removed its 100% tariffs earlier this year, it has also forced automakers to become more cautious and push their expansion plans into 2027.

Geely EX5

The larger of the two vehicles spotted was the Geely EX5, a compact electric SUV that has already launched in markets including Australia and Southeast Asia. Built on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA) platform, the EX5 is positioned as a value-focused rival to vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric, and BYD Atto 3.

The EX5 is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 68.4kWh LFP battery pack. Depending on the trim level, the SUV offers up to 475km of WLTP-rated range and can charge from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

Pricing could make it especially competitive if it launches in Canada. In Australia, the EX5 currently starts at around AU$41,990 before fees, or roughly C$41,500 at current exchange rates.

Geely EX2

Also spotted was the smaller Geely EX2, an affordable electric hatchback that has become one of China’s best-selling EVs. Known as the Xingyuan in China, the EX2 targets the growing entry-level EV market and competes against vehicles like the BYD Dolphin and Citroën e-C3 in overseas markets.

Depending on the market, the EX2 is offered with battery packs ranging from roughly 30kWh to 40kWh and delivers between 300km and 400km of range under various testing standards. Higher trims feature rear-wheel drive, 114hp, and DC fast charging speeds up to 70kW.

If Geely decides to bring the EX2 to Canada, pricing could land below C$30,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs available in the country.

Canada’s EV quota system could complicate Geely’s plans

Exactly how aggressively Geely expands in Canada will depend on how Ottawa manages its new EV import quota system over the next several years. Under the current framework, Chinese-built EVs are limited to a capped number of annual imports, 49,000 in the first year, increasing by 6% each year until 2031. These allocations will be shared across multiple automakers, including Tesla, which is expected to take a large share of the quota.

As a result, the federal government is reportedly considering capping the number of vehicles Tesla is allowed to import.

The quota system creates a complicated situation for all Chinese automakers considering entering the Canadian market, but especially Geely. The company is not just one automaker, but a massive automotive group that also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, and several other brands. Any future Canadian strategy could involve multiple Geely-backed vehicles competing for the same limited import allocations.

Still, the arrival of the EX5 and EX2 in Canada suggests Geely sees long-term potential in the market despite those hurdles.

Whether these vehicles ultimately make it to Canadian showrooms in large numbers remains uncertain, but their appearance at Pearson Airport is another sign that Chinese automakers are continuing to position themselves for a future in Canada, even if the road ahead is becoming more complicated.