Chinese EV influx into Canada reportedly raises national security, data privacy concerns

Ottawa [Canada], October 4 (ANI): Canada’s decision to significantly reduce tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) has triggered fresh concerns over national security, cybersecurity and the potential collection of sensitive data, according to a report by The Epoch Times.

The media outlet reported that Chinese EVs are expected to gain greater access to the Canadian market following Ottawa’s decision to cut the tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles from 100 per cent to 6.1 per cent.

According to The Epoch Times, the agreement initially permits up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually to enter Canada at the reduced tariff, with the quota expected to increase in subsequent years.

The concerns were highlighted during a 90-minute discussion titled “Cheap cars, high costs: The security reality of China’s EVs”, hosted by the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute.

The panel brought together industry and policy experts to examine the potential security implications of Canada’s EV agreement with China, The Epoch Times reported.