Canada Decreases Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Kia Unveils New Concept: TWC Podcast 254

By Phil Royle — Jan. 22, 2026

Canada seemingly counters increasing U.S. tensions by welcoming Chinese automakers into The Great White North. Could this tariff decrease be all that’s needed to bring a cascade of Chinese EVs to North America? There’s more to the story, which we cover on this week’s podcast. We also chat about Kia’s new concept EV, an update on Rivian’s R2, and more!

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SHOW NOTES
Canada strikes trade deal with China, 49,000 Chinese EVs per year at 6.1% tariff: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/canada-china-set-make-historic-gains-new-partnership-says-carney-2026-01-16/

One of the biggest potential beneficiaries of the Canada/China trade deal? Tesla: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-poised-be-early-winner-canada-opens-door-chinese-made-evs-2026-01-19/

Guess what the best-selling SUV in China was for 2025? Hint: It wasn’t BYD or Geely: https://carnewschina.com/2026/01/19/2025-best-selling-suv-ranking-in-china-no-byd-model-in-top-5-tesla-model-y-took-lead/

Kia Vision Meta Turismo Concept has wedgy styling reminiscent of the Honda 0: https://electrek.co/2026/01/19/kia-new-halo-ev-best-look/

RJ Scaringe says “validation” builds of the R2 are coming off the line in Illinois: https://x.com/RJScaringe/status/2011936932419268653?s=20

Germany brings back EV credit for 2026: https://www.electrive.com/2026/01/19/ev-incentive-scheme-applies-retroactively-from-1-january-2026/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Geely
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
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