Tesla Model Y has arrived in Canada, and this time it is coming directly from Germany. Several hundred vehicles arrived at Halifax’s Dartmouth Autoport over the weekend from various ships. This is Tesla’s first direct shipment of German-built Model Ys to Canadian consumers.
Until now, Canada has received Model Y cars from Tesla’s Fremont factory in California or, for a brief period, from Giga Shanghai in China. But things are changing. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) have already been distributed, and deliveries are likely to commence within the next two weeks. Eastern Canada will experience the first handovers because of its proximity to Nova Scotia. This move is more than just a shipping update. It’s a turning point for Tesla in Canada, especially with the challenges posed by global tariffs and rising costs.
Why Tesla Is Importing From Giga Berlin
Tesla’s decision to import from Giga Berlin is all about smart supply chain management. In recent years, tariffs have made it harder to bring in vehicles from both the U.S. and China. Chinese-made EVs now face a 100% tariff, while U.S.-built EVs are subject to a 25% tariff. These additional costs made it difficult for Tesla to maintain competitive Canadian prices.
By turning to Giga Berlin, Tesla found a way around the problem. The German factory mainly serves the European market, but with production scaling up since its 2022 launch, exports are now possible. This gives Canada a fresh supply line that avoids steep import taxes.
Tesla Model Y: Lower Prices for Canadian Buyers
Price drops have been one of the biggest outcomes of this shift. When tariffs hit, Tesla had no choice but to raise Canadian prices—sometimes by more than $21,000. That made EV ownership harder for many people.
Now, with German-built Model Ys arriving, Tesla has been able to cut prices again. The Model Y Long Range AWD dropped by $20,000 CAD, landing at $64,990. That’s actually $5,000 less than the pre-tariff price.
Back when federal rebates were still available, buyers ended up paying about the same as before. Even though rebates are gone, the new pricing keeps the Model Y in a more affordable range for those looking at premium EVs.
Currently, Canada only gets the Model Y Long Range. Giga Berlin has also begun producing the Performance version, but that one is not yet available in Canada.
Tesla’s timing could not be more significant. EV sales in Canada have slowed in 2025, with Tesla registrations down 67% in the first half of the year. Many buyers have held back due to rising expenses and market uncertainties.
Bringing in Berlin-built Model Ys at reduced pricing could give Tesla the push it needs. It not only saves customers money but also boosts Tesla’s position in the Canadian electric vehicle industry.As production in Germany keeps expanding, Canada could see more steady imports in the future. For now, this shipment signals Tesla’s commitment to keeping its cars accessible and competitive, even in a tough market.
