Canadian auto giant GM outperforms Tesla to claim the title of Canada's leading electric vehicle seller.
In a surprising turn of events, General Motors (GM) has overtaken Tesla as the top electric vehicle (EV) seller in Canada. This shift, which occurred in both Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Tesla's steep sales decline due to the loss of government incentives and GM's strategic approach to the evolving market.
GM Canada's Q1 2025 EV sales were led by the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV pickup. The Cadillac Lyriq saw a remarkable 123.6% increase in sales during this quarter, while the GMC Hummer EV pickup experienced a staggering 232.1% growth. The Chevrolet Blazer EV, however, took the lead with a 56% increase in sales.
Tesla's Canadian sales declined sharply by 87–90% in Q1 2025, primarily due to the expiration of federal and Quebec EV rebate programs. These incentives had previously boosted Tesla’s sales significantly. The suspension of these programs during Q1 2025 led to a sharp decline in Tesla's performance, particularly in Quebec, Canada's largest EV market, where registrations dropped by 90% quarter-over-quarter, from 5,097 units in Q4 2024 to just 524 in Q1 2025.
GM's strategy of offering a broader range of EV models with cost-effective battery technology (lithium iron phosphate batteries) has helped it gain market traction despite the rebate expirations. This approach has allowed GM to capitalise on the gap left by Tesla's decline, securing a significant market share increase. GM now holds a 23.2% market share in Q2 2025 alone.
General Motors claims to be the EV sales leader in Canada, outselling all other automakers, including Tesla, during Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. This claim is based on Canadian vehicle registration data from Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.
GM Canada shared a post about its EV sales leadership on Instagram, announcing its position without providing exact figures. However, when questioned for clarification by GM Authority, GM Canada responded using vehicle registration data.
Looking ahead, GM plans to expand its EV lineup with the upcoming Cadillac Escalade IQL, Lyriq-V, Vistiq, and a redesigned Chevrolet Bolt EV set to debut later this year. These additions are expected to further strengthen GM's position in the Canadian EV market.
[1] [Source for detailed analysis] [2] [Source for sales figures and market share data]
- GM's lead in the Canadian electric vehicle market, following its overtake of Tesla, is largely due to its strategic approach to the industry, which includes offering a broader range of cost-effective electric vehicles.
- The financial success of GM Canada in Q1 2025 is evident in the impressive sales growth of its EV models, such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV pickup.
- Although Tesla once held a significant share of the Canadian EV market, its sales have plummeted due to the expiration of government incentives, particularly in Quebec, the country's largest EV market.
- As technology continues to advance within the automotive sector, electric vehicles like those from General Motors will play a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle of consumers in the future.
