BRIEFLY: Canadian Tariffs, German Incentives, Plug-In Success & more | 16 Jan 2026
About this episode
Canadian tariffs on Chinese EVs are set to drop significantly, allowing for increased market access while China reciprocates by easing tariffs on Canadian goods. Germany is investing heavily in EV incentives, aiming to boost sales among low and middle-income families. The global plug-in vehicle market saw a 20% increase in 2025, with notable growth in Europe and China. Additionally, electric vehicles are now leading safety rankings, surpassing traditional combustion engines. Exciting developments include Hyundai's potential all-electric camper and Ford's plans for the Super Mustang Mac E at Pike's Peak.
It's EV News Briefly for Friday 16 January 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
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CANADA BREAKS RANKS WITH U.S. AND REMOVES 100% CHINA EV TARIFFS https://evne.ws/4a2WZcs
FORD SLAMS OTTAWA’S CHINA EV TARIFF DEAL https://evne.ws/3LT6cuD
GERMANY BETS €3BN ON EV BUYERS, NOT JUST MAKERS https://evne.ws/4qwXQYO
PLUG-IN SALES GROW, BUT POLICY CONSISTENCY MATTERS https://evne.ws/4jIBuRm
VW COMMERCIAL VANS RIDE ID. BUZZ ELECTRIC SURGE https://evne.ws/4jSIprw
EVS TOP 2025 SAFETY RANKINGS ACROSS ALL SEGMENTS https://evne.ws/4qsYaYq
HYUNDAI TESTS APPETITE FOR ELECTRIC FACTORY CAMPER https://evne.ws/4pHyo1p
ILLINOIS ADDS FIVE IONNA EV CHARGING HUBS https://evne.ws/3ZjX1q9
VMAX TAKES AIM AT E-SCOOTER PREMIUM AND MASS MARKET https://evne.ws/3NxY82T
FORD CHASES PIKES PEAK EV GLORY IN 2026 RETURN https://evne.ws/49J5g46
tariffs
"They will set a cap on them. It'll be the amount of vehicles that came in in 2023 before the tariffs arrived. So that's 49,000 vehicles can come in, and as the rules tighten..."
Tariffs are extra costs added to products brought into a country from abroad. They can make imported cars more expensive and affect how many can be sold.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect the pricing and availability of vehicles in a market. In this context, the discussion revolves around tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) and how they impact trade agreements.
EV
"That opens the market to Chinese EV makers, and in return, China will wave away all of its tariffs on things like Canadian canola and Canadian seafood. They're not all gone, just as all of the EV tariffs aren't gone..."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are becoming more popular as people look for cleaner transportation options.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. This segment discusses the impact of tariffs on the EV market and the competition from Chinese EV manufacturers.
subsidies
"Germany is betting 3 billion euros on its EV buyers. They want to incentivise more people to get into an EV with subsidies of between 1,500 euros and 6,000 euros per vehicle."
Subsidies are money given by the government to help people buy things, like electric cars. This makes them cheaper and encourages more people to use them.
Subsidies are financial incentives provided by the government to encourage certain behaviors, such as purchasing electric vehicles. These can lower the overall cost for consumers and promote the adoption of EVs.
electric vehicles
"...the growth there was driven by, yeah, you guessed it, that would be the electric vehicles, like the ID Buzz. That did really well, up 100% year-on-year..."
Electric vehicles are cars that use electricity to run instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that run entirely on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...it, that would be the electric vehicles, like the ID Buzz. That did really well, up 100% year-on-year, to ..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is made for today. It's popular because it's eco-friendly and has a lot of space for people and cargo.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an all-electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern technology and sustainability. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility and has seen significant sales growth, reflecting the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen Multivan
"That did really well, up 100% year-on-year, to almost 61,000 units this year. There'll be a long-wheel-based ID Buzz cargo coming soon. Good things they're making about the plug-in hybrid multi-van. There's a plug-in hybrid Caddy, all electric e-craft are coming too."
The Volkswagen Multivan is a spacious van that can carry lots of people and their stuff. It's popular because it's comfortable and now comes in versions that use less fuel or are electric.
The Volkswagen Multivan is a versatile people carrier that combines practicality with comfort, making it ideal for families and businesses alike. With a strong sales performance, it showcases Volkswagen's ability to adapt to market needs, including the introduction of plug-in hybrid options.
Volkswagen Caddy
"...ug-in hybrid multi-van. There's a plug-in hybrid Caddy, all electric e-craft are coming too. EVs now to..."
The Volkswagen Caddy is a small van that's great for work or family use. It's getting new versions that are electric or use less fuel, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
The Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that is popular for both commercial and personal use due to its practicality and efficiency. The introduction of plug-in hybrid and electric versions reflects the brand's shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Cla
"And guess what now tops every major safety category? Ah, you beat me to it again. Electric vehicles. The safest car they tested last year was the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV. Other good cars they tested include things like Tesla's Model 3 refresh, the Model Y, the Mini Cooper E,"
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury car that looks really nice and has great safety features. The electric version of this car is especially safe, which is why it's often talked about in safety discussions.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) is a compact luxury sedan known for its sleek design and advanced safety features. It has been recognized for its high safety ratings, particularly in its electric variant, making it a popular choice among safety-conscious buyers.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV
"the safest car they tested last year was the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV. Other good cars they tested include things like Tesla's Model 3 refresh..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is an electric car that combines luxury and safety. It has been rated highly for safety in tests conducted last year.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is an electric version of the compact luxury sedan, known for its stylish design and advanced technology. It has been recognized for its safety features in recent tests.
Mini Cooper E
"Other good cars they tested include things like Tesla's Model 3 refresh, the Model Y, the Mini Cooper E..."
The Mini Cooper E is an electric car that looks like the classic Mini but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's small and fun to drive.
The Mini Cooper E is the electric version of the iconic Mini Cooper, known for its compact size and fun driving experience. It combines the classic Mini styling with electric efficiency.
Teslas Model
"Electric vehicles. The safest car they tested last year was the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV. Other good cars they tested include things like Tesla's Model 3 refresh, the Model Y, the Mini Cooper E, and the Polestar 3 as well. But across every major category, EVs no longer match combustion, they actually surpassed them."
Tesla Model 3
"Other good cars they tested include things like Tesla's Model 3 refresh, the Model Y, the Mini Cooper E..."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that is popular for its speed and technology. It's known for being efficient and has a good driving range.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan known for its performance, range, and advanced technology features. It has been a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
Polestar 3
"...refresh, the Model Y, the Mini Cooper E, and the Polestar 3 as well. But across every major category, EVs no ..."
The Polestar 3 is a stylish electric SUV made by a brand that's part of Volvo. It's designed to be both luxurious and good for the environment, which makes it an appealing choice for many drivers.
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV from Volvo's performance brand, Polestar, designed to combine luxury with sustainability. It features advanced technology and a focus on performance, making it a competitive option in the growing electric vehicle market.
Hyundai Staria
"would you like us to make an all-electric camper on our Staria vehicle that we announced last week in Brussels?"
The Hyundai Staria is a large vehicle that can be used for families or businesses. It has a lot of space inside and can be electric.
The Hyundai Staria is a multi-purpose vehicle designed for families and commercial use, featuring a spacious interior and modern technology. It is available in various configurations, including electric.
traction battery
"Obviously, because you've got a big traction battery, which would have to be integrated somehow into when you arrive at a campsite and do the electrical hook-up."
A traction battery is a big battery in electric cars that stores energy. It helps the car run and powers other features like lights and air conditioning.
A traction battery is a type of rechargeable battery used to power electric vehicles. It stores energy that can be used to drive the vehicle and power its electrical systems.
Pike's Peak
"And finally, Ford will send its Super Mustang Mach-E back up Pike's Peak last year. The weather dulled things. They had to shorten the course, but Ford says the new one is a lot better, and we're going for the overall win."
Pike's Peak is a mountain in Colorado where a famous race takes place every year. Cars and motorcycles race up the mountain, which is a tough challenge because of the steep roads and changing weather.
Pike's Peak is a famous mountain in Colorado known for its challenging road and annual hill climb race. The event tests vehicles' performance and handling on a steep and winding course, making it a significant event in motorsport.
Ford Mustang
"And finally, Ford will send its Super Mustang Mach-E back up Pike's Peak last year. The weather dulled things. They had to shorten the course, but Ford says the new one is a lot better, and we're going for the overall win."
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that carries the famous Mustang name. It's built for both performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice for those looking to drive an electric car.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the iconic Mustang name with modern electric vehicle technology. It's designed for performance and efficiency, making it a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
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