Buying a Chinese EV in Canada feels like such a gamble given the current geopolitical situation. Like what happens if things reverse and you can no longer get parts or support for these cars? Let's say you can get parts and third party shops open up to fill the support gap, how sure are you you'll continue to get the software updates these cars rely on?

While I'd love to consider a Chinese EV as my next car, there just seem to be too many early adopter risks here outside of the car itself.

I used to think like you. I'm in Norway, I currently own a EU-made BEV and my previous car was also an EU-made BEV, and to be honest I don't think it's much better with those.

Parts are quite bespoke regardless it seems given how integrated everything is now, and I'm pretty sure a lot of the parts (or at least sub-components) come from China anyway so might very well be affected by a global event.

Also, software updates aren't frequent and manufacturers are very opaque regarding support. That is, they defer you to local dealer for software support, and the dealers don't know shit.

Feels like cars have become much more disposable in the past decade or so. I'm definitely not planning on having my next car living 20+ years.

Meh. The entire geopolitical situation is unstable. If BYD is hoping to build manufacturing and infrastructure here, and they are willing to make significant investments, it makes sense for us (Canadians) to pursue that, while continuing to strengthening our ties to Europe, and making sure that any thoughts of Canada as a vassal state to the United States are consigned to the dustbin.

We had a close relationship with the United States, but we have been burned pretty badly, and it's up to the Americans to show that it's worth returning by stabilizing the rule of law, and eliminating the capricious and nonsensical trade barriers that have been implemented.