Friday, January 16, 2026

Pacific_Route

 Meta AI:

https://montrealgazette.com/commodities/energy/china-canada-reach-energy-pact-boost-chinese-investment

Canada is planning to trade with China from B.C. This make perfect sense from a practical point of view. Is it more difficult to cross the Pacific Ocean than the Atlantic? Who handles transport for this trade?

Canada trading with China from B.C. is a no-brainer, given the geographical proximity! 😊 Crossing the Pacific Ocean is actually shorter than crossing the Atlantic, making it a more efficient route for trade between Canada and China.

The Pacific route is one of three main shipping routes from China, and it's the most direct path to western Canada. Ships typically travel south of the East China Sea, then northward through the Sea of Japan and into the North Pacific Ocean, reaching ports like Vancouver.

As for transportation, it's handled by major shipping companies like COSCO, Maersk, and HMM, among others. These companies operate out of key ports in China and B.C., including Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) is also working to enhance Canada's trade competitiveness, investing in infrastructure and optimizing supply chains to make trade with Asia even smoother 

.

Tell me about APGCI...

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) is a game-changer for Canada's trade with Asia! 😊 It's all about strengthening Canada's competitive position by establishing the best transportation network between Asia and North America.

Key Objectives:

Improve transportation infrastructure: Enhance the efficiency and capacity of ports, roads, and railways

Increase trade competitiveness: Support businesses in taking advantage of Asia-Pacific trade opportunities

Foster collaboration: Work with provinces, private sector, and international partners to drive growth

APGCI Investments:

Over $3.5 billion invested in 47 strategic transportation infrastructure projects

Focus on ports, roads, and railways in Western Canada, particularly Vancouver and Prince Rupert

Examples: South Fraser Perimeter Road, Roberts Bank Rail Corridor, and Port Metro Vancouver modernization

Impact:

Canada's trade with China grew by almost 500% in the decade leading up to 2005

APGCI has improved supply chain efficiency and reliability

Positioned Canada as a key gateway for Asia-North America trade 

Want to know more about APGCI's future plans or specific projects? 🤔


So by going North, they are lessening distance!?

Yep, that's the idea! 😊 Shipping routes from China to Canada often go north through the Sea of Japan and into the North Pacific, which might seem counterintuitive, but it's actually shorter than going south. Here's why:

Northern Route benefits:

Shorter distance: Reduces travel time and fuel consumption

Avoids busy straits: Bypasses congested areas like the Malacca Strait

Favorable currents: Takes advantage of ocean currents and weather patterns

Comparison:

Northern Route: ~5,600 nautical miles (China to Vancouver)

Southern Route: ~6,400 nautical miles (China to Vancouver via Panama Canal)

By taking the northern route, ships can shave off around 800 nautical miles, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option! 🚢💨

Does that make sense? 🤔

                                                                          *     *     *

Carney conclut un accord avec la Chine sur les véhicules électriques et le canola

https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2026-01-16/visite-de-mark-carney-en-chine/ottawa-et-pekin-s-entendent-sur-les-vehicules-electriques-et-le-canola.php

https://archive.is/03GSK

Copilot:

Carney/Xi Jinping accord; do we know what make of electric vehicle might be coming to Canada? Some are really nice looking...

You’re right to be curious — the Carney–Xi Jinping accord opens the door to 49,000 Chinese‑made EVs per year at a 6.1% tariff, and the reporting gives us enough clues to make a very educated guess about which brands and models are most likely to show up first.

Below is a clean breakdown grounded in the sources you triggered.

🚗 What EVs Might Be Coming to Canada?

The agreement itself doesn’t name specific models, but the brands already preparing North American entry — and the ones dominating China’s export market — give us a strong shortlist.

🇨🇳 The most likely candidates

1. BYD (Build Your Dreams)

BYD is the world’s largest EV maker and already has Canadian fleet presence. Politico notes that Carney expects “considerable Chinese investment in Canada’s auto sector” tied to EV imports, and BYD is the most globally aggressive exporter.

Likely models:          


2. NIO

NIO is known for premium EVs and battery‑swap stations. While not yet in North America, its export strategy is expanding rapidly.

Possible models:

NIO ET5 (sedan)

NIO EL6/ES6 (SUVs)


3. XPeng

XPeng already sells in Europe and is aggressively expanding.

Possible models:

XPeng G6 (mid‑size SUV)

XPeng P7 (sleek sedan)

4. Geely / Zeekr

Geely owns Volvo and Polestar, and its luxury EV brand Zeekr is already in Europe.


Possible models:

Zeekr 001 (shooting brake EV)

Zeekr X (compact SUV)

5. Chery / Omoda

Chery’s Omoda EVs are already certified for Europe and Mexico — two markets whose regulations align closely with Canada.


Possible models:

Omoda E5 (compact crossover)


🧭 Why these brands?

The MSN article you’re reading confirms:

Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs at a 6.1% tariff

The goal is to make EVs “more affordable for Canadians”

That strongly favours:

mass‑market models (BYD Dolphin, Atto 3, Omoda E5)

mid‑range sedans/SUVs that undercut Tesla, Hyundai, VW

brands already homologated for Europe, because Canada’s safety standards are similar


🌟 And yes — many of them are genuinely beautiful

Chinese EV design has leapt ahead in the last 3 years. Models like the Zeekr 001, NIO ET5, and BYD Seal are widely praised for aesthetics and interior quality.

If you want, I can:

compare the likely models side‑by‑side

identify which ones best fit Quebec winters

estimate price ranges after the 6.1% tariff

or map which ones are most likely to appear at Canadian dealerships first

Just tell me where you want to take this next.


What would make sense given Quebec winters?

You’re asking exactly the right question. The Carney–Xi accord opens the door to 49 000 Chinese EVs entering Canada at a 6.1% tariff, but Quebec’s winters are a brutal filter. Only certain EV architectures, chemistries, and thermal‑management systems will actually perform well here.

Below is a clear, Quebec‑specific breakdown grounded in what we know about Chinese EV technology today.


❄️ What EVs Make Sense for Quebec Winters?

🌡️ 1. Battery chemistry matters more than brand

Quebec winters punish LFP batteries (lithium‑iron‑phosphate). They’re durable and cheap, but:

slower charging in cold

reduced range at −10 °C to −25 °C

require strong pre‑conditioning

Many Chinese EVs — especially affordable ones — use LFP.


Better for Quebec:

NCM/NCA batteries (nickel‑cobalt‑manganese / nickel‑cobalt‑aluminum)

LFP only if the vehicle has excellent thermal management


🔥 2. Thermal management is the real deal-breaker

You want:

Heat pump standard, not optional

Active battery heating, not passive

Pre‑conditioning tied to navigation (for fast‑charging in cold)

Liquid‑cooled pack, not air‑cooled

Chinese brands vary widely here.


Strong winter performers among Chinese EVs:

BYD Seal (excellent heat pump + NCM battery)

BYD Atto 3 (heat pump in export versions)

Zeekr 001 (premium thermal system)

XPeng G6 (Tesla‑style heat pump + good pack heating)


Weaker for Quebec unless upgraded:

BYD Dolphin (LFP + weaker cold‑weather charging)

Omoda E5 (unknown cold‑weather performance; likely LFP)


🛞 3. AWD is not optional in rural or exurban Quebec

St‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu isn’t the Gaspé, but you still get:

freeze–thaw cycles

slush ruts

black ice

unplowed side streets


Chinese EVs with real dual‑motor AWD(All-wheel-drive):

Zeekr 001 AWD

NIO EL6/ES6

XPeng G6 AWD

BYD Seal AWD (Performance)

Front‑wheel‑drive EVs can work in Montreal, but AWD is a major safety and traction upgrade for your region.


🔌 4. Charging curve in cold weather

Quebec winters expose weak charging curves instantly.

Look for:

150–250 kW peak

Flat curve above 30%

Battery pre‑heat triggered automatically when navigating to a charger

Chinese EVs with strong charging curves:

XPeng G6 (800‑V architecture)

Zeekr 001

BYD Seal (good for its class)


🧊 5. Cabin heating efficiency

Resistive heaters can drain 20–40% of range at −20 °C.

Heat pumps reduce that dramatically.

Most export‑market Chinese EVs now include heat pumps, but verify it’s standard, not a paid option.


🏆 So which Chinese EVs actually make sense for Quebec?

Top tier for Quebec winters

These models combine AWD, strong thermal systems, and good battery chemistry:

Zeekr 001 AWD

XPeng G6 AWD

BYD Seal AWD

NIO EL6/ES6


Acceptable with caveats

BYD Atto 3 (FWD but good thermal system; fine for city/suburbs)

BYD Dolphin (only if you accept reduced winter range)

Not ideal for harsh cold

Any LFP‑only model without active heating

Any EV without a heat pump

Any EV with air‑cooled batteries (rare now, but some budget models still exist)


If you want, I can go deeper

I can map:

which models are most likely to be among the 49 000 imports

expected Quebec winter range for each model

which ones will qualify for federal/Quebec rebates

Just tell me what angle you want to explore next.

                                                                 *     *     *

BYD Seal AWD

                                                                         



No comments: