Electric Vehicles Driving GM’s Success in Canada

Times are good at General Motors. Its Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealerships in Canada delivered more than 83,000 vehicles in the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 8 percent over the same period last year, giving the automaker the largest market share in the country at 15.8 percent.

“As the market evolves, we remain focused on offering Canadian drivers’ choice through the most diverse portfolio in the industry that ranges from dependable gas-powered vehicles to 13 electric options across Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC,” said Shane Peever, vice president of sales, service and marketing at General Motors of Canada.

Thirteen electric options? That’s right. And together, their sales are up 38 percent from the second quarter of 2024, led by the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Cadillac Optiq—two of the most affordable in that group. Let’s take a quick look at each brand, shall we?

Chevrolet

The Equinox EV has been GM’s electric star since its initial launch. Canadians—and Quebecers in particular—have embraced it en masse given its attractive price, design and range (up to 513 km). What’s more, handling is commendable, even with front-wheel drive. Until the Bolt EV returns, this is the best option available.

Roomier and more powerful, the Blazer EV has a sportier character, although it will never be confused with an electric Camaro. All trim levels are well equipped and compelling. Oddly enough, for the 2026 model year, Chevrolet has eliminated the rear-wheel-drive model, which is the one that offered the longest range (538 km).

Meanwhile, the Silverado EV has yet to enjoy the success of the Ford F-150 Lightning, but the lineup continues to expand. Soon, buyers will be treated to a Trail Boss model, following the lead of the gasoline-powered Silverado and Colorado, for more adventurous off-roading. Those looking for maximum range are well served by the WT model, which can travel up to 793 km when equipped with the Max battery. How about that?

GMC

The larger-than-life Hummer EV is already a few years old. Of course, GMC won’t be saving the planet with this vehicle weighing over four tons. Available as a pickup truck or SUV, it’s more of a status symbol than anything else, as evidenced by output that can exceed 1,000 hp. The much talked-about CrabWalk mode, which allows diagonal moves, will shortly add a King Crab function for even greater maneuverability.

Don’t forget GMC’s other electric pickup, the Sierra EV, which shares most of its components and capabilities with the Silverado EV but obviously comes in a different-looking package. After launching in Canada last fall as a 2025 model, in top-of-the-range Denali trim only, it’s set to add a pair of more affordable options for 2026 including Elevation and AT4.

Cadillac

Cadillac, which at one point had this bold plan of going all-electric by 2030, will continue to offer combustion-engined vehicles in the next decade. However, with the XT4 and XT6 crossovers getting the axe, battery-powered models are already in the majority.

In Canada, Cadillac is currently enjoying its best months ever, and this is largely attributable to the new, compact-sized Optiq—maybe not the most head-turning model, but undoubtedly one of the most strategic. With its well-appointed cabin, high levels of technology and competitive range (486 km), it’s a top choice in the segment. A high-performance Optiq-V is even on the way for 2026.

Higher in the lineup, you’ll find the Lyriq (also available in a new V-rated variant for 2026), the three-row Vistiq (the latest addition to the family) and the Escalade IQ (with an extended-wheelbase IQL configuration for those looking for even more space). And then there’s the Celestiq sedan, which marks Cadillac’s return to the ultra-luxury segment. Deliveries in Canada have not yet begun. The hand-built Celestiq offers unprecedented levels of opulence and customization, and the starting price is estimated at around $450,000. For real.

What About Buick?

Buick’s first EV for the North American market has yet to be unveiled, and patience will be required for even longer than we thought. The production model could—and we do mean could—draw inspiration from the sensational Wildcat EV concept that was displayed in a Canadian premiere at the Montreal Auto Show in January 2023. 

One thing’s for sure, it will be different from the Buick Electra E5, Electra E4 and Velite 6 that are already on sale in China. None of them will be coming here due to the U.S. and Canadian tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.