GM Slows Ontario EV Van Production Amid U.S. Tariff Uncertainty

Ontario EV

BrightDrop EV Van Production to Pause Until October 2025

General Motors (GM) will halt and scale back production of its BrightDrop electric delivery van at its Ingersoll, Ontario plant. The company will initiate temporary layoffs on April 14, affecting nearly 500 workers, according to Canadian union Unifor.

GM plans a limited return to production in May, before a prolonged shutdown until October 2025. When operations resume, the plant will run a single production shift, significantly reducing workforce needs.

Retooling Plans Move Forward Despite Market Headwinds

During the downtime, GM will retool the Ontario facility to prepare for 2026 model-year commercial EV production. The company reported 274 BrightDrop van sales in Q1, up 7% year-over-year, showing modest EV delivery growth.

However, Unifor President Lana Payne criticized U.S. trade policies, citing Trump-era tariffs as barriers to investment stability. She warned that without stronger domestic support, Ontario’s EV production future remains fragile despite GM’s commitment.

U.S. Policy Turbulence Adds Pressure to Canada’s EV Industry

The slowdown highlights how protectionist U.S. policies and shifting EV strategies are reshaping North America's industrial landscape. Canadian facilities like Ingersoll face uncertainty as automakers reevaluate supply chains, tariffs, and long-term EV market access.

Unifor urged Canadian policymakers to boost EV sector resilience, warning that delays could weaken future battery and vehicle investments.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GM's EV production pause in Ontario reflects the volatility caused by geopolitical and trade tensions. While retooling shows long-term intent, the move also signals growing caution in the North American EV race. Without cohesive cross-border policy, industrial momentum risks stalling.