Tesla, Hyundai and Vinfast unveil new EV models at the 2024 Montreal Auto Show

At this year’s Montreal International Auto Show, leading automotive manufacturers showcased their latest electric offerings, underlining the automotive industry’s strong pivot towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The auto show was held in late January, occupying three levels of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, a notable upgrade in scale compared to last year’s event. Also different from years gone by was that 2024 electric vehicle models now dominate the main show floor, occupying most of the major automakers’ booth space.

Ford, having missed all Canadian auto shows in 2023, made sure its EV line-up, including the F-150 Lightning, the Mustang Mach-E and the E-transit van, were all present at this year’s show.

The American automaker also had a “Ford Electrification Zone” where attendees could simulate driving one of its electric vehicles.

Kia presented multiple model iterations of its EV6, EV9 and EV Niro on the show floor for passersby to check out. Kia also offered an “Experience Kia EVs” section, providing information on its E-GMP platform, charging infrastructure and how it is using recycled material to build its EVs.

Nissan also had multiple models of its Ariya and Leaf on the show floor. Chevrolet presented the electric Equinox, Blazer and Silverado EVs. Genesis brought in its GV70, Volkswagen had the ID.4 and GMC had its Pickup Hummer EV.

Not wanting to be left behind, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus had the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ there, along with their plug-in vehicle models hooked up to a charger.

National EV debuts

During the auto show, some automakers took the opportunity to reveal their newest EVs and conceptual designs to a Canadian audience for the first time.

The ultra-futuristic Cybertruck from Tesla was a must-see for many attendees. While the odd Cybertruck has popped up in Canadian stores, this was the first time Tesla revealed it on a grand scale. Cybertruck claims a range of up to 547 kilometres on a single charge and a towing capacity nearing 5,000 kilograms.

Deliveries of the Cybertruck started last year in the U.S., but are unlikely to start in Canada before 2025.

A few feet from the Cybertruck, Hyundai unveiled for the first time its newest EV “coming soon” to the Canadian market: the Ioniq 5 N.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a variant of the company’s electric Ioniq 5 SUV. The vehicle is the first EV developed by Hyundai’s N division, a sub-brand dedicated to building high-performance vehicles for the Korean automaker. Developed using its E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 N has 641 horsepower and it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds on a race track.

Finding itself with an expanded stage compared to last year, Vinfast returned to the Montreal Auto Show showcasing its existing EV lineup — VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9. The VF 8 and VF 9 are on sale in Canada, while the VF 6 and VF 7 are not yet in production.

Additionally, the Vietnamese automaker introduced Canadians to its VF 3, a mini concept SUV, and the VF Wild, a pickup concept truck. There are no additional details on when either vehicle will begin production.

Recreational and off-road vehicles

In addition to light-duty passenger vehicles, the Montreal Auto Show featured a separate showfloor room dedicated to boats, ATVs, motorcycles and bikes, with a few electric offerings.

Polaris had a range of off-road vehicles out on display, including its sole zero-emission vehicle: the all-electric 2024 RANGER XP Kinetic UTV.

There was also a pair of Stark Varg electric dirt bikes, actively demonstrating how they charge.

Taiga Motors’ presence added to the recreational EV lineup. The Quebec manufacturer featured displays of its electric snowmobile and Orca watercraft.