Asia Tech Wire (July 31) -- BYD, China's largest electric vehicle maker, has hired lobbyists to explore entering the Canadian market.

The website of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada shows that the lobbyists hired by BYD have filed applications for advice on matters related to "the expected market entry of BYD into Canada for the sale of passenger electric vehicles."

The documents show that BYD hired three employees of Canadian consulting firm Crestview Strategy, Christine McMillan, Cameron Doherty and Bridget Howe, for this purpose.

Additionally, according to Automotive News, while BYD has yet to formally announce the plan, it has recently met with Canadian dealers to discuss opening dealerships.

As BYD explores entering the Canadian market, the country is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports.

In late June, the Canadian government announced that it would launch a 30-day public consultation beginning July 2 on imposing import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.