EU Launches Investigation into Chinese Electric Vehicles

The European Commission has initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, following pressure from the French government. The probe will investigate imports of new battery-powered passenger electric vehicles made in China, regardless of whether they are Chinese or European brands. The Commission will seek reactions from the Chinese government and the companies involved, while provisional tariffs could be imposed within nine months and definitive tariffs triggered within 13 months. The investigation has raised concerns in Germany about potential retaliation from China, sparking fears of a trade war.