EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars must ultimately lead to more competitive and affordable market for consumers

Today the European Commission has imposed tariffs of up to 38% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles into the EU. For the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), this move is part of a legitimate bid to rebalance competition in the EU electric car market. It must now be complemented by action at EU and national level to ensure consumers have access to affordable and innovative electric cars.

Monique Goyens, Director General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), said:
“The EU’s tariffs on imports of Chinese electric cars are necessary to create fairer market conditions and to allow all carmakers to compete on an equal footing. The subsidies the Chinese state grants its carmakers are putting EU car manufacturers at a significant disadvantage in a sector that is vital to the EU economy in the long-term. Fair competition remains the most effective way to increase choice and innovation and keep prices from rising for consumers.

“Beyond these tariffs, it is absolutely essential that the EU and the Member States help consumers to access affordable electric vehicles. These tariffs must not result in a blank cheque for EU carmakers to keep electric cars out of consumers’ reach on the basis they remain too expensive. Part of the solution is to set up an ecoscore which measures the carbon footprint and the efficiency of electric vehicles.”