European Union officials say the duties are meant to protect the region’s automakers from what they say are unfair trade practices in China.

EV tariffs won’t tackle China’s growing clout in hybrid vehicles and critical batteries, or stop trade tensions spreading to other theatres.

The European Union will impose tariffs of up to 45% on China-made electric vehicles next month, despite objections from Germany, its largest economy. The move, backed by 10 EU members, comes after a year-long investigation into what the EU sees as unfair Chinese subsidies. The tariffs are expected to cost carmakers billions over five years.

The European Union is expected to support wielding tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, seeking to prevent unfair competition.

The European Commission said on Friday it had received enough support in a vote of EU members to impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles in the bloc's highest profile trade case,

The EU will impose a huge hike in import duties on Chinese made EVs at the start of next month. The move will see tariffs as high as 45 percent on EVs made in China. 10 of the 27 EU member states backed the plan and the move has sparked fear of a trade war.