Big taxes will be imposed on imports of electric vehicles from China to the EU after the majority of member states backed the plans. The move to introduce tariffs aims to protect the European car industry from being undermined by what EU politicians believe are unfair Chinese-state subsidies on its own cars.

German carmakers on Saturday warned that consumers could face higher prices after the European Union paved the way for punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Friday's decision could significantly damage Germany's automotive industry,

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,