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

The European Union unleashed one of its most powerful economic tools on China, imposing tariffs on electric vehicles in a move that increases the risk of retaliatory measures and backfiring on domestic consumers and companies.

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,

Despite opposition from Germany, the European Union will start imposing tariffs as high as 45 percent on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Elon Musk’s marque takes the smallest hit.

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

The European Union has got its electric vehicle tariffs through. On Friday, member states voted for levies on battery cars imported from the Middle Kingdom. Given big EU hitters like Germany opposed the move,

Amid Beijing's threats of retaliation, member states need to decide if they want to slap additional import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

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.