Tesla is challenging the European Union in court over tariffs on its Chinese electric cars despite receiving the lowest prices of any automaker.
Last summer, the European Commission unveiled new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs imported into the continent. The logic behind these charges was that the EU sees China as subsidizing electric vehicle production and exports, resulting in EVs being more competitive with EVs made in Europe.
Car manufacturers were given different price levels, between 7 and 36%.
Tesla, which also manufactures cars in Europe, has been awarded the lowest number of Chinese car imports to Europe.
Now, Tesla has joined several other automakers in challenging the prices in court (via Reuters):
The court document showed that the American car company filed its complaint with the General Court, which is under two chambers of the CJEU, last Wednesday, the deadline for filing challenges. Trials in the General Court last on average 18 months and can be appealed.
BMW, BYD, Geely, and SAIC are also challenging European tariffs on their Chinese EVs.
Tesla has also asked the Canadian government to lower prices on its Chinese EVs. The Canadian government, like the US, has imposed a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China.
The US is the only place where Tesla has not challenged the prices, as it is not trying to sell Chinese EVs in its home market.
Electrek's Take
Things can get interesting here. Since Trump wants to impose tariffs on everyone, it could disrupt some markets.
For example, if he goes after his Canadian values, Canada will retaliate. All US-made EVs will be more expensive in Canada, which could make them rethink the pricing of Chinese EVs, which could open up an opportunity for Chinese automakers to enter the market.
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