The European Commission has set tariffs ranging from 7.8% to 35.3% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, but carmakers can now negotiate exemptions through minimum pricing and quota agreements—a path Volkswagen's Cupra brand has already taken.
The European Commission has implemented additional import duties on electric vehicles manufactured in China, with rates varying significantly by manufacturer. These charges come on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty on cars.
Chinese EV maker BYD faces a 17% additional tariff, while Geely Group vehicles are subject to 18.8% duties. SAIC Group received the steepest rate at 35.3%, matching the penalty for non-cooperative companies. Tesla’s Shanghai-made vehicles secured the lowest rate at 7.8% after individual calculations, and other cooperating manufacturers face 20.7% tariffs.
In a February 2026 decision, the Commission granted Volkswagen’s Cupra brand an exemption for its China-manufactured Tavascan SUV coupe. The vehicle now enters the EU tariff-free, subject to conditions requiring a minimum price commitment and annual import quotas.
According to the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, Chinese automakers are now exploring similar exemption applications for their models destined for the European markets.
