After months of investigation, the European Union (EU) has announced provisional tariffs on electric vehicles (EV) imported from China, because of what it sees as Beijing’s unfair support for companies that undercut European carmakers.

The tariffs have been expected for months, but many European automakers warned they will drive up prices for consumers and set off a trade war with China.

Some of Europe's biggest carmakers fell further on Thursday on concerns over how China will respond to new tariffs the European Commission imposed on imported Chinese electric cars to combat what they say are excessive subsidies from Beijing.

The increased duties will range from 17.4% to 38.1%, up from a flat rate of 10% previously. CNN’s John Vause discusses the implications of this with Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center.

The European Commission said on Wednesday it would set provisional duties of up to 38.1% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, a move likely to draw possible retaliation from China.

Brussels’ duties heighten trade tensions with Beijing but are unlikely to stop the advance of Chinese-made electric cars

The European Union needs more and cheaper electric vehicles. Brussels’ decision to impose new tariffs on Chinese-made models will keep prices higher for longer, and act as a deterrent to sales.

Brussels’ pushback against China is controversial—and not just in China. Europe’s largest carmakers are vocal opponents.