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 will impose tariffs of up to 45% on China-made electric vehicles next month, despite objections from Germany, its largest economy. The move, backed by 10 EU members, comes after a year-long investigation into what the EU sees as unfair Chinese subsidies. The tariffs are expected to cost carmakers billions over five years.

EV tariffs won’t tackle China’s growing clout in hybrid vehicles and critical batteries, or stop trade tensions spreading to other theatres.