The European Commission has launched its anti-subsidy probe into battery electric vehicles from China, adding to assessments announced on Tuesday regarding AI, advanced semi-conductors, quantum computing and biotechnology.

The EC said its investigation will first determine whether BEV value chains benefit from illegal subsidies and whether this is causing “economic injury” to manufacturers in the EU, which is seeking to “de-risk” its relationship with China. (See MNI INTERVIEW: German Carmakers To Be Green Economy Champions)

While the EC will take action if the complaints of Chinese subsidies are proved, it would look into the likely impact and consequences of any such counter-measures for consumers, EU industry and importers of BEVs.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, the Commission will establish whether it is in the EU’s interest to remedy the effects of the unfair trade practices found by imposing anti-subsidy duties on imports of battery electric vehicles from China,” it said.