EU support is enough to impose Chinese EV tariffs, sources say

France, Greece, Italy and Poland will vote on Friday for tariffs of up to 45% on imports of electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, officials and sources said, enough to get the European Union proposal passed in a move likely to increase trade tensions with Beijing.

The European Commission, which is conducting an anti-subsidy investigation into EVs made in China, has sent its proposal for final tariffs to the EU's 27 member states ahead of a vote expected on Friday.

Under EU rules, the Commission can impose final or "definitive" tariffs for the next five years unless a qualified majority of 15 EU countries representing 65% of the EU's population votes against the plan.

France, Greece, Italy and Poland will vote in favour, officials and sources of those countries said. Together, they represent 39% of the EU population.