India, March 14 -- Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) have been in the news for a considerable period. Initially praised for their value, many countries are now increasing tariffs on Chinese EVs to dissuade consumers from purchasing them. Ola Kallenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, has urged the European Union to reduce tariffs on electric cars imported from China. This plea comes at a time when the European Commission is contemplating raising import duties, following concerns over Beijing's subsidies for its domestic car industry.

In Kallenius's view, increased competition from Chinese automakers could benefit Europe's car manufacturers in the long run, leading to the production of better cars. He criticised protectionism, stating that it was...