Consumers in Europe will face higher prices for electric vehicles made in China after additional tariffs on the cars came into effect on Wednesday as part of an effort by European Union leaders to create what they call a level playing field for domestic auto companies.

The higher tariffs stem from an investigation the European Union started into subsidies provided by Beijing that helped carmakers in China produce and sell electric vehicles, giving them a competitive edge over their European rivals.

Chinese automakers have called the additional tariffs “protectionist” and “arbitrary,” arguing that their economies of scale have led to the rapid development of electric vehicle production.

The new tariffs, which are in addition to existing import duties of 10 percent, vary based on the amount of subsidies each automaker in China received, starting at 7.8 percent for Tesla and go up to 35.3 percent for China’s SAIC Motor of Shanghai. They are to remain in place for five years.

Lin Jian, spokesman for China’s foreign affairs ministry, said on Wednesday that the European Union’s move would hurt the cooperation between the two sides, as well as Europe’s efforts to address climate change.

“This is a typical act of trade protectionism,” Mr. Lin said, adding that he hoped E.U. leaders would continue to move forward with talks with China to avoid the “escalation" of trade frictions.