Zipse pointed out that Europe is behind China in developing affordable EVs and the battery infrastructure needed for the transition. While Europe is focused on electric vehicles, the region is also strong in developing alternative fuel technologies that can cut CO2 emissions.

Struggling European automakers need to prove they are still in the game, while Chinese rivals are aiming to get a foothold in a competitive market.

Chinese and European automakers are going head-to-head at the Paris car show on Monday, with tensions running high as the EU gears up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and the industry struggles with weak demand.

European auto bosses criticized the EU's Chinese EV tariffs and emphasized the need to learn from China's rapid car development innovations.

The show could mark a turning point for Europe’s automakers, which have struggled to produce cheap EVs.

The European Union's proposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles will raise prices and deter buyers, Chinese EV giant BYD warned on Monday, as European and Chinese automakers went head-to-head at the Paris car show.