The past two weeks has seen both France and Germany announce post-coronavirus economic stimulus packages, with a particular focus on boosting their domestic electric vehicle (EV) industries. With both countries’ auto manufacturers suffering falls in output and demand as a consequence of COVID-19 and economic shutdowns, both states are looking to secure an advantage in Europe’s nascent electric vehicle industry while also protecting their existing automobile industries.
The fallout from COVID-19 has seen auto sales crashing in the region and has arguably forced the hand of both the French and German governments to intervene. The fall . . .