BMW has asked Brussels to calculate lower tariffs for imports of its China made electric Mini to Europe which are currently subject to the highest duties under provisional EU regulation, according to a Reuters source 'familiar with the matter'.

The move was aimed at getting the model included in the group of companies which cooperated with the investigation. That would bring duty levels to 20.8%, down from 37.6% under the current plans, the news agency said.

Last week, the European Commission announced provisional duties on European imports of electric vehicles produced in China, giving EV producers until 18 July 18 to comment.

Reuters said models of BMW's Chinese-made electric Mini had only been produced for a few months and were not part of Brussels' sample analysis in the run-up to the tariff announcement which meant they were automatically subjected to the highest tariff level.

BMW expected its electric Mini to be ultimately hit with a lower tariff, the Reuters sources said, adding an official process for new market entrants to seek lower duties would only be made possible in autumn once final duties have been set.

Under the EU process, any company that was not represented in the sample groups and wishes to have its own individual duty can ask for an "accelerated review" just after the imposition of definitive measures, Reuters noted.

BMW declined to comment to the news agency.