The slowdown in EV demand is squeezing companies that have retooled production to serve what they expected to be a steadily growing segment.

Manufacturers such as BYD and SAIC-owned MG accounted for 7.4% of EV registrations across Europe in November, down from 8.2% in October.

The letter urges Buttigieg to implement a program of building a fleet of zero-emission vessels that will incorporate alternative (near-zero-carbon) fuel systems.