Chinese carmaker Geely Automobile said on Thursday it had never conducted separate negotiations with the European Commission regarding electric vehicle tariffs, refuting recent online reports as "slander".

In a statement posted on social media platform Weibo, Geely said that the European Commission sought direct contact with its brands during the negotiation period from late September to mid-October, and it "prioritised industry unity and declined separate discussions".

"Geely remains committed to supporting the industry-wide negotiations, contributing actively to protect the overall interests of the sector," the company said.

China has previously cautioned the European Union against conducting separate negotiations over the prices for China-made electric vehicles.