FRANKFURT, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Brussels and Beijing are

nearing a solution over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle

imports into the bloc, the chair of the trade committee of the

European Parliament told a German broadcaster.

"We are close to an agreement: China could commit to

offering e-cars in the EU at a minimum price," Bernd Lange told

n-tv, without elaborating. "This would eliminate the distortion

of competition through unfair subsidies, which is why the

tariffs were originally introduced."

The European Commission was not immediately available for

comment.

The European Union last month decided to increase tariffs on

Chinese-built electric vehicles to as much as 45.3% in its

highest-profile trade investigation, a move that has divided

Europe and triggered retaliation from Beijing.

The tariffs, which became effective on Oct. 30, were imposed

to counter what it says are unfair subsidies including

preferential financing and grants as well as land, batteries and

raw materials at below market prices.

Despite the tariffs coming into force, both sides have

continued negotiations to find a solution, fuelling hopes

primarily among German carmakers -- which heavily depend on the

Chinese market -- that a trade dispute can be averted.

China's Chamber of Commerce to the EU at the time said it

was profoundly disappointed by the "protectionist" and

"arbitrary" EU measure.