Mini has officially confirmed on Tuesday that the electric version of the Hardtop is going to arrive in 2019. Ever since October, we have known that the company has been working on an electric car, but we are glad to see what to expect in terms of body styles.
The electric Hardtop is going to be assembled in Oxford, United Kingdom, which basically ends all of the speculations and rumors that suggested the production should move to the mainland Europe because of the Brexit. However, the parts for the powertrain will arrive from Germany.
BMW Group’s head of production Oliver Zipse explained that the multiple plant usage is going to preserve the flexibility of the automaker’s production which depends on the electric car demand in the future.
“Our adaptable production system is innovative and able to react rapidly to changing customer demand,” Zipse said in a statement. “If required, we can increase production of electric drivetrain motor components quickly and efficiently, in line with market developments.”
Mini pioneered the mainstream electric cars. Just a reminder, on a trial basis, Mini produced a Hardtop Based Mini E electric car at the end of the last decade. This vehicle was used to get feedback from the customers and develop a better one for the future.
The plug-in technology is expected to play a major role in Mini’s lineup, which is something we expect from the BMW brand. The plug-in hybrid Cooper S E ALL4 Countryman is already on the market, and its powertrain is going to be implemented into upcoming models.
By 2025, BMW Group’s electrified vehicles are estimated to account for about 20 percent of all sales. There are some factors such as regulation, incentives and charging infrastructure which will play a major role in the global electrified car market and the German carmaker certainly is in a good position to become one of the leaders.
