BMW has announced that a fully-electric version of the iconic Mini will go into production from 2019.

As part of the German manufacturer’s increased push towards electrification – underpinned by its involvement in Formula E and the development of the i3 and i8 road vehicles – the Mini range will be expanded to offer an option with an all-electric powertrain.

“The BMW Group announced today that the new battery-electric MINI will be a variant of the brand’s core 3-door Hatch model,” a statement from BMW reads.

“This fully electric car will go into production in 2019, increasing the choice of MINI powertrains to include petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, a plug-in hybrid and a battery electric vehicle.

“The battery electric MINI’s electric drivetrain will be built at the BMW Group’s e-mobility centre at Plants Dingolfing and Landshut in Bavaria before being integrated into the car at Plant Oxford, which is the main production location for the MINI 3-door Hatch.”

“BMW Group Plants Dingolfing and Landshut play a leading role within our global production network as the company’s global competence centre for electric mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, BMW AG Management Board member for Production.

“Our adaptable production system is innovative and able to react rapidly to changing customer demand. If required, we can increase production of electric drivetrain motor components quickly and efficiently, in line with market developments.”