A ‘Hard Brexit’ may look more likely than ever, but according to the woman tasked with launching BMW’s MINI Electric, the issue won’t affect production at all.
Mini is taking a huge step into the future with the first mass-market production EV, which will go on sale in 2020, with a healthy list of reservations already on order.
Elena Eder, project leader for the Mini EV has told a German publication that it is all systems go for the futuristic car which will be produced at Mini’s Oxford plant.
“So far, we already have over 45,000 registered prospects,” Eder told FAZ.
“Whatever happens, we are ready for any eventuality. It does not affect us. It has been talked about for so long that we are prepared for all eventualities.”
With UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promising to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31st and production on the Mini Electric set to commence on November 1st there is certainly somewhat of a synergy, however, Mini have been testing electric variants for more than 10 years in Britain and won’t be put off by the political situation, particularly with the company promising 25 electrified models by 2025.
The Mini Electric will use a 32.6kWh battery that has previously been used in the BMW i3 city car, with a range of 144 miles. It is expected to be on the roads by March 2020.