With new automaker’s announcing end dates for the production of ICE vehicles left and right, it seems as though the start of the electric revolution is actually upon us. Not only are automaker’s trying to develop new electrified vehicles, they are trying to put an end date on the production of fuel-burning vehicles. One of the most recent to announce the end of its internal combustion-engined vehicles is MINI. With a very ambitious plan, the BMW-owned brand announced its goal to launch its last ICE vehicle in 2025. The automaker is aiming to not sell any ICE vehicles come the early 2030s.
BMW chairman, Oliver Zipse, broke the news during the BMW Annual Conference 2021 today which was overtaken by the unexpected unveiling of the production prototype BMW i4 electric sedan. Interestingly enough, this timeline puts MINI ahead of its parent brand in terms of electrification as it wants all-electrics to make up at least half of its annual sales by 2027.
MINI currently only offers one pure-EV in its lineup, the Cooper SE two-door. However, MINI is currently developing a new electric car platform with China’s Great Wall Motors which is expected to be completed by 2023. Following it completion, MINI plans to launch several more EVs.
Some reports suggest the first model that will be underpinned by MINI’s new platform will be the next-gen MINI Countryman. The subcompact luxury crossover SUV will be sold both as an ICE vehicle, as well as fully-electric. According to BMW, the new Countryman crossover will debut in 2023 and it slated to be produced at BMW’s plant in Leipzig.
As for the rest of the electric MINIs, they will also initially be built in China starting in 2023 jointly with Great Wall.