Confirmed: Next-Generation Mini Cooper to Get Plug-In Hybrid Option

Mini E Lapping the Ring

It wasn’t long ago when we heard that the next-generation Mini Cooper would “for certain” get a plug-in hybrid option.

This Guy is Thrilled That Mini is Coming Out With a Plug-in Hybrid Version in the Future

Now, we’re hearing it again.

According to Autocar, the next-gen Mini will “definitely”get a plug-in hybrid option.

This runs counter to what BMW had stated several times in the past.  It had been BMW’s vision that electrification of production vehicles would be confined to BMW, but how can Mini compete with other pint-sized electrics out there without itself having an electrified option?

Obviously, Mini can’t, so the next-gen will go electric, but only as a plug-in hybrid for now.

BMW hasn’t ruled out a pure EV version of the next-gen Mini, saying it’s still “under investigation,” but the plug-in hybrid version is confirmed.

When will it arrive?

Sooner than most would expect.  The next-gen Mini will make its debut by the end of 2013.  The plug-in hybrid version won’t come out right away, but we suspect it won’t be more than 2 years behind.

So, perhaps by the end of 2015 a plug-in hybrid Mini will become available.

Source: Autocar

Future Mini Plug-In Hybrid is “For Certain” – Pure EV a Possibility Too

A future Mini will plug in, that’s “for certain,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW’s board member in charge of Mini.

Can’t Wait to See a Plug-In Hybrid One of These

Schwarzenbauer was recently interviewed byAutomotive News Europe.  The topic was the future of Mini.  Most of the discussion focused on production sites/capacity, future engine options and on how many Mini variants we’ll see in the coming years (8 to 10, can you believe that?).

Anyways, the discussion didn’t catch our attention until we saw this Q & A:

Will Mini sell electric cars or leave that niche to the BMW i subbrand? [Question posed by Automotive News Europe]

“There will be electrification within the Mini brand, including a plug-in hybrid for certain. We’re still investigating pure EVs.” [Schwarzenbauer's response]

So, there it is.  Confirmation that Mini will plug in at some point in the future.

When? Our guess is within 3 to 4 years.

Hold tight Mini fans.  An electrified version will return.

Source: Automotive News Europe