BMW comes with electric version of 1 Series car

The German car manufacturer BMW plans to release an all-electrically powered version of the existing 1 Series. This electric model could become available sometime in 2021.

Robert Irlinger, the head of BMW’s iDivision division, has told British car website Auto Express that an electric version of the 1 Series is being planned. According to the website, this model could already be available in 2021, although it is not clear whether that schedule will actually be achieved. The electric version will look much the same as the current 1 Series hatchback equipped with combustion engines. Further details about this electric 1 Series are still missing.

According to Irlinger, BMW’s flexible vehicle architectures make it possible to develop more affordable and smaller electric vehicles, making the arrival of an electric 1 Series possible. He says electrification will take place across BMW’s portfolio and customers will be able to get anything they want, such as a plug-in hybrid X3 or an all-electric 4 Series. Irlinger calls this a “big step in BMW’s strategy”.

BMW unveiled plans earlier this year to have a range of 25 electric and hybrid cars by 2023. This planning, according to the company, is made possible through the use of modular platforms, making various electric and hybrid models quite easy to create.

The German manufacturer released the all-electric and all-new i3 in 2013, but since then BMW has focused mainly on plug-in hybrids, including the i8 sports car. Next year, BMW will release an electric Mini Cooper with a range of 232 km and then a fully electric iX3 SUV should also appear. Then in 2021 will come the electric i4 sedan and an electric crossover: the iNext.