For the last four years, MINI has publicly stated its goal to become an all-electric brand by late 2030. This would mean ending all internal combustion engine (ICE) production by the end of the decade, paving the way for a fully electric lineup globally. However, these plans have now changed dramatically.
We recently sat down with Mike Peyton, VP of MINI of the Americas, to discuss MINI’s previously announced EV strategy. What became clear in our conversation is that instability in the automotive industry, caused by tariffs and uneven EV adoption, has prompted MINI to rethink its EV approach. The result is that MINI is no longer planning to become an all electric brand by 2030 and currently has no end-date on ICE production.
This shift coincides with MINI USA’s announcement that it has deferred a decision on importing the all-electric J01 MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman. The delay underscores a broader issue: while EV adoption is growing in most markets, it is slowing compared to the rapid growth seen a few years ago. Coupled with costly tariffs, this uncertainty has led MINI to reconsider not only when to end ICE production but also where to introduce its latest generation of EVs.
Originally, MINI planned for the last ICE-powered MINI Cooper to roll off the assembly line in Oxford on December 31, 2030. According to Mike Peyton, that timeline has now shifted, and there is no longer an official end date for ICE production. He highlighted continued demand for internal combustion engines in markets like North and South America, along with the slow growth of charging infrastructure, as key factors driving this decision.
We’ll have more on MINI’s future model plans and how this change will impact them next week.