Video: MINI Rumored to Cancel UK Production of the Electric J01 MINI Cooper

We broke this rumor a few weeks ago, but we have a bit more to say. So, we took to YouTube to discuss MINI possibly canceling plans to produce the J01 and J05 in Oxford—and what might be built in their place. It’s a complex story that might be better told through video.
In a surprising development, BMW is rumored to have shelved plans to build the new MINI Cooper Electric (or Aceman) in the UK. Despite earlier intentions, the decision not to electrify the Oxford plant in the near term means both models are permanently off the table for the U.S. market—and likely won’t have replacements globally.
This could ultimately lead BMW to reconsider the entire Spotlight Automotive joint venture once the J01 and J05 models run their course around 2031. The impact extends beyond just these models, potentially signaling a shift in MINI’s broader direction. With global tariffs surging and the EV landscape shifting under everyone’s feet, BMW appears to be second-guessing its plan for Chinese production—and perhaps even MINI’s long-term product strategy.
This development seemingly ends any chance of the J01 MINI Cooper EV or J05 MINI Aceman reaching most of the Americas, including the U.S. market. With 100% tariffs looming over Chinese-made EVs, the math simply doesn’t work for dealers or customers.
However, as we mention in the video, this could ultimately be a good thing. MINI now has the opportunity to regroup, rethink its strategy, and potentially iterate on the J01 for a new model offering sooner rather than later.
6 Comments
MINI nixing Oxford production of their design adaptations from Great Wall’s affordable EV platform? Pushes the chances of any new MINI EVs out even more years and sad to hear but not a huge surprise. Spotlight was an engineering shortcut used to save money on development and manufacturing costs but in this vastly changed geopolitical climate, anything manufactured in China no longer makes any sense because tariffs are destroying all chance of profitably. Moving/adding new J-series EV production to the UK line would cost them too much and take too long to build out then recoup the investment for a platform with an already shortened lifecycle that they don’t even own outright.
But does BMW have any other dedicated EV platforms other than Neue Klasse to build small vehicles from or will they fall back on the aging multimodal CLAR (smallest which is a RWD 2 series) or trying to adapt the even older F yet again to keep saving on costs? Latest Countryman was already forced to be supersized by UKL so I doubt BMW would be willing a re-engineer that platform to introduce yet another new MINI EV the size of the original Countryman.
I hate to break it to you, but USA is no longer a major market for MINI at 10.7% of global sales. There are not enough USA sales reps to take on 12 month leases. The Asian market is more than 400% larger than USA.
To this point… this is also why there will still be a J01 and J05 LCI.
I think it would be an utter failure on MINI’s and BMW’s part if they were not to be able to bring a small 2 or 4 door electric hatch to the US. It would seem that the NK platform should be adaptable to make this possible. Hopefully this is why BMW and MINI are making this decision.
I currently lease a 2024 Cooper SE with that lease set to expire mid-2027. It would be a true shame if there was no electric replacement in that size range offered by either manufacturer. As a customer, I would feel abandoned.
Below is the latest UK press highlights quotes from BMW committing to moving to UK. Hopefully this will mean positive news that electric vehicles will indeed be moved to the UK.
I do believe that UK dealers are struggling a little to sell stock. Currently on auto-trader, a UK vehicle selling website, there are nearly 500 Mini J01 for sale, some with heavy discounts or low APR purchase rates. Although many of the adverts are from dealers directly there is also a used market with some huge discounts.
This isn’t unique to the electric Mini but Electric cars in the UK in general.
My personal opinion of the J01 Mini future is mixed and it faces a real challenge in Europe. The new electric “Renault 5” has got some amazing reviews throughout the industry and there is much more excitement about it here in Europe.
Its lighter, made in Europe, 5 doors, and much cheaper!
I myself am considering the Alpine A290 (A “performance branded” version of the renault 5) despite owning one type of every MIni since 2005 (The Coupe being my fav!)
That said its not a MINI! Lets hope a real change in direction with a J01 refresh will help boast some much needed excitement and love in the brand again.
<a href="https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/mini-strongly-committed-uk-electric-vehicle-growth" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/mini-strongly-committed-uk-electric-vehicle-growth</a>
While we’re reporting that MINI is cancelling the J01 and J05 UK production it’s important to note that we still believe MINI will produce electric models in the UK. But we believe they won’t be the codenamed J01 or J05 technically due to the re-engineering of the cars and supply chain.