BMW said on Saturday it is rethinking its timetable for manufacturing all-electric Mini cars in Britain, citing uncertainties facing the industry.

BMW has confirmed it is delaying the introduction of battery-electric vehicle production at its Oxford Mini plant. The vehicle manufacturer said "multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry" had led to its decision. It said it had decided not to accept a related grant from the government but remained in "close dialogue".

German carmaker BMW AG is reviewing plans to reintroduce battery-electric Mini production in the UK, due to uncertainties facing the automotive industry.

BMW’s ‘Gen6’ sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology is 50-percent cheaper than the old model, and promises more EV range, less recharge time.

That range boost can’t come soon enough for some BMW EVs. The new iX2 xDrive30, for instance, has a WLTP rating of less than 285 miles (460 km). And the automaker says certain models will see range gains better than 30 percent. All Gen6 EVs will also be capable of bi-directional charging.

BMW’s taking what it calls a ‘technology-open approach’ with the Neue Klasse, giving rise to a variety of electric motor layouts - though don’t expect any front-wheel drive BMW EVs to directly replace the current BMW 1 Series. That’s because while single-motor power will be offered, it’ll be mounted on the rear only to drive the rear wheels.