BMW will build electric Mini in U.K.

FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s BMW will make the electric version of its Mini compact cars at its factory in Oxford, England, a decision that comes at a time when automakers are scrutinizing investment plans because of Britain’s impending departure from the European Union.

BMW AG said Tuesday that the battery-powered Mini would be based on the three-door model. Most of those are already made at the Oxford plant. The electric drivetrain is to be made in Germany at factories in Landshut and Dingolfing.

The company said it had neither sought nor received assurances that it would not be hit with border taxes when it ships parts to Britain. Currently Britain enjoys tariff-free trade with the other 27 EU members. Britain’s future trade relationship with the EU is uncertain and will be the topic of complex negotiations. The two sides have until March 2019 to reach a new agreement, unless an extension is agreed.

BMW is pushing to include more electric vehicles in its lineup by offering hybrid and battery-only models of existing diesel and gasoline cars. The auto industry is under pressure to come up with low-emissions cars to meet tighter government pollution standards.

Company spokesman Emma Begley said the company had to make its decision based on the information currently available.