It will be BMW’s most affordable electric vehicle.

BMW has a goal to create 12 fully electric and 13 hybrid plug-in models in the next four years. The iX3 SUV will be the first to get battery-electric power. Next will come the i4 sedan and the iNext SUV,, which will serve as the technological flagship for the brand. A new report claims that BMW will launch an entry level electric car, based on the 1Serie.

According to the AutoExpress, British executives confirmed that a all-electric hatchback was in the production plans and will be available for launch in 2021. It will be nearly identical to the ICE-powered 1 Series models, with the exception of the radiator grille and brighter colors.

Bavarian’s flexible architecture makes it possible to electrify everything from the 1 Series up to the X7. The electric 1er is available in single- and double-motor versions, while the latter offers all-wheel drive.

Robert Irlinger (head of BMW’s division i), stated that even in front-drive architecture, you will see fully electrified vehicles. You will see electrification throughout our entire portfolio. Both our rear-wheel drive platforms can be reworked. We are able both to show all technologies. Our customers have the freedom of choice. They can have whatever they want – a plug in hybrid X3, or a fully electric 4 Series. This is a significant step in our strategy and a major change.

AutoExpress believes that the new 1 Series Electric Vehicle (EV) could be given the i1 moniker upon its launch on the market. This is in line with BMW’s tradition of giving electric cars the suffix i. The new i3 won’t be the same as the current model. Irlinger said that we are not in the usual process of having a car with a successor.