Next generation electric Minis could be rear wheel drive

The new platform will see single-motor cars with the powertrain mounted only on the rear axle.

The next generation of electric Minis could shift from a front-wheel-drive layout to a rear-wheel-drive one. The reason for this is the adoption of a new platform developed by the BMW Group. The new Gen6 800V architecture is said to be a huge leap forward in terms of tech compared to the current generation of EVs. It claims an increase in range and charging speeds, as well as a reduction in the cost of making cars.

The new Gen6 tech will debut in September with the BMW iX3 and then be rolled out across all new-generation BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Mini EVs.

The new platform will see single-motor cars with the powertrain mounted only on the rear axle. The reason is that the main electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) is the only one offered by the BMW Group with an integrated gearbox, and this one sits exclusively between the rear wheels.

BMW engineers say that they have no plans to develop an EESM for use on the front axle and only the new small asynchronous motor (ASM) which doesn’t have a gearbox will be fitted at the front. The reason for this decision is that a rear wheel drive setup is better for dynamics.

The new Gen6 800V architecture can support only rear and all-wheel-drive set-ups in single, dual, tri and quad-motor configurations.

Purchasing and supply board member Joachim Post would not directly confirm if it was the end of the road for front-wheel-drive electric Minis. He said, “We will see what the future is." He also added that future models will always "have Mininess".

The adoption of the new platform will be a significant change for Mini considering it has always focused on front-wheel drive in the spirit of the 1960s original car.

Source: Autocar UK