DESIGNS have emerged of the new electric Mini which will be built in Oxford.

German car bosses announced in July that the new battery-electric, three-door hatchback will go into production at the Cowley plant from 2019.

Plant Swindon is expected to play a part in providing key components for the new model.

The confirmation was after months of speculation about where the electric model would be built, with suggestions Britain's decision to leave the EU could impact on future investment in Oxford.

Today, images of the Mini Electric Concept have been released ahead of its production.

The new Mini Electric will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

BMW said it will have 'a powerful electric motor' but has not elaborated further.

“The systematic electrification of the brand and product portfolio is a mainstay of the BMW Group’s number one, next strategy," said Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.

"The Mini Electric Concept offers a thrilling preview of the all-electric production vehicle. Mini and electrification make a perfect match.”

Following the announcement in July that the electric Mini would be built in Oxford a BMW spokesman said: “It’s great news that Plant Swindon will have a part to play in this exciting new electric Mini.

“As Swindon supplies a significant percentage of pressings and of the sub-assemblies for Oxford, it will therefore also provide the parts for this electric variant of the Mini three-door.”