BMW engineers are set to put a spark into production at the Cowley plant with the launch of an electric version of the Mini.
A limited edition of 500 Mini E cars will hit the roads in the United States as part of an extended test programme exploring the possibilities of electric power.
The car will have a range of about 150 miles and will run on a battery, which can be fully charged in just two-and-a-half hours.
The body shells are being built in Cowley before being taken to BMW's Munich factory where the battery and special transmission will be fitted.
The majority of the cars will be exported to the US with the launch planned for the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20.
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