BMW retools Leipzig factory for electric vehicles

German automaker BMW has announced that it is preparing its Leipzig factory to manufacture electric vehicles.

The EVs are expected to begin production in 2013.

The news comes just a month after the company revealed its Active-E concept car at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, which is one of two vehicles expected to be produced in Leipzig. (The other is a subcompact city car with the working name, “Megacity Vehicle.”)

Opened in 2005 and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Leipzig factory features a production line that extends directly through administrative offices.

“The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria,” said BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer in prepared remarks. “The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: we have a tried and tested production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal.”