BMW to mass produce electric cars by 2020

BMW will mass produce electric cars by 2020 and offer a range of 12 electric models by 2025, the carmarker has announced.

The statement came as the German automotive firm unveiled its latest concept vehicle, the i5, in Frankfurt. The four-door sedan, which will have a range of up to 435 miles, will be released in 2021.

BMW chairman Harold Kruger confirmed the comapny would be increasing "the share of electrified models" across all brands and models, including Rolls-Royce brands.

British carmaker Jaguar has also announced that all its cars will have an electric or hybrid version available. Last week, Nissan launched a longer-range version of its best-selling Leaf electric vehicle.

Mercedes has also hinted at releasing an electric A-class range.

The electric car market globally is dominated by US firm Tesla, co-founded by Elon Musk. Telsa sold 83,922 vehicles last year. The Italian Tesla owners club has recorded 670 miles on one charge in a Tesla Model S.

The UK government recently announced it would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2020, as parts of efforts to tackle air pollution. The French government has made a similar annoucement, and Stuttgart and Munich in Germany have also said they are considering banning diesel vehicles.