Next electric MINI confirmed by development team?

Before the BMW i3, there was the MINI E.

Along with the BMW ActiveE—based on the 1 Series coupe—this electric version of the second-generation BMW MINI was built to provide real-world testing data that helped form the foundation for i3 electric-car development.

The MINI E was leased to customers as part of a pilot program, but was never widely available.

DON'T MISS: First Drive: Mini E Electric Vehicle Is Far From Ready For Primetime (June 2009)

Now though, MINI may be considering a more ambitious electric-car project.

An updated version of the MINI Rocketman concept from 2011 could finally make it into production with an all-electric powertrain, reports Autocar.

In fact, the Rocketman has a better chance of reaching production with an electric powertrain than it would with a gasoline one, MINI product boss Ralph Mahler told the British magazine.

The Rocketman was envisioned as a "mini MINI," slotting below the MINI Cooper hatchback in the lineup.

The steadily increasing size of other MINI models would certainly seem to make room for a new model that is actually, err, mini.

But interior space would also be at a premium in such a model.

ALSO SEE: Next MINI Countryman SUV To Offer Plug-In Hybrid Version

That's where the electric powertrain comes in.

Mahler said MINI believes electric-powertrain components will be much easier to package in a smaller space.