A LIMITED run of open top MINI Electric cars is being released in the UK following the presentation of a one-off model last summer.

Only 150 versions will be available in Britain and each will be priced from £52,500.

MINI has announced it will be building 999 electric convertibles each with a fixed specification and the choice of two paint finishes - black or silver.

Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI Brand, said: "Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI.

"This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I'm delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,"

The MINI Electric Convertible is powered by an 184hp electric motor, with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.2 seconds and has a range of 124 miles on a full charge with boot space of 160 litres.

As with other versions of the MINI Convertible the electric model will be built in the Netherlands and the car is due for release in April.