MUNICH — BMW’s Mini model is heralding its shift to battery electrical automobiles by launching a convertible model of its full-electric hatchback.

The automotive’s manufacturing run can be restricted to 999 models for Europe solely, with 150 models destined for the UK market, Mini stated in a press release.

Will probably be known as the Electrical Convertible within the UK and Cooper SE Cabrio in Europe. North American gross sales will not be deliberate.

The convertible will use the Mini Electrical/Cooper SE electrical drivetrain, with a 135-kilowatt/184-hp electrical motor. It should have a variety of 124 miles (200 km) below the WLTP take a look at cycle.

Mini model boss Stefanie Wurst stated the mannequin represents a step within the model’s shift to electrical mobility. Full-electric fashions account for one in 5 of Mini’s gross sales in Europe, Wurst stated within the assertion.

“This success has spurred us to implement the small collection of the Mini Electrical Convertible,” Wurst stated.

The electrical convertible can be produced alongside the standard Mini Convertible at VDL Nedcar within the Netherlands. Will probably be obtainable from April, priced at 52,500 kilos ($63,800) within the UK.

BMW plans to begin producing electrical Minis at a brand new joint plant with Nice Wall in China this 12 months.

The automaker is in talks with the British authorities over state assist to construct future electrical Minis on the model’s manufacturing facility in Oxford England, Sky Information reported on Feb. 4.