What a convertible electric car is

A convertible electric car is a vehicle with a retractable or removable roof powered entirely by a rechargeable battery instead of gasoline. The roof mechanism works the same way it does in gas-powered convertibles — you press a button or flip a switch to lower it — but the engine underneath is electric. The battery sits in the floor or rear of the car, and an electric motor drives the wheels.

Right now, the convertible electric car market is small. As of 2024, only a handful of manufacturers offer them: BMW makes the i4 M440 xDrive convertible, Mini offers the Cooper SE convertible, and Porsche produces the Taycan Cross Turismo (which has a glass roof panel rather than a full drop-top). A few other brands have announced convertible electric models in development, but they are not yet available to purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Convertible electric cars use a rechargeable battery and electric motor instead of a gas engine, so they produce zero tailpipe emissions while driving.
  • The open roof drains the battery faster than a closed roof because the car loses aerodynamic efficiency, typically reducing range by 5 to 10 percent.
  • A convertible electric car costs significantly more than the same model with a fixed roof, usually adding $5,000 to $15,000 to the purchase price depending on the brand.
  • Charging time at home on a standard outlet takes 24 to 48 hours for a full battery, while a dedicated home charger or public fast charger reduces this to 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on the charger type.

How the roof affects battery range

When you lower the convertible roof, the car's shape changes in a way that matters to the battery. A closed roof is aerodynamic — air flows smoothly over the car. An open roof creates drag, which means the motor has to work harder to push the car forward. That extra work drains the battery faster.

Most manufacturers report that driving with the roof down reduces range by 5 to 10 percent compared to the same drive with the roof closed. On a car with a 300-mile range, that could mean losing 15 to 30 miles of driving distance. The exact loss depends on highway speed (drag increases at higher speeds), weather, and how much of the drive you spend with the roof open.

This is one reason convertible electric cars appeal mainly to drivers who live in warm climates or who use the open roof occasionally rather than constantly. If you plan to drive with the roof down most of the time, you should expect to charge more often or choose a model with a larger battery.

Purchase price and what adds to the cost

A convertible electric car costs more than the same model with a fixed roof. The convertible roof mechanism itself — the hydraulic system, the motor that operates it, the reinforced frame to handle the missing roof — adds between $5,000 and $15,000 to the base price, depending on the manufacturer and model.

Beyond the roof, convertible electric cars often come with larger batteries as standard equipment. Manufacturers include a bigger battery partly to offset the range loss from the open roof, and partly because convertible buyers tend to have higher budgets. A BMW i4 M440 xDrive convertible, for example, starts around $60,000, while the fixed-roof i4 M440 xDrive starts around $50,000.

Insurance costs may also be slightly higher for a convertible because the open roof is considered a security risk (the car is easier to break into) and because repair costs for the roof mechanism can be expensive if it is damaged.

Charging at home versus public chargers

How long it takes to charge depends on the type of charger you use. A standard household outlet (120 volts) adds about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging, so a full charge takes 24 to 48 hours. This works if you charge overnight and do not need the car until the next day, but it is impractical for frequent driving.

A dedicated home charger (240 volts, also called Level 2) adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 8 to 10 hours. Most convertible electric car owners install one of these at home because it cuts charging time to an overnight task. Installation costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your home's electrical setup.

Public fast chargers (DC fast charging) add 150 to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes, though the speed slows as the battery fills. These are useful for long trips or when you need to charge quickly during the day. You pay per use, typically $10 to $30 per charge depending on the network and your location.

Weather and maintenance considerations

Convertible electric cars face the same weather challenges as any convertible: rain, snow, and salt air can damage the roof mechanism and electrical components. The roof motor and hydraulic lines need regular inspection, and the rubber seals that keep water out wear over time. If you live in a wet or snowy climate, you will want to keep the roof closed more often and have it serviced annually.

The battery itself is sealed and protected, so rain and snow do not damage it directly. However, cold weather reduces battery efficiency — a convertible electric car loses 20 to 40 percent of its range in freezing temperatures, the same as any electric car. The open roof makes this worse because you lose the insulation of a closed cabin.

Maintenance costs for the roof mechanism vary by brand. BMW and Mini parts tend to be expensive, and not all mechanics are trained to repair convertible roof systems. Before buying, check whether your local dealers service the specific model and what they charge for roof repairs.

Comparing convertible electric to convertible gas cars

A convertible electric car produces zero tailpipe emissions while driving, which is the main environmental advantage over a gas convertible. However, the electricity that charges the battery comes from the grid, and the grid's emissions depend on your region's energy sources. In areas with coal or natural gas power plants, the car's overall emissions are lower than a gas car but not zero. In areas with renewable energy, the emissions are much lower.

Convertible gas cars are cheaper to buy upfront and have a longer driving range (typically 300 to 400 miles per tank). They refuel in five minutes at any gas station. Convertible electric cars cost more, have a shorter range (typically 200 to 300 miles per charge), and require planning around charging locations. The choice depends on your budget, how far you drive daily, and whether you have access to home charging.

Resale value and long-term ownership

Convertible electric cars are still new to the market, so resale data is limited. Early models like the Mini Cooper SE convertible have held value reasonably well, but the market for used convertible electric cars is small. If you plan to sell the car in five to seven years, expect to lose 40 to 50 percent of the purchase price — similar to other luxury convertibles, but with less certainty because the market is still developing.

Battery degradation is a concern for long-term ownership. Most manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that period, the battery may hold 70 to 80 percent of its original charge capacity. Replacing a battery costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the model, which is why some owners choose to lease rather than buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive a convertible electric car in the rain with the roof down?

Technically yes — the electrical system is sealed and waterproof — but it is not recommended. Water can damage the roof motor and hydraulic lines over time, and you will get wet. Most owners raise the roof before rain and only drive with it down in dry conditions.

How much does it cost to install a home charger?

Installation costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on how far your electrical panel is from where you want the charger and whether your home's electrical service needs an upgrade. Get quotes from licensed electricians in your area before buying the car.

What is the difference between a convertible and a targa top?

A convertible has a fully retractable roof that lowers into the trunk. A targa top (like the Porsche Taycan) has a removable roof panel that you take off by hand and store separately. Targas are simpler mechanically and lighter, but they require more effort to open and close.

Do convertible electric cars lose range faster in winter?

Yes. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency by 20 to 40 percent on any electric car. A convertible loses additional range because the open roof (when lowered) removes the insulation of a closed cabin. In winter, plan for shorter driving distances or keep the roof closed.

Is a convertible electric car worth the extra cost over a fixed-roof model?

That depends on how much you value driving with the roof down. If you rarely use the convertible feature, the extra $5,000 to $15,000 is not worth it. If you live in a warm climate and enjoy open-air driving, the cost may be justified by the experience.