Convertible electric cars exist, but the market is extremely small

A convertible electric car is a battery-powered vehicle with a retractable or removable roof. As of 2024, only a handful of manufacturers offer them: BMW's i8 Roadster (discontinued after 2022), the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (which has a plug-in hybrid engine, not a pure electric one), and the Tesla Roadster (announced but not yet in production). The Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper SE have soft-top versions in some markets, though availability varies by region and model year.

The reason convertibles remain rare in the electric market is practical: a retractable roof adds weight, reduces structural rigidity, and takes up interior space that could otherwise hold battery cells. Manufacturers have focused on sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks where the battery pack can be distributed across the floor without competing for room. A convertible also loses some of the aerodynamic efficiency that helps electric cars travel farther on a charge.

If you are shopping for an electric car and a convertible top matters to you, your realistic options are limited to used BMW i8 Roadsters or waiting for the Tesla Roadster to reach dealers. Plug-in hybrids like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet offer convertible styling but carry a gas engine and higher fuel costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the BMW i8 Roadster (used models) and the upcoming Tesla Roadster are pure electric convertibles currently available or promised in the U.S. market.
  • Convertible roofs add weight and reduce battery space, which is why most electric car makers have skipped the body style entirely.
  • Plug-in hybrid convertibles like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet combine electric and gas power but cost more to operate than pure electric cars.
  • The Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper SE offer soft-top versions in some markets, though they are not widely available in all regions.
  • Used BMW i8 Roadsters typically cost $50,000 to $80,000 depending on mileage and condition, and battery replacement can exceed $10,000.

The BMW i8 Roadster: the only used electric convertible on the market

The BMW i8 Roadster was the first and, until recently, the only mass-produced electric convertible. Production ran from 2018 to 2022. It pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor, making it a plug-in hybrid rather than a pure electric vehicle. The electric motor alone can power the car for roughly 18 miles at highway speeds before the gas engine kicks in.

Used i8 Roadsters sell for $50,000 to $80,000 depending on mileage, condition, and model year. The 2022 models command higher prices than 2018 or 2019 examples. Insurance costs are high because repair work requires BMW specialists and parts are expensive. Battery replacement, if needed outside the warranty period, can cost $10,000 to $15,000.

The i8 Roadster's appeal is its design and performance rather than its electric range. It accelerates quickly, handles well, and turns heads. But it is not a practical daily driver for someone seeking low fuel costs or zero-emission driving. You will spend roughly $0.12 to $0.15 per mile on gas and electricity combined, compared to $0.03 to $0.05 per mile for a pure electric car.

The Tesla Roadster: announced but not yet delivered

Tesla announced the second-generation Roadster in 2017 and has promised production to begin in 2025, though that timeline has shifted multiple times. The car will be a two-seater convertible with an estimated 620-mile range per charge and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. Pricing is expected to start around $200,000.

No Tesla Roadsters have been delivered to customers yet, so there is no real-world data on reliability, repair costs, or actual range in different conditions. Pre-orders are being held, but the company has not confirmed a firm delivery date. If you are interested in reserving one, you can do so through Tesla's website, though the deposit is refundable.

The long wait and high price mean the Tesla Roadster is not a near-term option for most buyers. It remains a future product, not a car you can test drive or purchase today.

Soft-top electric cars: a middle ground with limited availability

The Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper SE both offer soft-top versions in some markets. A soft top is a fabric roof that folds down manually or with a motor, rather than a hard retractable roof. It weighs less than a hard top and takes up less space, making it more compatible with electric powertrains.

The Fiat 500e Cabriolet is sold in Europe and some other regions but is not currently offered in the United States. The Mini Cooper SE Cabriolet has similar regional restrictions. Both cars have a range of roughly 150 to 200 miles per charge, which is adequate for city driving and short trips but not for highway travel.

If you live in a region where these cars are sold, they represent a more affordable entry point than the BMW i8 Roadster. Prices typically range from $30,000 to $45,000 depending on trim and options. However, availability is inconsistent, and you will need to check with local dealers to see if they can order one for you.

Plug-in hybrid convertibles: more options, higher operating costs

If you expand your search to plug-in hybrids, your options grow. The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, the Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet, and the BMW X5 xDrive50e all offer convertible or soft-top versions with both electric and gas engines. These cars can run on electric power alone for 20 to 50 miles before the gas engine engages.

Plug-in hybrids cost more upfront than comparable gas-only cars, typically $10,000 to $20,000 more. They also cost more to operate than pure electric cars because you will use gas for longer trips. If you drive mostly short distances and charge regularly, a plug-in hybrid can reduce fuel spending. If you drive long distances frequently, the gas engine will dominate and you will see little financial benefit.

Insurance and maintenance costs for plug-in hybrids fall between those of gas cars and pure electric cars. You have two powertrains to maintain, which adds complexity, but you avoid the high battery replacement costs that pure electric cars may face after 10 years.

Why convertible electric cars are rare: engineering trade-offs

A convertible body sacrifices structural rigidity for flexibility. The roof opening removes metal that would otherwise reinforce the frame. To compensate, manufacturers must add extra bracing and reinforcement, which adds weight. In a gas car, that extra weight is absorbed by a larger fuel tank or heavier engine. In an electric car, every pound reduces range and requires a larger battery to maintain the same distance per charge.

The battery in an electric car is typically mounted in the floor between the wheels. A convertible's retractable roof mechanism takes up space above the battery, forcing engineers to either shrink the battery or raise the floor, both of which hurt performance. A sedan or SUV can distribute the battery across the entire floor without competing for room.

Aerodynamics also matter. A convertible with the roof down has higher wind resistance than a sedan, which reduces range. Manufacturers have found that buyers prioritize range and price over convertible styling, so they have invested in sedans and SUVs instead. As battery technology improves and costs fall, convertible electric cars may become more practical, but that shift is still years away.

What to consider before buying a convertible electric car

If you are seriously considering a convertible electric car, start by defining your actual needs. Do you drive with the roof down regularly, or is it an occasional luxury? How far do you typically drive in a day? What is your budget for purchase and maintenance?

For most buyers, a pure electric sedan or SUV will offer better range, lower operating costs, and more cargo space than a convertible. If convertible styling is essential, a plug-in hybrid may be a more practical choice than waiting for the Tesla Roadster or hunting for a used i8 Roadster.

Test drive any car before committing. Visit a BMW dealer to sit in an i8 Roadster if you are considering used models. Check whether Fiat 500e or Mini Cooper SE soft-tops are sold in your region. Compare insurance quotes for any model you are seriously considering, because convertibles often cost more to insure than their sedan equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a new convertible electric car right now?

No pure electric convertible is currently in production. The BMW i8 Roadster ended production in 2022. The Tesla Roadster has been announced but is not yet available. Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper SE soft-tops are sold in some regions but not the United States. Your only option for a new convertible with electric power is a plug-in hybrid like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

How much does a used BMW i8 Roadster cost?

Used i8 Roadsters typically sell for $50,000 to $80,000 depending on mileage, model year, and condition. Newer models and those with lower mileage command higher prices. Insurance and maintenance costs are also high because repairs require BMW specialists and parts are expensive.

Is the Tesla Roadster worth waiting for?

The Tesla Roadster is promised to have 620-mile range and exceptional performance, but it will cost around $200,000 and production has been delayed multiple times. If you need a convertible car now, waiting is not practical. If you are willing to wait several years and have the budget, you can place a refundable pre-order through Tesla's website.

Would a plug-in hybrid convertible be cheaper to operate than a gas convertible?

A plug-in hybrid convertible costs less per mile than a gas-only convertible if you drive short distances and charge regularly. For longer trips, the gas engine takes over and operating costs approach those of a gas car. Compare your typical daily mileage to the electric range of any plug-in hybrid you are considering.

Why don't more manufacturers make electric convertibles?

Convertible roofs add weight and reduce battery space, both of which hurt range and efficiency. Manufacturers have focused on sedans and SUVs where the battery can be distributed across the floor without competing for room. As battery costs fall and technology improves, convertible electric cars may become more practical, but that shift is still years away.