Electric convertibles exist, but your choices are limited and expensive right now

An electric convertible is a car with a retractable or removable roof and a battery-powered motor instead of a gasoline engine. As of 2024, only a handful of manufacturers sell them new: Tesla (the Roadster, though delivery has been delayed), BMW (the i8 Roadster, being phased out), and a few specialty builders. The market is small because convertibles are niche vehicles to begin with, and adding electric powertrains raises the price significantly. If you are shopping for one, expect to pay $60,000 to $200,000 depending on the model and options.

The main trade-off is range versus practicality. Most electric convertibles can travel 200 to 300 miles per charge, which is enough for daily driving but requires planning for longer trips. The open roof adds weight compared to a hardtop sedan, which cuts range further. Charging time at home (8 to 12 hours on a standard outlet, 30 minutes to an hour at a public fast charger) is longer than filling a gas tank, so spontaneous road trips are less convenient than they are in conventional cars.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Tesla, BMW, and a few specialty manufacturers currently sell new electric convertibles, so your options are limited compared to gas-powered convertibles.
  • Electric convertibles cost between $60,000 and $200,000 new, making them significantly more expensive than comparable gas convertibles.
  • Most models offer 200 to 300 miles of range per charge, which works for daily driving but requires charging planning for longer trips.
  • Charging at home takes 8 to 12 hours on a standard outlet; public fast chargers cut that to 30 minutes to an hour.
  • The open roof design adds weight and reduces range compared to closed-roof electric vehicles, so real-world mileage may be lower than advertised.

Current electric convertible models and their specs

The Tesla Roadster (second generation) is the most talked-about option, though it has faced repeated delivery delays since its 2017 announcement. Tesla claims it will offer over 600 miles of range, a 0-to-60 time under 2 seconds, and a starting price around $200,000. However, no customer has taken delivery yet, so real-world performance and reliability data do not exist. If you order one, expect to wait years and have no may provide of the final specifications.

The BMW i8 Roadster is a hybrid (not fully electric), with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. It offers about 18 miles of all-electric range and 370 miles total range. BMW discontinued this model in 2022, so you can only buy used ones. Prices for used i8 Roadsters typically range from $80,000 to $130,000 depending on mileage and condition.

Specialty manufacturers like Lotus and Porsche have announced electric convertible concepts, but neither has released a production model for sale to the general public yet. Porsche's Mission R concept showed a potential direction, but no timeline or pricing has been confirmed. If you are interested in these, monitor the manufacturers' websites for announcements, but do not expect availability in the near term.

How electric convertible range works in real conditions

Manufacturers publish range estimates based on standardized tests, but real-world range is usually 10 to 20 percent lower. An electric convertible rated for 250 miles might deliver 200 to 225 miles in actual driving, depending on weather, driving habits, and terrain. Cold weather cuts range significantly—expect 20 to 40 percent less range in winter because the battery loses efficiency and you use energy to heat the cabin.

Driving style matters more in an electric car than in a gas car. Aggressive acceleration, highway speeds above 65 mph, and constant use of air conditioning all drain the battery faster. If you drive mostly on city streets at moderate speeds, you will see range closer to the manufacturer's estimate. If you spend time on highways or in cold climates, budget for noticeably shorter trips between charges.

The open roof adds aerodynamic drag, which reduces efficiency compared to a closed electric vehicle of the same size. A closed Tesla Model 3 might achieve 250 miles of range, while a Tesla Roadster convertible with the same battery might achieve 220 miles under identical conditions. This is not a deal-breaker for daily driving, but it is worth factoring in if you are comparing a convertible to a closed-roof alternative.

Charging infrastructure and home charging options

Charging at home is the most convenient option if you have a garage or driveway. A standard 120-volt outlet (the kind you use for lamps) charges an electric convertible at about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour—so a full charge takes 24 to 40 hours. This works if you drive fewer than 50 miles per day and charge overnight, but it is impractical for longer commutes.

A 240-volt home charger (the same voltage as an electric dryer) charges at 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours. Installation costs $500 to $2,500 depending on your home's electrical panel and how far the charger is from the panel. Many electric vehicle owners install a 240-volt charger as their first purchase because the speed difference is dramatic.

Public charging networks like Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint operate across the United States, though coverage varies by region. Superchargers (Tesla's network) add 200 miles of range in 30 minutes for Tesla vehicles. Third-party networks are slower—typically 30 to 60 minutes for a similar charge—but are improving. Charging costs $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour at public stations, or roughly $10 to $20 for a full charge depending on the network and location.

Insurance, maintenance, and long-term costs

Insurance for an electric convertible is typically 10 to 20 percent higher than for a comparable gas convertible, partly because repair costs are higher and partly because the vehicles are newer and less predictable to insurers. Get quotes from multiple insurers before buying, because rates vary widely. Some insurers offer discounts for electric vehicles, so ask specifically.

Maintenance is simpler than for gas cars because electric motors have fewer moving parts. There is no oil change, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belt. Brake pads last longer because electric cars use regenerative braking (the motor slows the car and captures energy). The main maintenance items are tire rotation, cabin air filter replacement, and battery health monitoring. Annual maintenance typically costs $200 to $500, compared to $500 to $1,000 for a gas car.

Battery replacement is the largest potential long-term cost. Most manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the battery fails after that period, replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the model. However, modern batteries are lasting longer than early predictions suggested, and most owners do not need replacement within the warranty period. If you plan to keep the car beyond 10 years, budget for a possible battery replacement.

Comparing electric convertibles to gas convertibles

Gas convertibles are cheaper to buy, more abundant in the used market, and offer longer range without refueling. A used Porsche 911 Cabriolet or BMW 440i xDrive Convertible costs $30,000 to $60,000 and can travel 300 to 400 miles on a tank. Refueling takes 5 minutes. If you drive long distances frequently or want more model choices, a gas convertible is the practical choice.

Electric convertibles make sense if you drive mostly locally, have home charging available, and prioritize lower operating costs and environmental impact. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile, and maintenance is simpler. The driving experience is also different—electric motors deliver torque when ready, so acceleration feels different (often faster-feeling) than a gas engine. If you enjoy the technology and can live with the range limitations, an electric convertible is worth considering.

A hybrid convertible like the used BMW i8 Roadster splits the difference: it offers electric range for short trips (18 miles) and a gas engine for longer drives, so you get flexibility without the charging infrastructure dependence. However, hybrids are heavier and more complex than either pure electric or pure gas cars, so maintenance costs are higher than either alternative.

What to check before buying a used electric convertible

If you are shopping for a used electric convertible (most likely a used i8 Roadster, since new options are so limited), have a pre-purchase inspection done by a technician familiar with electric vehicles. The inspection should include a battery health check—most electric cars have a diagnostic tool that shows the battery's remaining capacity as a percentage of its original capacity. A battery at 80 percent capacity is normal; below 70 percent suggests heavy use or age.

Ask the seller for the charging history and typical driving patterns. A car that was charged daily to 100 percent and fast-charged frequently will have more battery degradation than one charged to 80 percent and mostly charged at home. Check the service records to see if there were any battery-related repairs or replacements. Ask about the warranty status—if the original battery warranty is still active, that is a significant advantage.

Test the charging system yourself if possible. Bring a portable charger to the inspection and verify that the car charges at the expected rate. Check that the roof mechanism (if it is a convertible with a power roof) operates smoothly and that the weatherstripping is intact. Electric convertibles are rare enough that finding a good one requires patience, so do not rush the inspection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an electric convertible in the rain or with the roof down?

Yes to both. The charging port is sealed and designed for wet conditions, so rain does not damage it. You can charge with the roof down, though most owners keep it up during charging for convenience. The electrical system is isolated from the roof mechanism, so there is no safety risk either way.

How much does it cost to charge an electric convertible compared to gas?

Electricity typically costs $0.12 to $0.18 per kilowatt-hour at home, which translates to roughly $3 to $5 per 100 miles of range. Gasoline at $3 per gallon costs about $10 to $12 per 100 miles for a comparable car. Electric is cheaper per mile, but the total cost depends on your local electricity rates and how much you drive.

What happens to an electric convertible's battery in very hot weather?

Heat reduces battery efficiency and can degrade it over time, but modern batteries have thermal management systems that cool the pack automatically. You will see slightly reduced range on very hot days, but the battery itself is protected. Parking in shade and avoiding fast charging in extreme heat helps preserve long-term battery health.

Are there any tax credits or rebates for buying an electric convertible?

The federal tax credit for electric vehicles is up to $7,500 in the United States, but it applies only to new cars and has income and price limits that vary by model. The Tesla Roadster and BMW i8 Roadster may not may have access to depending on their final price and your income. Check the IRS website or fueleconomy.gov for current rules, as they change annually.

Can I tow a trailer with an electric convertible?

Most electric convertibles are not rated for towing because the added weight significantly reduces range and puts stress on the battery. The Tesla Roadster has not published towing specifications yet. If towing is important to you, a gas convertible or a truck-based electric vehicle is a better choice.