Electric convertibles exist but are rare and expensive

Electric convertibles are production cars you can buy today, but the selection is tiny compared to gas convertibles. As of 2024, the main options are the BMW i8 Roadster (discontinued after 2022 but available used), the Tesla Roadster (announced for 2025 but not yet delivered to customers), and the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet plug-in hybrid (which runs on gas and electricity). A few other manufacturers have shown concept versions, but those are not for sale.

The reason for the shortage is straightforward: convertibles are expensive to engineer and build, and adding electric powertrains adds cost on top of that. Convertible bodies are heavier and less aerodynamic than closed cars, which cuts into electric range. The market for convertibles is already small, so manufacturers have not yet found the volume to justify the investment.

If you want an electric convertible, you are choosing between waiting for the Tesla Roadster, buying a used BMW i8 Roadster, or accepting a plug-in hybrid. Each path has different costs, range, and availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Only three electric or plug-in hybrid convertibles are currently available as new cars: the Tesla Roadster (2025, pre-orders only), the BMW i8 Roadster (used market only), and the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (plug-in hybrid).
  • Electric convertibles cost significantly more than closed electric cars because the open body design reduces range and increases manufacturing complexity.
  • The BMW i8 Roadster has a 155-mile EPA range and starts around $150,000 used, while the Tesla Roadster is expected to cost over $200,000 when it arrives.
  • Plug-in hybrid convertibles like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet run on gas or electricity and offer shorter electric-only range but no charging anxiety on long trips.
  • Before buying any electric convertible, confirm your home has a way to charge and that your insurance company covers electric vehicles.

The BMW i8 Roadster: the only used electric convertible option

The BMW i8 Roadster was the first production electric convertible sold in the United States. It was built from 2018 to 2022 and combined a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor for a total of 369 horsepower. The electric motor alone could power the car for about 18 miles before the gas engine kicked in, though EPA testing showed a combined range of 155 miles on a full tank and full charge.

Used BMW i8 Roadsters typically sell between $130,000 and $160,000, depending on mileage and condition. They are rare on the used market because few were built and owners tend to keep them. Insurance costs are high—expect $2,000 to $3,500 per year—because repair costs are steep and the car is expensive to replace if totaled. You will need a 240-volt home charger, which costs $500 to $2,000 installed.

The i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid, not a pure electric car, so it does not require charging for every trip. That makes it practical for long drives without planning around charging stations. The downside is that it still burns gas, so it is not zero-emission even on short trips unless you charge before every drive.

The Tesla Roadster: announced but not yet delivered

Tesla announced the second-generation Roadster in 2017 and has delayed its release multiple times. As of early 2024, the company says it will begin deliveries in 2025, but that date has moved before and may move again. Pre-orders are open, and the base price is expected to be over $200,000.

The announced specs are impressive: 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, a 600-mile EPA range estimate, and a 250-kilowatt charging speed. However, those numbers are not yet confirmed by real-world testing, and the final price and features may differ from what was announced. Tesla has a history of changing specifications and timelines after taking pre-orders.

If you are considering a pre-order, understand that you are committing money to a car that does not exist yet and may not arrive for months or years after the announced date. You will not know the final price, exact range, or available colors until much closer to delivery. Ask Tesla directly about the current expected delivery window and what happens to your deposit if you cancel.

Plug-in hybrid convertibles as an alternative

If you want a convertible that runs on electricity but do not want to wait or pay used-market prices, a plug-in hybrid convertible is a middle ground. The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is the main current option, with a 44-mile electric-only range and a gas engine for longer trips. It starts around $110,000 new.

Plug-in hybrids let you drive short trips on electricity alone—commutes, errands, weekend drives—without charging anxiety. For longer trips, the gas engine takes over. You still need a 240-volt home charger and still buy gas, but you reduce fuel costs and emissions on the trips where you do charge.

The trade-off is that you are paying for two powertrains instead of one, which adds weight and cost. Repair costs are higher because there are more systems to maintain. If you rarely drive more than 50 miles per day, a plug-in hybrid makes sense. If you drive long distances regularly, a pure electric car with good charging access is usually cheaper to own.

Range and charging reality for electric convertibles

Electric convertibles lose range compared to closed electric cars because the open body is heavier and less aerodynamic. The BMW i8 Roadster, for example, has a 155-mile combined range—much lower than a closed BMW electric car of the same era. The Tesla Roadster's announced 600-mile range is optimistic and will likely be lower in real-world driving, especially with the top down.

Cold weather, highway driving, and using the air conditioning or heating all reduce range further. If you live in a cold climate or drive mostly on highways, expect 20 to 30 percent less range than the EPA estimate.

Charging at home is essential for any electric convertible. Public charging networks exist, but they are slower and less convenient than charging overnight in your garage. Before buying, confirm that your home has a dedicated circuit available for a Level 2 charger (240 volts). If you rent or live in an apartment, ask your landlord or building management whether they allow chargers. Without home charging, owning an electric convertible is much harder.

Cost of ownership and insurance

Electric convertibles are expensive to buy and expensive to own. The BMW i8 Roadster costs $130,000 to $160,000 used, and the Tesla Roadster will cost over $200,000 new. Insurance is higher than for standard cars because the replacement cost is high and repair shops charge premium rates for electric and hybrid systems.

Electricity is cheaper than gas per mile, but the savings are small compared to the higher purchase price. A BMW i8 Roadster might cost $0.04 per mile to charge, versus $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for a gas convertible, but you are starting from a much higher base price. You will not break even on fuel savings for many years, if ever.

Maintenance costs are lower than for gas cars because electric motors have fewer moving parts. However, battery repairs are expensive if something goes wrong after the warranty expires. The BMW i8 Roadster's battery warranty is typically 8 years or 100,000 miles; the Tesla Roadster's warranty is not yet confirmed. Ask the dealer or manufacturer what battery coverage you get and what it costs to replace the battery out of warranty.

Practical questions before you buy

Before committing to an electric convertible, answer these questions honestly. Do you have a way to charge at home, or access to reliable public charging? Do you drive mostly short trips under 100 miles, or do you regularly take long road trips? Can you afford the higher insurance cost? Are you comfortable with the limited selection and the possibility of long waits for service at specialized shops?

If you are buying used, have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic who knows electric and hybrid cars. Ask about the battery's health, the condition of the charging system, and any recalls or known issues. If you are pre-ordering the Tesla Roadster, understand that you are betting on a car that does not exist yet and that the final product may differ from what was announced.

Electric convertibles are fun and distinctive, but they are not practical for everyone. If you want a convertible primarily for weekend driving and short trips, and you have home charging, an electric convertible makes sense. If you drive long distances regularly or do not have reliable charging access, a closed electric car or a gas convertible is a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an electric convertible at a regular outlet?

Yes, but it is very slow. A standard 120-volt outlet charges at about 3 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 40 to 50 hours. A 240-volt Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles per hour and is the standard for home charging. You should install a Level 2 charger if you own an electric convertible.

What happens to the battery in an electric convertible when it rains?

The battery is sealed and waterproof, just like in any electric car. Rain does not damage it. You can drive and charge in the rain without risk. The convertible top itself is not waterproof when fully down, so you will get wet, but the car's electrical systems are safe.

Is the Tesla Roadster actually coming out in 2025?

Tesla says it will begin deliveries in 2025, but the company has delayed this car multiple times since 2017. If you are considering a pre-order, contact Tesla directly to ask about the current expected delivery window. Do not assume the 2025 date is firm.

How much does it cost to replace the battery in a used BMW i8 Roadster?

Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the extent of the damage and your location. The battery warranty is typically 8 years or 100,000 miles. Ask the seller whether the battery is still under warranty before you buy.

Can I tow a trailer with an electric convertible?

The BMW i8 Roadster is not rated for towing. The Tesla Roadster's towing capacity is not yet confirmed. If towing is important to you, check the manufacturer's specifications before you buy, because most electric cars have low or zero towing capacity.