Electric convertibles exist but remain rare and expensive

Electric convertibles are production vehicles you can buy today, but the selection is extremely limited. As of 2024, only a handful of manufacturers offer them: BMW's i8 Roadster (discontinued after 2022 but available used), Porsche's 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet with hybrid powertrain, and Tesla's Roadster (announced for 2025 but not yet delivered). Most electric vehicles on the market are sedans, SUVs, or hatchbacks. A convertible adds weight, reduces structural rigidity, and complicates battery packaging—all factors that work against the efficiency electric cars are designed to achieve.

If you're set on an electric convertible, you're choosing from a very small pool. That means fewer options to negotiate on price, longer wait times if ordering new, and limited used inventory. The trade-off is that you get the open-air driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions and lower fuel costs than a gas convertible.

Key Takeaways

  • Only three production electric convertibles are currently available or announced: the BMW i8 Roadster (used only), Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (hybrid, not fully electric), and Tesla Roadster (2025 delivery expected but not yet shipped).
  • Electric convertibles cost significantly more than their gas equivalents—the BMW i8 Roadster used market starts around $80,000 to $100,000, and the Tesla Roadster is priced above $200,000.
  • The convertible top adds weight and reduces range compared to a closed electric vehicle of the same model, so expect 10 to 15 percent lower efficiency when the top is down.
  • Charging infrastructure and battery range are the same concerns as any electric vehicle, but the limited model selection means fewer dealer networks and service options.

Why electric convertibles are so rare

A convertible requires a reinforced chassis to compensate for the missing roof structure. That reinforcement adds weight—typically 300 to 500 pounds more than a hardtop version. In an electric vehicle, every pound reduces range and increases the size of battery needed to hit the same distance per charge. Manufacturers have to choose: spend the engineering cost and accept lower efficiency, or skip the convertible altogether.

Battery placement also matters. Electric vehicles pack batteries into the floor to lower the center of gravity and maximize interior space. A convertible's retractable roof mechanism takes up trunk space and complicates the structural design. Most automakers have decided the market for an electric convertible is too small to justify the engineering investment.

Porsche's approach is instructive: their 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet uses a hybrid powertrain (gas engine plus electric motor), not a fully electric one. That lets them keep the familiar 911 platform and avoid the structural redesign a full electric conversion would require. Tesla's upcoming Roadster will be fully electric, but it's a ground-up design rather than a conversion of an existing model.

The BMW i8 Roadster: the only used option right now

The BMW i8 Roadster is the only electric convertible currently available for purchase—but only on the used market. BMW stopped production after 2022. The i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric: it pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor and a 11.6 kWh battery. It can drive up to 18 miles on electric power alone before the gas engine kicks in.

Used i8 Roadsters typically sell between $80,000 and $120,000 depending on mileage and year. The 2022 model year (the last produced) commands higher prices. Insurance costs are steep—expect $1,500 to $2,500 annually—because repair costs are high and the vehicle is rare. Finding a BMW dealer experienced with i8 service is essential before you buy.

The i8 Roadster's appeal is its design and performance: 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, a distinctive look, and the ability to drive short distances on electric power alone. The downside is that it's not a true electric vehicle, so you're not eliminating gas entirely. For a used electric convertible, it's your only realistic choice today.

The Tesla Roadster: what to expect when it arrives

Tesla announced the second-generation Roadster in 2017 and has repeatedly delayed its release. As of early 2024, the company has not delivered any customer vehicles, though it has stated deliveries will begin in 2025. Pricing starts at $200,000 for the base model, with higher trims exceeding $250,000.

The Tesla Roadster is a fully electric convertible with an estimated range of 620 miles per charge (EPA estimate pending). It uses Tesla's latest battery technology and will charge on the Tesla Supercharger network. Performance specs are aggressive: 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds, and a top speed of 250 mph (electronically limited).

The catch is that no one has driven one yet. You cannot test drive it, inspect one in person, or talk to an owner about real-world reliability. If you order now, you're committing to a vehicle that may not arrive for 12 to 24 months, and you have no may provide of the final specifications. Tesla has a history of changing features and timelines after taking deposits. Before you put down money, understand that you're betting on a promise, not buying a finished product.

Range, charging, and efficiency for convertibles

An electric convertible loses efficiency compared to a closed version of the same vehicle. With the top down, aerodynamic drag increases significantly—you're no longer a streamlined shape cutting through air. Real-world range drops 10 to 15 percent when driving with the top down versus up. If a closed electric sedan gets 250 miles per charge, expect 210 to 225 miles in convertible form with the roof retracted.

Charging time and infrastructure are identical to any other electric vehicle: a Level 2 home charger (240 volts) takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge, and a DC fast charger takes 20 to 40 minutes to reach 80 percent. The BMW i8 Roadster uses BMW's charging network; the Tesla Roadster uses Tesla's Supercharger network. Neither network is as widespread as gas stations, so long road trips require planning.

The convertible top mechanism itself draws power, though the amount is minimal—typically less than 1 percent of battery capacity per operation. Opening and closing the top 10 times a day will not meaningfully impact your range. The real efficiency loss comes from aerodynamics, not the mechanical roof.

Price comparison: electric convertible versus gas convertible

An electric convertible costs more upfront than a gas convertible of similar size and performance. A new gas convertible like the BMW 440i xDrive Convertible starts around $60,000. The discontinued i8 Roadster (plug-in hybrid) starts at $80,000 used. The Tesla Roadster starts at $200,000 new.

Over time, the electric convertible saves money on fuel and maintenance. Electricity costs roughly one-third the price of gasoline per mile driven. Electric motors have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid—maintenance is mostly tire rotation and brake fluid checks. A gas convertible requires regular oil changes, transmission service, and more frequent brake maintenance.

The math depends on how many miles you drive annually and how long you keep the vehicle. If you drive 12,000 miles per year and keep the car for five years, an electric convertible could save $3,000 to $5,000 in fuel and maintenance compared to a gas convertible. If you drive 5,000 miles per year, the savings shrink to $1,000 to $2,000. The higher purchase price means you need to drive enough miles to recoup the difference.

Insurance, maintenance, and repair costs

Insurance for an electric convertible is more expensive than for a gas convertible because repair costs are higher. The BMW i8 Roadster typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 annually to insure; a comparable gas convertible might cost $1,000 to $1,500. The Tesla Roadster will likely fall into a similar or higher range once it reaches customers, because the vehicle is rare and repairs require specialized technicians.

Maintenance is cheaper for electric vehicles overall, but finding a technician who knows how to service an electric convertible is harder. BMW has a network of dealers trained on the i8, but not every BMW dealer stocks parts or has technicians on staff. Tesla handles all service through Tesla Service Centers, which are less common than traditional dealerships in rural areas. Before you buy, confirm there's a service location within reasonable driving distance.

Battery replacement is the largest potential cost. The BMW i8 Roadster's battery is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles; replacement costs $5,000 to $8,000 if it fails after warranty expires. The Tesla Roadster's battery warranty details are not yet public, but Tesla typically warrants batteries for 8 years or 120,000 miles. Plan for a possible $10,000 to $15,000 battery replacement cost after warranty if you keep the vehicle long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a new electric convertible right now?

No. The BMW i8 Roadster is out of production. The Tesla Roadster is announced but not yet delivered to customers. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet is a hybrid, not fully electric. If you want an electric convertible today, your only option is a used BMW i8 Roadster.

How much range do I lose with the convertible top down?

Expect 10 to 15 percent lower range when driving with the top down due to increased aerodynamic drag. If a vehicle is rated for 250 miles, plan for 210 to 225 miles with the roof retracted. The convertible mechanism itself uses negligible power.

Is the BMW i8 Roadster worth buying used?

That depends on your priorities. It's the only electric convertible available now, it performs well, and it looks distinctive. The downsides are high insurance costs, limited dealer networks for service, and the fact that it's a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric. If you want a true electric convertible, wait for the Tesla Roadster.

When will the Tesla Roadster actually ship?

Tesla has not confirmed a specific delivery date. The company has stated deliveries will begin in 2025, but Tesla has delayed this vehicle multiple times since 2017. Do not assume a delivery date until Tesla confirms it publicly and you receive a delivery appointment.

What's the difference between the BMW i8 and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet?

The BMW i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor and gas engine. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet is also a hybrid but uses a different powertrain design and is more expensive. Neither is fully electric. If you want zero-emission driving, neither is the right choice—wait for the Tesla Roadster or buy a closed electric vehicle.