Why Are Electric Convertibles Hard to Find? Plus Exciting Models to Check Out

By the end of 2023, it’s estimated that more than 1 million electric vehicles will have been sold in America for this year alone. This number proves that EVs are steadily gaining popularity in the country.

However, there’s one EV segment that remains noticeably scarce: electric convertibles. There are several reasons why few electric convertibles are available on the market.

If you’re a fan of convertibles and you’re curious why you have limited options, you’re reading the right article.

Why Are Convertible EVs Scarce?

Electric convertibles are relatively rare due to the following factors:

Engineering Challenges

Building an electric-powered convertible is challenging. Integrating the battery alone is difficult.

 The space on a convertible’s floor is often limited because components like the retractable roof mechanism will have to be installed there as well. Placing an electric battery under the floor could limit the space dedicated to the car’s mechanical elements.

In short, designing an EV convertible is tricky and would likely involve shape alterations and wiring reroutes.

Weight and Safety Concerns

Convertibles are heavy enough without hefty electric batteries, which could affect their performance. They’re also reinforced with anti-roll bars and cross bars to enhance rigidity, adding to their overall weight

The considerable weight would elevate the electric convertible’s center of gravity, making it more susceptible to rollover. On top of that, crash test standards for convertibles are more demanding because their body must be further reinforced to withstand collision.

Cost and Demand

The engineering complexity of manufacturing a convertible EV costs a lot of money, limiting their production.

The cost might also not be worth it, considering that electric convertibles are not as popular as SUVs and sedans. Convertible sales in the US have dropped by 80% since 2005.

Convertible EVs to Check Out

There are no fully electric convertibles sold in the US market as of November 2023. But if your heart is set on a green convertible, here are some of the models you can explore:

Tesla Roadster 2.0

If you’re considering buying a new electric car, Tesla will surely be on your list of options. Unfortunately, if you prefer a convertible, you might not find any Tesla convertible EV in 2023.

The Tesla Roadster 2.0 is set to enter production in 2024. This high-end performance EV is expected to come with a price tag of $200,000.

This second-generation Roadster comes with over 600 miles of range and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds with the SpaceX package. It could outperform even the fastest hypercars ever made.

The Roadster 2.0 will feature a streamlined carbon fiber dashboard, adding to its aesthetic appeal. It will also have generous storage space and legroom, making it perfect for long trips.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Next on our list is the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, which boasts a hybrid powertrain that delivers 650 hp & a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds.

The E-Ray features an electrified all-wheel drive system, making it adaptable to any road conditions. Interestingly, it’s also equipped with an E-Ray performance app that will help drivers monitor the’ ride’s performance.

The 1LZ convertible, in particular, features standard carbon ceramic brakes and a head-up display. It comes with magnetic selective ride control and an advanced suspension system that allows adaptive damping for different road conditions.

So if you’re the type who loves road trips and adventures, you might want to check out the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. The price of the 1LZ convertible starts at $111,000.

FIAT 500c Convertible

Small car fans will love the FIAT 500c Convertible, which has a fabric roof that folds backward toward the boot. This two-door vehicle comes with a one-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission. It’s classified as a hybrid vehicle with a petrol engine that can produce around 70 horsepower and a fuel economy of up to 60.1 mpg.

It isn’t big in cabin space, which can be a dealbreaker for most, but it can still seat four short people comfortably. Taller passengers might feel a bit claustrophobic, and its trunk can only fit around 185 liters. While it won’t appeal to those with a family, its compact size could be perfect for a solo traveler.

Selling for around $16,500, the FIAT 500c is one of the most affordable convertibles you’ll find on the market.

Polestar 6

Expected to hit the market in 2026, the Polestar 6 is a luxury EV with a powerful dual-motor powertrain that can produce around 884 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. This means you can easily reach a 0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds.

The Polestar 6 also comes with a convertible hardtop with a minimalist interior design that is sure to appeal to drivers with a modern taste.

There’s not much information available yet regarding its range, battery life, and other safety features, but its concept photos have already caught the interest of many.

Unfortunately, this sleek EV won’t come cheap. While there’s no final price yet, you can expect this electric convertible to cost upward of $100,000.

Convertible EVs Outside America

There are limited options in the U.S. market when it comes to electric convertibles. If you want to get one, you might want to explore the automotive market outside the country.

 Here are other interesting electric convertibles to check out:

Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio

This Fortwo Cabrio is an ultra-compact two-seater vehicle. It’s practical and efficient, so you don’t have to worry about your short trips around the city.

This convertible has an 82 bhp electric motor that works with a 17.2 kWh battery. What’s more interesting about this model is that it’s one of the cheapest convertible options available. The price of this city car starts at $31,100.

Unfortunately, the Smart city-car brand ceased operations in the US in 2019. If you want to own this model, you likely have to buy it overseas, which can also cost you a lot of money.

MG Cyberster

You might also want to check out the MG Cyberster. This electric drop-top sports car is expected to be released in August 2024. It has an interesting retro design that classic MG fans will love.

There aren’t that many details yet about its motors and batteries, but the model is rumored to have a power of around 530 hp. The starting price for this model is around $64,000.

There are currently no plans to bring the MG Cyberster to the U.S. So, if you plan to check out one, you’ll have to look for it in the European, Australian, or Asian market.

Mini Cooper SE Convertible

You can also check the Mini Cooper SE Convertible if you plan on exploring the European automotive market. This model is the world’s first convertible with a purely electric drive.

The Mini Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. It has impressive interior and exterior features. The door handles, side scuttles, and the surrounds of the front and rear lights feature a resolute bronze finish.

Unfortunately, this model is a limited edition Mini. Mini only produced 999 units of the Mini Cooper SE Convertible.