Off to the e-convertible: The ultimate freedom of driving
A small spoiler in advance: In fact, there are currently no "real" convertibles with electric motors to buy. The only exception is the Fiat 500e, which can be opened at the top – but it is a folding roof. But don't worry: The plans of some carmakers are finally becoming more concrete. In the following, you will get to know all the currently announced e-convertibles.
Why are there so few e-convertibles?
More and more vehicle manufacturers are focusing on the development of new e-cars, new registrations are increasing worldwide and electric cars are being subsidized by the state in many countries (but no longer in Germany). Despite this rapid development, there are rather few e-convertibles. An almost silent vehicle offers at least one major advantage for relaxing cross-country journeys with the top down: no engine noise disturbs the peace and quiet on the way to the next swimming lake.
However, there's a reason why electric convertibles haven't taken over the world yet: the potential range. This depends not only on the size of the battery used, but also on air resistance. The air resistance is specified in the so-called Cd value. The lower the Cd value, the lower the air resistance, the greater the range. A calculation on which, for example, Mercedes with its new electric S-Class, the EQS, or the Chinese manufacturer NIO with its ET7 have relied on.
In a convertible without a top, however, the streamlined shape is largely lost. The wind finds a lot of surface in the interior that resists. This requires more energy to accelerate the vehicle and reduces the range. This makes the development of electric convertibles with a long range more difficult. But: Just like the sun in the sky, there is light on the horizon.
E-convertibles at a glance: Available models
Which manufacturers have so far taken on the aerodynamic challenges of developing an electric convertible? Unfortunately, the list is very short: BMW launched the current Mini in an electric convertible version in 2023 - but only as a limited special model (999 units in two colors), which is already sold out. And Citroën stopped selling its open beach buggy, the e-Mehari, back in 2019.
However, there are currently two models that are still available on the market and should be interesting for convertible fans.
E-Smart convertible: 153 kilometres to the beach
In February 2019, the automotive brand Smart took its first step towards the electric convertible: The Smart EQ fortwo convertible was probably the smallest electric convertible on the market. With a range of 153 kilometres according to the manufacturer, pit stops at the charging station should of course be taken into account for a longer distance. However, the Smart convertible can also make the trip to the nearest swimming lake without any problems. And if you want to drive further, you can recharge your electric convertible to up to 80 percent in 40 minutes.
If you don't want to miss out on the wind in your hair while driving, you can opt for the Smart EQ fortwo in the convertible version (Image: © Daimler).
Nice idea: So that you are not the only one who can enjoy the wind in summer, you can share the car with your friends with the "ready to share" app. This is a private car-sharing service. The highlight: Thanks to the app, it is not necessary to hand over the vehicle key. Through the application, you can even set the fare per minute and share the cost accordingly.
However, there is a big catch: production and sales of the Smart EQ fortwo Convertible have been discontinued since the end of March 2024. Unfortunately, the electric convertible is only available second-hand.
Fiat 500e: The Italian with a range of up to 320 kilometres
The Italian coast invites you to dream: Perhaps that's why the Italian car manufacturer Fiat has equipped its 500e model with a folding roof. One could perhaps object that this variant is not a real convertible - but so be it. Due to the lack of alternatives, we enjoy the fresh air and a (small) feeling of freedom even with slightly higher bars in the Fiat 500e.
The Fiat 500e is also available in a convertible version (Image: © Stellantis).
At the touch of a button, the 500e becomes almost an electric convertible – and with a range of theoretically 320 kilometres, you have plenty of time to explore the Italian beaches and experience what the Italians call "la dolce vita". Of course, the lively Italian does not only cut a fine figure in his home country. The Fiat 500e is also available in this country and is a really good companion for summer trips. By the way, you can find all the details about the vehicle in our detailed article on the Fiat 500e.
THE TEST WINNER APP ENBW MOBILITY+
Find a free charging station, charge your e-car and pay at transparent prices.
A look into the future: These electric car convertibles are to come by 2026
BMW released the current Mini in an electric convertible version some time ago – unfortunately only as a limited special model that is already sold out. Citroën's open beach buggy, the e-Mehari, has also not been available since 2019. A look at the announcements of the manufacturers shows that you don't have to give up hope for an electric convertible completely. MG, Porsche, Tesla, Polestar and Fisker have already announced models that are to be launched by 2026. The only downside: You have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for all of them, and three e-convertibles will remain pure dream cars for most of us.
MG Cyberster: Back to the Road sterroots
MG's new electric convertible bears the admittedly somewhat unwieldy name "Cyberster" and is scheduled to be available in Europe from summer 2024. The vehicle marks a return to the brand's sporty roadster roots, but combines classic elements with modern design and technology. The Cyberster was officially unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2023 and features a long hood, low front end, and curved surfaces. The characteristic scissor doors and the "Kammback" rear design are also striking.
The MG Cyberster marks a return to the brand's sporty roadster roots, but combines classic elements with modern design and technology (Image: © MG).
Technically, the Cyberster will be available in different versions, including an all-wheel-drive version with over 400 kW of power, which will enable acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in about three seconds. There is also a lighter variant with a 231 kW electric motor on the rear axle. No official information is yet available about the battery capacity and more precise range figures (but 800 kilometres are estimated), but it is expected that this could be similar to the MG4 Electric. The price is to start at around 59,000 euros.
Porsche boxers: 718 with e-power
The new Porsche 718 Boxster E is based on the "Premium Platform Electric" (PPE), which was developed together with Audi. The design of the electric convertible remains sporty, with a focus on aerodynamics and performance. Porsche aims to achieve a range of at least 400 kilometres, with the battery being able to charge from five to 80 per cent in less than 25 minutes thanks to a high charging capacity of over 270 kW . The battery size of the Boxster is expected to be between 60 and 70 kWh. Sales of the electric convertible are planned for 2025, with a base price starting at around 64,000 euros.
The Porsche Boxster will also be released as an electric variant in 2025 (Image: © Porsche).
Tesla Roadster: Almost 1,000 Ki lometerson the highway
The new Tesla Roadster is scheduled to be presented at the end of 2024, with deliveries planned for 2025. Tesla's electric convertible will be based on a special EV platform designed to maximize high performance and efficiency. As for the technical details, it is known that the Roadster will offer a range of up to 620 miles (approx. 997 km) at motorway speeds, supported by a 200 kWh battery. Combined with a possible charging capacity of 350 kW, charging from 5 to 80 percent could be possible in a very short time. In addition, the Roadster is also expected to offer advanced autopilot features, including advanced autopilot and full autonomy capabilities as optional extras. Price: around 200,000 US dollars.
Tesla's new Roadster is said to be up to 400 km/h fast and can cover almost 1,000 kilometers on a single charge (Image: © Tesla).
Polestar 6: It doesn't get any more spacey today
Polestar has also announced an exciting electric convertible. It is built on the electric car manufacturer's bespoke aluminium platform , which provides an impressive combination of lightness and stability. A driving experience with a "wow" factor is offered: the maximum output is 650 kW (884 hp), the torque is 900 Nm. The Polestar 6 will only be produced in a limited edition of 500 numbered units as the "Polestar 6 LA Concept edition".
The Polestar 6 will only be produced in a limited edition of 500 numbered units as the "Polestar 6 LA Concept edition" (Image: © Polestar).
The appearance of the Polestar 6 is heavily influenced by aerospace, which is evident both aesthetically and aerodynamically. The special features therefore include integrated aerodynamic nozzles in the wheel arches and rear lights, which also serve as air cutting edges. The market launch of the Polestar 6 is planned for 2026. The price is around 200,000 US dollars.
Fisker Ronin: With 1,000 hp against Tesla
Two years ago , the Fisker Ocean already caused a stir, and now the Danish e-car startup is following suit. The Fisker Ronin is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2025 and positions itself as a high-profile electric vehicle in the supercar segment. As the world's first all-electric four-seater convertible sports car, the Ronin combines attractive design with impressive technology and performance. This electric convertible also aims to set new standards in terms of range. The goal: 600 miles (965 km) per charge. This is to be achieved by integrating advanced battery cells into the vehicle structure. The technology is similar to Tesla's structural battery packs, but is based on Fisker's own innovations.
Only 999 units of the Fisker Ronin are to be built, at a proud price of 385,000 US dollars each (Image: @Fisker).
The Fisker Ronin also proves to be a direct rival to the new Tesla Roadster in terms of performance and acceleration: The engine output is said to be around 1,000 hp in total, and the electric super sports car needs about 2 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 miles (96.5 km) per hour. Nevertheless, Fisker faces financial challenges that could affect the future of this ambitious project. Will the super sports car be able to save the company, which is threatened with insolvency? The Ronin is said to cost a proud 385,000 US dollars.
Too bad: These electric convertibles remainonly a wish
In the past, there has already been speculation among some manufacturers about whether certain models could also be offered as electric convertibles. The two most interesting cases: Volkswagen and Jaguar.
ID.3will not be an electric convertible
The German carmaker Volkswagen was thinking relatively loudly about a VW ID.3 as a convertible and is already showing the first sketches in 2021, as auto motor sport reported. With this, the Wolfsburg-based company apparently already feels what the reactions to such an e-convertible would be. But then ... nothing. Even three years later, the ideas have not been further concretized. Therefore, we assume that Volkswagen will probably not offer an open-top ID.3.
End for Jaguar E-Type Convertible
Classic cars don't always have to be loud and rich in pollutants: This was proven by the first plans and models of the Jaguar E-Type Zero. In the popular classic, the combustion engine was to be replaced by a 300-hp electric motor with a range of up to 270 kilometres. Originally, series production was planned as well as the possibility of converting old E-Types to electric drive. But in 2019, Jaguar announced the development stop - and it has remained that way until now. It's a shame, we would have loved to see this electric classic car on the road.
E-convertibles are low-emission, silent and make you want to go summer.
Conclusion: Silent, but not without perspective
The number of registrations for convertibles has been declining in recent years. While around 20 years ago, more than 140,000 vehicles with an open top were newly registered, in 2023 there were not even 52,000 convertibles – a decline of almost two-thirds. But sales figures for convertibles have also been declining worldwide for years.
Perhaps one has to assume that convertibles only represent a very special niche. This is even more true for the electric versions. In addition, manufacturers face certain technical challenges in the development of electric convertibles. So it's not surprising that only a handful of carmakers want to include special e-convertibles in their range.
Nevertheless, the convertibles will apparently not die out completely, because at least in the higher and high-priced classes, several models are to be launched on the market in the next few years. If you can afford the prices for the e-convertibles from Tesla, Polestar, Fisker and Co., there is nothing to be said against a low-emission, silent excursion into nature with the open sky above your head. So summer may come.