The first electric vehicles were small in order to try to keep costs down, such as hatchbacks and sedans, but now we are seeing more and more SUVs and even pickup trucks trading in their combustion engines for electric motors. It only makes sense that we’ll be seeing more convertible EV models entering the market in the USA in the future as automakers move eagerly to embrace the new technology. The luxury performance and leisure segments are taking their time getting acclimated to the changes in the market, but here are some of the best electric convertible cars for 2024 and upcoming releases:
Characteristics of Electric Convertibles
Though there aren’t many new electric convertible cars to draw conclusions from, here are some of the qualities you can expect:
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Convertible
Electric convertibles have never been mass-produced before, which means that we are bound to see some flaws at first. Nevertheless, there are some things you can expect from them if you know enough about the body style as well as the new technology. These pros and cons include:
Pros
- Open-air driving experience
- Quick and quiet acceleration
- Environmentally friendly
- Small and nimble or large and luxurious
- You get some of your money back in fuel savings
Cons
- Limited range and long recharge
- No engine soundtrack to drive to
- Not a lot of options right now
- Prices are exorbitant on high-end models
FAQs About Electric Convertible Cars
Why are there so few all-electric convertibles?
EVs generally need entirely new platforms to function properly and this means a lot of time and money for automakers. Since convertibles are only sold in small numbers, this makes it less likely that they will get an electric upgrade. But, as manufacturers are forced, by emissions laws, to move away from combustion engines, the only new convertibles will be EVs.
Does Tesla make a convertible?
The American electric automaker announced its intent to create an EV convertible way back in 2017, but the project has been delayed past the expected release date of 2020. Nevertheless, we do know that we will be getting a Tesla Roadster soon and that it will be one of the fastest cars on the road, as well as one of the most expensive.
Are there any affordable EV convertibles?
Just because most drop-tops are expensive, that doesn’t mean you have to give up any hope of owning one. Mini recently added the Cooper Hardtop to the electric segment, so there is a good chance we will see a Cabrio join it soon, and the Hardtop is currently one of the cheapest models in the segment. Other automakers with affordable roadsters, like Mazda and its Miata MX-5, will likely start looking to the electricity their more popular offerings, too.