Electric vehicles have rapidly emerged from futuristic curiosity to mainstream transportation staple, offering cascading benefits spanning wallet, performance and environmental spheres. 2023 appears the year electrification goes truly mainstream, with most major automakers unveiling battery-powered models and governments incentivizing adoption.
And now, EV innovation is spreading into the head-turning world of convertibles – blending silent open-top motoring with the instant torque of electric muscle.
Why Electric Convertibles?
Beyond the visceral, wind-in-hair freedom inherents in peeling back the roof, today‘s crop of electric convertibles compellingly argue life with batteries beats the old gas-guzzling days.
Financial – With gas prices still hovering near record levels in many markets, an electric powertrain saves big bucks. EV servicing costs also undercut legacy engines given far fewer moving parts. Government incentives like tax breaks and rebates further ease purchase pain.
Performance – Instant torque from electric motors allows effortless acceleration traditional petrol engines struggle matching. The latest battery and motor innovations unlock remarkable outputs – when the Tesla Roadster launches, its sub-2 second 0-60 mph sprint will humble most supercars.
Environment – Average lifetime emissions from electric vehicles are half that of a petrol equivalent according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. For those valuing sustainability, driving electric brings minimal carbon guilt.
Now let‘s examine today‘s vanguard – the 7 most tantalizing electric convertibles turning heads on the horizon.
1. Tesla Roadster
Unveiled in 2017 as a follow-up to Tesla‘s first product back in 2008, the next-generation Roadster once again moves the goalposts for EV performance. Outlandish acceleration and handling promise unmatched speed in a renewable package.
Release Date
- Production delayed to 2023
Price
- From $200,000
Range
- 620 miles ( est.)
Performance
- 0-60 mph: 1.9 secs (claimed)
- Top Speed: Over 250 mph
- 10,000 Nm of wheel torque from 3 motors
Key Features
- Removable glass roof panel
- 200 kWh battery pack
- SpaceX cold air thruster upgrade package
Tesla are no strangers to headline-grabbing figures, but even by their standards the second-coming Roadster enters uncharted territory. Once production logjams clear, this upcoming halo model looks set to become the new benchmark for convertible performance – perhaps even shaping supercar norms moving forward.
2. Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e
British luxury purveyor Bentley are embracing battery power – introducing their carbon fiber patent-pending architecture supporting a “forward-looking hybrid powertrain”. This electric glimpse should substantially inform Bentley’s EV roadmap and forthcoming models over the next decade.
Release Date
- Production plans undisclosed since 2017 reveal
Price
- Expected circa $300,000+ (est.)
Performance Targets
- 0-60 mph: sub 4 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Range: ~373 miles
Exterior Design
- Aluminum radiator shell
- LED matrix front grille
- Carbon fiber accenting
Interior Highlights
- Grand Black walnut veneers
- Rotating central display
- Organic LED technology integrated into fine wood surfaces
Bentley promise the EXP 12 Speed 6e will deliver “the thrill of open top luxury touring with all the charisma of a Bentley.” Judging by their 102-year heritage spanning iconic convertibles like the Azure, GTC and Continental GTC, that assuredly sets lofty goals for this big, luxurious 2+2 grand tourer.
3. MG Cyberster
MG Motor, now owned by Chinese giant SAIC, unveiled a radical electric roadster concept in 2021 dubbed the Cyberster. Evoking classic British sports cars like the MGB, its conceptual flourishes preview MG’s ambitious electrification plans. High impact aesthetics house video game-inspired interior theatrics.
Release Date
- Production dependent on public interest
Price
- ~$50,000 target
Performance
- 0-60mph: < 4 seconds
- 500 mile range
Exterior Design
- LED strips foreshadow kinetic design
- Flush door handles and cameras replace mirrors
Interior Details
- Digital displays and centered driver’s seat
- Gaming-style steering wheel controller
Given relatively mainstream pricing estimates, the Cyberster appears positioned as an attainable, electrified thrill machine if greenlit. MG have indicated they can leverage parent SAIC’s dedicated EV platform to rapidly build this model pending sufficient public demand. For around $50k, its showcar concept visuals could morph into an exciting British-born deal.
4. Fiat 500e Cabrio
The pint-sized 500 holds a special place in Italian motoring lore since its 1957 debut. Joining the historic Cinquecento range for 2022 is this all-electric Cabriolet – bringing classic La Dolce Vita spirit into the modern emissions-free era.
Release Date
- On sale now
Price
- From ~$33,000
Range
- Up to 115 miles
- Regenerative braking for extra 30%
Performance
- 42kW battery & 87hp electric motor
- 0-60 mph: 9 secs
Exterior Design
- Retains heritage styling cues
- Height lowered vs standard 500
Interior Highlights
- 10.25” touchscreen display
- Keyless entry and start button
- Heated front seats
Don’t expect breakneck acceleration or range from this eco fashion statement. Instead the eCabrio charms through its demure retro design and city-friendly dimensions. Offering al fresco urban cruising with a side of sustainability, it’s la dolce vita for the modern age.
5. Mini Cooper SE Convertible
Another British motoring icon advances into the battery-powered era with the forthcoming Mini Cooper SE Convertible, slated for launch in 2025. As a BMW subsidiary, expect Cooper hallmarks like kart-like reflexes blended with parent company scale and Germans EV expertise showcased in efforts like the iX and i4.
Release Date
- Planned for 2025
Price
- ~$40,000 (est.)
Performance
- 0-60 mph: under 8 secs (est.)
- Range: ~ 150 miles
Exterior Design
- Identical to existing range
Interior Design
- Unique digital instrumentation
With MINI securing over 15% of the lucrative US convertible niche despite modest volume, an electric drop-top pairing heritage postmodern styling with local emissions-free roaming appears a match made in heaven. Pint-sized, sustainable driving fun has its first champion.
6. GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Embodying radical evolution from much maligned gas glutton to silent supertruck, the reborn Hummer EV pickup leverages GM’s versatile Ultium platform shared under the skin with vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq crossover. This open-top leviathan melds outrageous presence with performance to match.
Release Date
- Edition 1 Pickup Sold Out
- EV3X from $105,595
Performance
- 1000 HP / 15,500 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph: 3 seconds
- 350+ mile range
- Removable targa roof
Off-Road Capability
- 15.9 inches minimum ground clearance
- UltraVision with underbody cameras
- CrabWalk (diagonal) drive mode
Make no mistake, this brash pickup plays mainly to extroverts craving Hummer’s polarizing bulk for the 21st century. Yet the EV variant proves environmental progress need not equate to compromising on capability – rather enhancing it to executed with fanciful innovation.
7. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
The quintessential American sports car embraces electrification with the forthcoming E-Ray, blending mid-engine 6.2L V8 brawn with precision torque infusions from an electric motor up front. Initial rumors suggest a 2024 debut. Consider it a preview of the hybrid enhancements to come across GM’s model lines.
Release Date
- Rumored for 2024
Price
- Estimated circa $100,000
Performance
- 600+ HP combined
- 0-60 mph: low 3 second range
- Up to 50 miles electric range
Drivetrain
- 6.2L mid-mounted LT2 V8
- Front axle electric motor
- 8-speed dual clutch transmission
C8 architect Tadge Juechter promised the landmark ‘Vette would spawn Z06, ZR1 and hybrid variants – the last presumably badged E-Ray. Trademark GM small-block performance meets instant electric torque infusion to sharpen handling and traction. The convertible body style remains integral, making up 48% of ‘Vette production.
Global EV Convertible Market – Accelerating Growth
Industry analysts predict rosy prospects for electric convertibles and their fixed-head siblings over the next decade. Here we summarize findings from key regions.
Europe
- EV convertibles projected to grow 331% in sales from 2020-2025 [1]
- 2027 convertible EV sales forecast = 358,000 units [2]
China
- Dominant regional force, 2027 EV convertible sales could reach 597,000 units [2]
- Government EV subsidies and luxury car demand accelerating uptake
North America
- 2027 convertible EV sales projected at 289,000 units [2]
- Tesla’s influence driving investment in charging infrastructure
Global
- EV convertibles just 0.15% of 2020 total convertible market [1]
- But forecast to hit 8-10% by 2030 [1]
Surging demand looks locked in as automakers commit enormous capital towards electrifying lineups while governents and corporations continue establishing ambitious net zero targets.
Charging Infrastructure Set to Unlock Road Trip Freedom
Since electric vehicles first debuted, fears of being stranded roadside amid a flat battery stymied mainstream adoption. Yet investment in collaborative public charging networks is accelerating to alleviate lingering anxiety.
Automaker consortiums like Volkswagen-backed Ionity operate over 400 European fast-charging stations with expansion underway across 200 European sites. [3] North America will benefit from a $7.5 billion federal infrastructure bill outlay committed towards building 500,000 convenient charging points within the decade. [4]
Indeed range anxiety concerns now ease with charging stops presenting minor 15-30 minute inconveniences versus fossil fuel pit stops – and that’s before accounting for vehicles supporting 150-350 mile ranges on a single charge.
The takeaway? Don’t let charging logistics deter your electric convertible purchase when convenient, reliable infrastructure development is clearly prioritized. The golden age of sustainable road trip freedom beckons.
Automaker Approaches to Electrification
While early electric efforts reflected converted combustion vehicles, dedicated platforms now enable cutting edge EV-specific designs. Brand-wide architectures also allow single investment to efficiently cascade improvements across model lines.
Volkswagen’s MEB platform underpins a wide spectrum of affordably engineered EVs from its ID.3 hatch to the ID.Buzz people mover. [5]
Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP architecture spawns 28 electrified models by 2025. [6]
General Motors’ Ultium batteries boast chemistry flexibility for range of vehicle sizes plus 60/40 front/rear weight distribution for ideal handling.
BMW Group CoDrive powers front/rear axle pairs for optimal traction, dynamics and efficiency.
Such unified architectures illustrate the soaring investment towards rapidly refining EV capabilities – assuring ongoing innovation permeating down to exciting derivatives like convertibles.
Owner Experiences Affirm Advantages
Enthusiast forums and social channels offer valuable first-hand perspectives around living with an electric convertible. Compelling advantages over gas equivalents shine through – belying dated myths.
Performance – Instant torque off the line with remarkable traction surprises passengers expecting engine lag. Sound cancellation tech pipes in satisfying external tones where desired.
Running Costs – EV servicing demands pale against combustion engines. Far fewer fluids and spark plug changes to consider. Lower annual taxes in some European nations.
Reliability – Newer EV componentry means minimal repairs reported to date. Regen braking preserves friction pads. Updates issued wirelessly.
Driving Dynamics – Low center of gravity from floor-mounted batteries aids cornering and progression feel. Improved weight distribution noticeable.
Charging – Public networks make long trips viable with minimal forethought. High speed home wallboxes recover 200+ miles overnight for under $15 (vary by electricity rates).
Safety – Cabins engineered around battery packs bring incredibly rigidity. Ride quality further aided by low background vibration.
Key Takeaways – An Electric Revelry
What conclusions can we draw from this peek at the thrilling next generation of electric convertibles?
- Remarkable acceleration – instant electric torque thrashes laggy gas engines
- Lower running costs than petrol competitors
- Maturing charging networks enable carefree road trips
- Dedicated EV platforms drive rapid innovation
- Carbon footprint up to 50% lower over vehicle lifetime
Whether prioritizing performance, luxury or sustainability, compelling technological and ecological progress ensures shocking electric roads ahead. As barriers to adoption evaporate and investment ramps exponentially, EV convertibles promise an intoxicating renewable revelry just getting started.
