The grass is green, the birds are singing, and the droptops are out once again. But look around: among the clapped-out Iacocca-era LeBarons, shiny modern BMWs, and the occasional British classics, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot one that’s powered by batteries.
However, what seems like an obvious omission comes down to a mix of engineering and economic factors. Adding a retractable roof to an EV adds extra weight and structural complexity to an already heavy and compromised platform, and automakers have understandably focused their efforts to date on easier-to-engineer, more mainstream configurations. And then there’s the demand: electric convertibles are the definition of a niche product. In 2024, EVs made up just 8% of new-car sales in the U.S. and—perhaps even more surprising—convertibles comprised just over one half of one percent.
So, with Tesla’s long-promised Roadster still nowhere to be found, there are shockingly few electric open-top vehicles on the market in the U.S. at the moment. While Europe has toyed with diminutive electric ragtops from Mini, Fiat, and MG, those of us here in the States who crave a wind-in-the-hair EV experience are currently limited to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and GMC Hummer EV. Both have their appeal, but neither is a true convertible or a car, for that matter. That’s about to change with Maserati’s slinky new GranCabrio Folgore, Polestar’s stunning 6, and Porsche’s enthusiast-focused electric 718 Boxster.
Entrare, in silenzio: the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore
With deliveries promised for the fourth quarter of 2025, Maserati’s foray into EVs will likely be the first of the trio that we see on our streets. Though I guess it depends on your neighborhood. Based on Maserati’s existing, premium gasoline-swilling GranCabrio, the Folgore—Italian for “Thunderbolt”—variant explodes onto the scene with some impressive numbers, even for an EV: 818 horsepower and just under 1,000 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. With its standard all-wheel drive and voluptuous sheet metal, the GranCabrio Folgore won’t come cheap—expect a starting price of $180,000—but it will be quick, with a quarter-mile in the 10s.
As gorgeous as the GranCabrio Folgore is, it’s becoming clear that Maserati’s overfamiliar design language is long overdue for an Aston-Martin-like reboot. Also, what’s a Maserati without that signature Italian internal-combustion wail? It’s an existential dilemma for an automaker so rooted in its sound. That said, feel free to hit me up with a press car, Maserati, to try to win me over.
The posh Scandi supermodel: the Polestar 6
Polestar’s achingly gorgeous electric roadster was first teased in 2022 and seems to still be on track for a 2026 release. With its striking good looks, 2+2 seating, and all-wheel drive, the 6 is expected to sticker somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000. Such a pricey Polestar has been attempted before—somewhat unsuccessfully—with Polestar’s halo launch car, the Polestar 1. But the initial run of 500 Polestar 6 “LA Concept Edition” vehicles reportedly sold out quickly. In any case, the Swedish-slash-Chinese automaker says the 6 will hit the market with 870 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, have a top speed of 155 mph, and boast a range of over 370 miles. And it’ll look damn fine doing it.
I’m a big fan of Polestar, as I’ve shared on these virtual pages before, but two hundred grand is real money, as the kids say, no matter how beautiful it might be. And there are a ton of other incredible options out there for that kind of cash. Fingers crossed for some killer Polestar 6 lease deals down the road, I guess.
Porsche’s heretical, electrical, 718 Boxster
Porsche’s upcoming topless 718—the electric Boxster—is already dividing us P-car faithful, and it won’t even be out for at least another year. My Porsche sources say it will likely appear in 2026 as a 2027 model, in both “S” and “GTS” forms—the S with around 380 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, and the GTS with two motors and closer to 490 hp and 550 lb-ft. Word on the street is that there’s a Turbo-badged model in the works as well, with something north of 600 horsepower on tap.
SH Proshots
Having owned and enjoyed both flat-four and flat-six 718s, I’m torn about the model going electric. I am the center of the target demographic for the thing, and while I have no plans to part with my current 718, I personally think that anything from Stuttgart with 600 hp is going to be an absolute blast. And let’s face it, Porsche can’t afford to—and certainly won’t—screw it up.
Final thoughts
After years of anticipation, it’s great to see OEMs like Maserati, Polestar, and Porsche finally rolling out electric convertibles. They’re not for everyone, sure, but with serious performance, striking looks, and big power, they’ve got a real shot at winning enthusiasts over.
The fact remains, however, that these are all high-dollar machines that most of us will never get to drive, let alone own. So here’s my plea: give us an affordable EV convertible sports car. I think that the long-awaited electric Miata would be incredible. If Mazda can keep the weight down, the added torque and instant power would make it a game-changer. And I, for one, would take a 400 hp electric Camaro over a rental-spec 2.0T anytime. Heck, maybe Dodge should just grab a Sawzall, chop the tops off those Charger EVs clogging up dealer lots, and call it a day. But please don’t let that stop you from sliding into my DMs, Maserati.
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About the author
Ryan Bahrke
Contributing Writer, Autoblog