Short Answer: No, Tesla Does Not Currently Sell a Convertible
If you've been searching whether Tesla makes a convertible, the direct answer in 2026 is no. Tesla's current production lineup — the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck — are all fixed-roof vehicles. None offer a retractable soft top, power-folding hardtop, or traditional convertible configuration. The Tesla Roadster, originally announced in 2017 as a drop-top sports car, remains unreleased and is not available for purchase.
For EV buyers who want open-air driving, the options exist — just not from Tesla. This guide covers the Roadster's current status, what Tesla does offer for open-sky driving, and the real-world specs of every EV convertible and roadster you can actually buy or order today.
The Tesla Roadster: Announced but Still Not Available
The second-generation Tesla Roadster was unveiled in November 2017 with staggering preliminary claims: a 200 kWh battery pack, 620 miles of range, a 1.9-second 0-60 mph time, and a removable glass roof panel that stores in the trunk. Tesla CEO Elon Musk later suggested an "SpaceX package" with cold-gas thrusters could push the 0-60 time below 1.0 second.
As of early 2026, the Roadster has not entered production. Tesla has repeatedly delayed the model, and it does not appear on Tesla's current order page as a configurable vehicle. Reservation holders who placed a $50,000 deposit (later reduced to $5,000 for new reservations before Tesla paused them entirely) are still waiting.
What We Know About the Roadster's Preliminary Specs
| Specification | Claimed / Estimated |
|---|---|
| Body Style | 2+2 coupe with removable glass roof panel |
| Battery Capacity | 200 kWh (claimed) |
| EPA Range | 620 miles (claimed, unverified) |
| 0-60 mph | 1.9 seconds (base), <1.0s (SpaceX package claim) |
| Top Speed | 250+ mph (claimed) |
| Drivetrain | Tri-motor AWD |
| Roof | Removable glass panel (stored in trunk) |
| Price | $200,000 base / $250,000 Founders Series (original 2017 pricing) |
Is the Roadster a true convertible? Technically, no. Tesla has described it as a coupe with a removable glass roof panel — closer to a Targa top (like a Porsche 911 Targa or Chevrolet Corvette with a removable panel) than a full convertible with a folding fabric or hardtop roof. You would not get the fully open-air experience of a traditional drop-top.
Tesla's Current Lineup: Glass Roofs, Not Convertibles
While Tesla doesn't offer a convertible, every current Tesla sedan and crossover features a large fixed glass roof that provides an open, airy cabin with significant sky visibility. Here's what that means in practice for each model:
| Model | Roof Type | Open-Air Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 (Highland refresh) | Fixed panoramic glass | Large glass panel, UV/IR treated, no opening |
| Model Y (Juniper refresh) | Fixed panoramic glass | Full-length glass roof, no opening mechanism |
| Model S | Fixed panoramic glass | Expansive glass, tinted, no retractable option |
| Model X | Fixed panoramic "Big Sky" windshield + glass roof | Largest glass area of any Tesla, still fully enclosed |
| Cybertruck | Fixed glass roof panel | Armored glass panel, no opening |
The glass roofs on Tesla vehicles are treated with UV and infrared coatings that reduce heat and sun exposure compared to untreated glass. In real-world ownership, most Tesla drivers report the glass roof feels surprisingly open — especially in the Model X with its massive windshield — but it does not retract, tilt open, or convert to an open-air configuration. There is no aftermarket solution that converts a Tesla into a true convertible without compromising structural integrity, safety systems, and the vehicle's warranty.
EV Convertibles and Roadsters You Can Actually Buy in 2026
If open-air electric driving is a priority, several manufacturers offer EVs with removable roofs, retractable tops, or roadster configurations. Here are the key options with verified specs:
MG Cyberster (Available in select markets)
The MG Cyberster is a two-seat electric roadster with a power-folding soft top — the closest thing to a traditional EV convertible on the market. It launched in China and the UK in 2024-2025, with limited availability expanding to other markets.
- Battery: 77 kWh (NMC chemistry)
- WLTP Range: ~310 miles (UK spec); EPA rating not published (not sold in the US as of 2026)
- 0-60 mph: ~3.2 seconds (AWD dual-motor variant)
- Roof: Power-folding fabric soft top
- Price: ~£55,000 UK / ~$70,000 USD equivalent; not available in the US market
Porsche Boxster EV / 718 EV (Announced for 2025-2026)
Porsche confirmed an electric successor to the 718 Boxster, expected to be a true convertible roadster. As of early 2026, Porsche has shown prototypes but full EPA specs and US pricing are not yet finalized. Expected to start above $80,000.
Fiat 500e Cabrio (Available in Europe)
The Fiat 500e is offered in a Cabrio version with a retractable fabric roof section. It's a city car, not a performance roadster, with modest range.
- Battery: 42 kWh (NMC)
- WLTP Range: ~199 miles (Cabrio variant)
- US Availability: Not sold in the US (Fiat 500e US version is hardtop only)
Aftermarket Tesla Conversions: Not Recommended
A few specialty shops have attempted aftermarket convertible conversions on older Tesla Model 3 vehicles, cutting the roof structure and adding reinforcement. We strongly advise against this. These conversions:
- Void the entire Tesla warranty (battery, powertrain, and structural)
- Compromise the vehicle's crash safety ratings and structural rigidity
- Can interfere with Tesla's sensor suite (cameras mounted near the roofline)
- Have no NHTSA crash-testing validation
- Severely reduce resale value
If Tesla Did Build a Convertible: What to Expect From the Roadster
Based on Tesla's preliminary claims and what we know about the company's current technology, here's an analytical look at what a production Roadster would likely deliver — and the real-world caveats that come with those numbers.
Charging Speed Reality Check
Even if the Roadster enters production with a 200 kWh pack, charging it would be a significant undertaking. At a 250 kW V3 Supercharger, filling from 10-80% (140 kWh) would take approximately 35-40 minutes minimum — and that assumes the battery thermal management can sustain peak charge rates. At a 350 kW V4 Supercharger, that time could drop to roughly 25 minutes, but sustained rates above 80% SoC taper significantly regardless of peak capability.
A home Level 2 charger at 11.5 kW (48-amp circuit) would add roughly 35-40 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning a full 0-100% charge on a 200 kWh pack would take approximately 17-18 hours. Most Roadster owners would likely need a 80-amp or higher home charging circuit to make overnight charging practical.
Federal Tax Credit: Would the Roadster Qualify?
Under current IRS §30D rules for the federal EV tax credit, the Tesla Roadster — if it ever enters production at the originally announced $200,000+ price — would almost certainly not qualify for the $7,500 credit. Here's why:
- MSRP Cap: §30D limits the credit to vehicles with an MSRP of $55,000 or less for sedans, and $80,000 or less for SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. A sports car/roadster would likely fall under the $55,000 sedan cap. The Roadster's expected price far exceeds this.
- Income Cap: Buyer adjusted gross income must not exceed $150,000 (single), $225,000 (head of household), or $300,000 (joint filers).
- Battery Sourcing: Critical minerals and battery components must meet phased-in domestic/free-trade sourcing requirements, which tighten annually through 2029.
- Point-of-Sale Transfer: Eligible buyers can transfer the credit to the dealer at purchase, reducing the out-of-pocket price — but only if the vehicle qualifies in the first place.
For detailed, current-year eligibility rules, consult the IRS Clean Vehicle Credit page or speak with a tax professional. State-level incentives vary by jurisdiction — check your state's energy or DMV website for local programs.
The Best Tesla for an Open-Air Feel (Without a Convertible)
If you want the most expansive, sky-visible driving experience Tesla currently offers, the Model X is the strongest choice. Here's why, along with its key specs:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA Range | 335 miles |
| Battery | ~100 kWh (NMC) |
| Max DC Fast Charge | 250 kW (V3 Supercharger) |
| 10-80% DC Charge Time | ~30 minutes |
| Level 2 Home Charge | 11.5 kW (~34 mi/hr) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds (LR) / 2.5 seconds (Plaid) |
| Horsepower | 670 hp (LR) / 1,020 hp (Plaid) |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| MPGe (combined) | 101 MPGe |
| Efficiency | 33 kWh/100 mi |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | ~37 cu ft (5-seat config) |
| Base MSRP | ~$79,990 (LR) / ~$94,990 (Plaid) |
| Federal Tax Credit | Eligible (under $80K SUV cap for LR, subject to income/sourcing rules) |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 150,000 miles (min 70% retention) |
The Model X "Big Sky" windshield extends far back over the front seats, creating an almost convertiblesque sense of openness from the driver's perspective. Combined with the all-glass roof panel, it provides the most immersive sky-view experience in Tesla's lineup. The falcon-wing rear doors also open dramatically upward, giving rear passengers an open-air feeling when parked.
Pros and Cons: Tesla's Glass Roof vs. a True Convertible
✅ Tesla Glass Roof Advantages
- No structural compromise — maintains crash safety ratings
- No wind noise, buffeting, or water leaks
- UV/IR coating blocks heat and sun damage
- No mechanical complexity (motors, seals, fabric) to maintain
- Full climate control efficiency (no heat loss through fabric top)
- No impact on range from roof operation
- Lower vehicle weight vs. convertible mechanism
❌ What You Miss Without a Convertible
- No true open-air driving — wind, sounds, smells
- No ability to enjoy warm-weather cruising with the top down
- Glass roof cannot open even partially for ventilation
- Fixed roof limits stargazing from outside the vehicle
- No "convertible experience" that many sports car buyers want
- Sunshade accessory required for hot climates (Tesla sells an aftermarket sunshade)
Who Should Wait for the Roadster vs. Buy Now?
Wait for the Tesla Roadster if:
- You specifically want a Tesla-branded electric sports car and are willing to wait indefinitely
- You have the budget for a $200,000+ vehicle and don't need daily practicality
- You're a reservation holder who has already placed a deposit
- Performance figures (sub-2-second 0-60) are a primary purchase driver
Buy a different EV convertible now if:
- You want open-air driving in 2026 and can't wait for an unconfirmed production date
- You need a vehicle available for test drives and immediate delivery
- You want a traditional fabric or hardtop convertible experience, not a Targa-style panel
- Your budget is under $100,000
Choose the Model X if:
- You want the most open, sky-visible cabin Tesla currently offers
- You need 6-7 seat capacity with AWD and Supercharger access
- You value a proven platform with established service infrastructure
- You want to qualify for the §30D tax credit (LR trim under the $80K SUV cap)
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tesla ever made a convertible?
The original Tesla Roadster (2008-2012) was a two-seat roadster based on the Lotus Elise chassis, but it had a fixed roof with an optional removable fabric top section — more of a Targa-style setup than a full convertible. Tesla produced approximately 2,450 units of the first-generation Roadster. It is no longer in production and is only available on the used/collector market.
Will Tesla ever release a convertible?
Tesla has announced the second-generation Roadster with a removable glass roof panel, but as of 2026, it has not entered production and Tesla has not confirmed a firm delivery date. Elon Musk has stated it will eventually be produced, but Tesla's history of timeline delays (Cybertruck was announced in 2019 and began deliveries in late 2023) suggests patience is required. There is no indication of a four-door Tesla convertible or a Model 3/Model Y convertible variant.
Can I put a sunroof or convertible top on my Tesla?
No. Tesla vehicles are not designed to accept aftermarket sunroofs or convertible conversions. Cutting into the roof structure compromises the vehicle's structural rigidity (critical for crash safety in EVs with heavy battery packs), voids the warranty, and may interfere with roof-mounted cameras and sensors. Tesla's glass roof is the only sky-facing option available.
What is the cheapest EV convertible available?
As of 2026, the most affordable EV convertible option depends on your market. In Europe, the Fiat 500e Cabrio starts around €35,000 (~$38,000). In the UK, the MG Cyberster starts around £55,000 (~$70,000). In the US market, there is currently no new EV convertible available from a major manufacturer at any price point — making this a genuine gap in the American EV market.
Does the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y have a sunroof that opens?
No. Both the Model 3 and Model Y feature fixed panoramic glass roofs that do not open, tilt, or slide. There is no operable sunroof option on any current Tesla vehicle. Tesla sells an aftermarket interior sunshade for owners in hot climates who want to reduce solar heat gain through the glass.
Sources: Tesla official vehicle pages, EPA fueleconomy.gov, IRS §30D Clean Vehicle Credit rules.
