Electric Cars

A recent comprehensive study highlights a compelling trend in the automotive world: electric vehicle (EV) drivers are overwhelmingly committed to their emission-free rides. The findings indicate that nearly all EV owners have no desire to revert to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, signaling a significant shift in consumer preference.

Details of the Latest Electric Vehicle Ownership Insights

On July 27, 2026, CDK Global released the results of their detailed 2026 EV Ownership Study. This groundbreaking research, prominently featured in the podcast "Quick Charge," revealed a striking statistic: 94% of current electric vehicle owners firmly state they will never return to driving gasoline-powered automobiles. David Thomas from CDK Global presented the key findings, emphasizing the robust and undeniable preference for EVs among those who have made the switch.

The study went beyond mere preference, examining various facets of EV ownership, from interactions with dealerships to daily driving experiences. By analyzing data from thousands of automotive transactions and gaining an in-depth understanding of what motivates today's EV purchasers, CDK's research offers invaluable perspectives. It illuminates how driver behaviors, expectations, and overall satisfaction differ across various ownership scenarios. This information is critical for all stakeholders in the electric vehicle sector, providing guidance on what EV buyers prioritize and how the automotive industry must adapt to satisfy these demands. The implications are clear: the transition to electric mobility is not just a passing trend but a deeply rooted change in consumer behavior, driven by satisfaction and a forward-looking perspective on transportation.

This study underscores the growing confidence and satisfaction among EV owners. It serves as a strong indicator that the future of personal transportation is undoubtedly electric. For the automotive industry, these insights are a call to action, highlighting the need to continue innovating and improving the EV ownership experience to solidify this irreversible shift.

BMW is poised to introduce an all-electric i4 Convertible by 2028, marking a significant entry into a largely untapped market. This strategic move aims to leverage BMW's robust Neue Klasse platform, which is also set to underpin the forthcoming i3 electric sedan and an i4 Coupe (codenamed NA2). The convertible variant, internally designated NA3, is designed with a classic soft-top, four-seat, two-door configuration, echoing its gasoline-powered predecessors. This development comes as the electric convertible segment remains notably sparse, with few compelling options available globally.

BMW's Vision for an Electric Open-Top Future

According to insights from sources close to the automaker, BMW is actively advancing plans for an all-electric i4 Convertible, with a projected launch in 2028. This groundbreaking vehicle, known internally as NA3, will be constructed on the cutting-edge Neue Klasse architecture, which is also the foundation for the upcoming i3 electric sedan. The design maintains a traditional approach, featuring a fabric soft top, four seats, and a two-door body style. Simultaneously, BMW is reportedly developing an i4 Coupe, codenamed NA2, based on the same platform and targeting a similar release timeframe. This initiative seeks to bridge a noticeable void in the electric vehicle landscape, where new convertible options are scarce. For instance, in the United States, the only new electric convertible currently available is the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, priced at over $200,000. Other electric convertibles, like the Fiat 500e cabrio and the MG Cyberster, are largely confined to European and Asian markets, respectively, highlighting the limited global availability. The industry has seen several promising electric roadster projects, such as Polestar's 6 and Tesla's Roadster, face delays or cancellations, further emphasizing the challenges in this niche. BMW's established presence in the 4 Series market, combined with the advanced range capabilities of the Neue Klasse platform, which promises over 350 miles even for a convertible, positions the company uniquely to capitalize on this emerging segment. The integration of NACS charging ports and 800-volt architecture further enhances the appeal of these future electric models.

The announcement of BMW's electric i4 Convertible is particularly exciting for electric vehicle enthusiasts and the automotive industry as a whole. It signals a potential turning point for the convertible segment, demonstrating that open-top driving can be seamlessly integrated with electric propulsion. The inherent quietness of electric powertrains, devoid of engine noise and exhaust heat, naturally enhances the sensory experience of a convertible, allowing occupants to more fully appreciate the surrounding environment. This move by a major automaker like BMW, leveraging its existing customer base and advanced platform technology, could inspire other manufacturers to explore and invest in the electric convertible market, ultimately offering consumers a wider array of sustainable and exhilarating driving options.