That is however about all the information available thus far on this upcoming Polestar model.
When Polestar first announced that the production version of its Precept concept (seen below) was to be known as the Polestar 4 when it eventually sees the light of day, this has lead many to wonder why had the Sino-Swedish EV manufacturer skipped a number in between. Well the answer to that question has finally been revealed recently, as the upcoming Polestar 3 is to be a fully-electric SUV.
The first SUV to be produced by this fledgling automaker established only in 2017, details surrounding this latest addition to the Polestar lineup is unfortunately still rather thin on the ground at the moment. What is teased though is that this upcoming 3 will be a positioned to compete against the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X, with it to also serve as the debut model for Volvo’s next-gen all-electric architecture.
That said however, there is a possibility that this new platform that Polestar is currently touting will be the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) introduced by Geely. Already to be found in the new Zeekr 001, this modular underpinning enables for the fitment of up to three electric motors, and a maximum range of 700 km.
Moving onto the subject of exterior aesthetics meanwhile, the sole teaser image provided shows the 3 having a swoopy silhouette. Polestar themselves has also revealed that the overall design of this ‘aerodynamic electric performance SUV’ will be a minimalistic affair, with some cues to be borrowed from the aforementioned Precept concept.
This minimalistic approach is expected to carry on within the 3 too. And in terms of tech on the other hand, this upcoming e-SUV has been confirmed to feature Polestar’s Android-based infotainment system and a range of ‘high-end, safety-focused autonomous driving features’.
Also confirmed is the fact that this new Polestar 3 will be built in the United States. A departure from its existing lineup that are currently produced exclusively in China, this upcoming electric SUV will instead be built at the Volvo’s South Carolina plant in Ridgeville alongside the S60 and next-gen XC90.
By building the Polestar 3 in North America, the automaker believes that it will be able to reduce its delivery times to customers and be able to offer the SUV at a competitive price point. There is also an environmental benefit to it all too, as these vehicles now need not be shipped halfway around the world from China.
In pre-empting the imminent launch of the 3 over in North America come 2022, Polestar will be opening around 25 additional retail ‘Spaces’ across the United States by the end of this year. Further official details regarding this upcoming SUV should also be available at that time too, though there has already been rumours circulating about a Performance Pack being on the cards for this electric crossover.
PRESS RELEASE: Polestar, the premium electric car brand from Sweden, announces today its first all-electric SUV will be manufactured in the United States.
The forthcoming Polestar 3, an aerodynamic electric performance SUV, will be manufactured alongside new Volvo vehicles at the Volvo Cars production centre in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Polestar vehicles built in South Carolina will be for sale in the United States.
The move transforms Polestar into a truly global brand with an industrial capacity in the two largest single markets for electric vehicles in the world – the USA and China – alongside its headquarters and established sales and distribution capabilities in Europe.
“Polestar 3 will be built in America, for our American customers,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s Chief Executive Officer. “I remember the great response when I first shared Polestar’s vision here in the USA and I am proud that our first SUV will be manufactured in South Carolina. From now on, the USA is no longer an export market but a home market.”
The manufacturing announcement also underlines Polestar’s commitment to the American retail market, which is undergoing a period of rapid expansion. Polestar will open around 25 retail ‘Spaces’ across the country in 2021. The Spaces offer customer conveniences such as home test drives, free pick-up and delivery servicing, and mobile service for consumers in markets still awaiting the opening of a Polestar Space.
Polestar was launched in 2017 by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The Ridgeville plant was opened in 2018 by Volvo Cars. Polestar’s ability to share a production facility with Volvo Cars highlights the significant industrial and financial synergies it generates as result of its ownership structure.
“Production in the USA reduces delivery times as well as the environmental impact associated with shipping vehicles around the world. It will even have a positive impact on the price of Polestar 3,” says Dennis Nobelius, Chief Operating Officer at Polestar. “All of this makes the brand even more competitive in the critical American sales market.”
Polestar 3 will debut the new generation of electric vehicle architecture from Volvo Car Group, which has been designed from scratch for full electrification. The aerodynamic electric performance SUV will feature industry-leading connectivity features based on Google’s native Android Automotive OS infotainment system, as well as high-end, safety-focused autonomous driving features. Production of Polestar 3 is expected to begin globally in 2022. Full product details will be made available at a later date.
The news of the expansion of Polestar’s manufacturing footprint follows the recent announcement that the company raised USD 550 million from a group of long-term external investors in April. The company has confirmed that it will explore potential future funding opportunities.
