Record-Breaking Performance
The Polestar 3 Long range Single motor has set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric SUV on a single charge. The official distance: 935.44 km (581.3 miles) on UK public roads. The attempt took 22 hours and 57 minutes, with mixed conditions including rain.
Key Data Points
- Model: Polestar 3 Long range Single motor (unmodified production unit)
- Record Distance: 935.44 km / 581.3 miles
- Efficiency: 12.1 kWh/100 km (19.5 kWh/100 miles)
- WLTP Rating: 706 km / 438 miles
- Battery Remaining at WLTP: 20%
- Extra Distance After 0% Battery: 12.8 km / 8 miles
- Drivers: Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker, Richard Parker
- Wheel/Tire Setup: Standard 20-inch wheels, Michelin Sport 4 EV tires
- Verification: GPS, odometer, battery data, and independent adjudication
How the Record Was Achieved
Three professional efficiency drivers rotated every three hours to maintain alertness and consistency.
The drive was non-stop except for driver changes, using only public roads.
Data collection and verification were handled by Webfleet and Guinness World Records judge Paulina Sapinska.
The AA provided support for the attempt.
Driving Conditions
The test was not done in laboratory conditions. Rain, temperature swings, and traffic were part of the route. This reinforces the real-world nature of the achievement.
Industry Context: Why This Record Matters
EV Range Perception
Many potential EV buyers still believe electric vehicles lack long-distance capability. This record demonstrates that even large premium SUVs can deliver significant range without special modifications.
Efficiency Significance
At 12.1 kWh/100 km, the Polestar 3 showed strong energy efficiency for a large SUV. For comparison:
- Average electric SUVs in this segment consume 18–22 kWh/100 km.
- This efficiency can cut charging stops by up to 30% on long trips.
Battery Technology Implications
While Polestar has not disclosed detailed battery chemistry for this run, the range overperformance suggests optimized thermal management, regenerative braking tuning, and high energy density cells.
Competitive Benchmarking
| Model & Year | Battery Size (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | Real-World Max (km) | Efficiency (kWh/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar 3 Long Range (2025) | ~111 | 706 | 935.44 | 12.1 |
| Tesla Model X LR (2024) | 100 | 576 | ~650 | ~16.5 |
| Mercedes EQS SUV 450+ | 108 | 660 | ~720 | ~15.0 |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 111 | 630 | ~690 | ~16.0 |
Polestar's result moves it to the top position in this size class for real-world single-charge distance.
Technical Takeaways for the Market
1. Standard Components Can Deliver Exceptional Results
The record was set using stock equipment: factory wheels, factory tires, and standard aerodynamics.
2. Driving Strategy Is Key
Rotating skilled drivers, keeping speeds consistent, and avoiding unnecessary braking were critical to the record.
3. Range Buffers Exist
Many EVs, including the Polestar 3, have a usable range beyond the displayed 0% battery, but manufacturers typically keep this buffer hidden for battery protection.
Pricing and Market Position
The Polestar 3 Long range Single motor starts around $79,000 USD.
That puts it in the premium electric SUV category, competing directly with Tesla Model X, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS SUV.
Statements from Leadership
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, called the achievement proof of the brand’s push for “new standards in electric performance and range.”
Matt Galvin, Polestar UK Managing Director, said the run shows how far EV range has advanced, making a London-to-Edinburgh trip possible without charging.
Implications for Buyers
For potential EV customers:
- Long trips are realistic in large electric SUVs without excessive charging downtime.
- Real-world range can exceed WLTP ratings under optimized driving conditions.
- Efficiency improvements over the last five years have narrowed the gap between SUVs and sedans.
For fleet managers:
- High-range EV SUVs can now serve routes that previously required mid-day charging stops.
- Operational flexibility increases with longer usable range.
Looking Ahead
Polestar has confirmed future models, including:
- Polestar 5 (four-door GT) – launching 2025
- Polestar 6 (roadster)
- Polestar 7 (compact SUV, to be built in Europe)
The company aims to halve per-vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2040 across its value chain.
Bottom Line: The Polestar 3's Guinness World Record is a data-backed milestone for electric SUV range. For buyers and industry analysts, it signals that premium EV SUVs can now combine size, performance, and long-distance efficiency without modifications.
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