Polestar 3 also switches to 800V

Major technical upgrade for Polestar 3

For the 2026 model year, the SPA2 platform, on which the Polestar 3 is based, takes a major technological step forward with the introduction of 800 Volts. This upgrade to the electric architecture enables significantly faster DC charging with a peak speed of up to 350 kW. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes with this new technology, more than 25 percent faster than before.

The updated architecture also results in an improvement in efficiency of up to 6%, according to the WLTP cycle, and enables the integration of new lithium-ion batteries from CATL. The Polestar Rear Motor gets a 92 kWh version and the Dual Motor and Performance gets a 106 kWh variant. The combination of faster DC charging and higher efficiency makes the Polestar 3 even more suitable for long-distance travel.

Stronger electric motor on rear axle

As of the new model year, all versions of the Polestar 3 are equipped with a new in-house developed permanent magnet synchronous rear engine that delivers more power. Combined with the front asynchronous engine, the updated Performance version offers a total power output of up to 500 kW (680 hp).

The front motor also features an automatic shutdown function when not needed. Known from the Dual Motor versions of the Polestar 2, this technology improves efficiency and therefore range. Thanks to this new rear engine, the power balance has shifted more to the rear. Combined with the also redesigned stabilizer bars and adjustments to the steering software, this delivers even better ride quality for all model variants.

Greater computing power

Polestar is further introducing a new NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin processor that replaces the outgoing model year’s Xavier unit. This module increases computing power from 30 to a whopping 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Thanks to this eight-fold jump in performance, the Polestar 3’s active safety systems, battery efficiency and sensor data processing can be driven even faster and smarter.

New processor also for existing Polestar 3 drivers

This processor update will also be offered free of charge to all existing Polestar 3 drivers, keeping the Swedish brand true to its promise to continue adding value and providing the best user experience. The update is expected to be available in early 2026. The free hardware update will be performed by a Polestar authorized service point. Customers will be notified when the relevant NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin processor is available for their car.

Custom option and package structure

For the 2026 model year, Polestar is introducing three new trim levels for the Polestar 3: Rear Motor, Dual Motor and Performance. With the new lineup, the differences between the versions are clearer. The base version, the Rear Motor, gets an optimized battery pack. Active air suspension is now optional on the Dual Motor and standard on the Performance. The three versions each have their own unique seat belts: plain black for the Rear Motor and black with a line of Swedish gold for the Dual Motor. The Performance gets all Swedish gold seat belts.

The revised range of options and packages makes it easier for customers to put together their new Polestar 3. The new Climate package includes rear seat heating, steering wheel and windshield wiper blades. The new Prime package bundles the Pilot, Plus and Climate packages with rear privacy glass. The Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar audio system, with headrest speakers and active road noise cancellation, is now available as a separate option or as part of the Plus package.

New body color Storm

The exterior gets an update with the new body color Storm, a dark gray metallic paint that replaces the shade Thunder. The graphic on the front doors has also been updated, with a larger font for the model name and indication of the model variant. In the interior, the standard upholstery is now Bio-attributed MicroTech in Charcoal, combined with a finish in recycled aluminum, previously available only as an option.

Willem Baudewijns speaking

Willem Baudewijns, Managing Director of Polestar Netherlands said, “The Polestar 3 leads the way in performance, technology and innovation, and the latest upgrades take it to an even higher level. In anticipation of the new model year, the current, model year 2025 versions are extra attractive. They are available immediately from stock, with Financial Lease now allowing you to finance the car at 0% interest through Polestar finance. Like all those already delivered to customers, the yet-to-be-delivered Polestar 3 models from this model year will also receive a free upgrade with the new NVIDIA chip, meaning that soon every Polestar 3 will be equipped with the most advanced technology on the market.”

Sales of the Polestar 3 model year 2026 will start at a later date and Dutch prices will be announced ahead of the sales launch in.

Polestar 3 Rear Motor

The rear-wheel-drive Polestar 3 has an output of 245 kW (333 hp) and produces 480 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds and the top speed is 210 km/h. The WLTP range is 604 km, with consumption between 17.6 and 21.6 kWh per 100 km. The car features an 800V lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 92 kWh. Charging occurs with up to 11 kW (AC) or up to 310 kW (DC).

Polestar 3 Dual Engine

The Dual Motor variant delivers 400 kW (544 hp) and 740 Nm of torque. With that, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h. The WLTP range is 635 km, with consumption between 19.1 and 23.4 kWh per 100 km. Again, you’ll find an 800V lithium-ion battery, but with a larger gross capacity of 106 kWh. Charging rates are up to 11 kW (AC) and up to 350 kW (DC).

Polestar 3 Performance

The most powerful version is the Performance, with 500 kW (680 hp) and an impressive 870 Nm of torque. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 230 km/h. The WLTP range is 593 km, while consumption is between 20.6 and 23.4 kWh per 100 km. This version also has an 800V lithium-ion battery of 106 kWh gross and can charge with up to 11 kW (AC) or up to 350 kW (DC).