The highly anticipated Polestar 3 electric SUV has finally entered production in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the brand. After some delays, production has kicked off at Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. This development paves the way for the start of customer deliveries across the U.S. in the coming months. The Polestar 3 joins its sibling, the Volvo EX90, which has been in production at the same facility since June.
U.S.-Built Polestar 3 to Serve Local and European Markets
Polestar 3 vehicles built at the Charleston plant will be sold not only in the U.S. but also in Europe. Additionally, production of the Polestar 3 is ongoing at Volvo’s Chengdu, China plant, where the first units rolled off the line in February 2024. Originally, production in Chengdu was scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2023, but software-related issues caused delays, affecting both the Polestar 3 and the 2025 Volvo EX90.
Advanced Platform and Design Features
Both the Polestar 3 and the Volvo EX90 are based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform, which was designed specifically for electric vehicles (EVs). While the EX90 offers three rows of seating, the Polestar 3 is configured with two rows, making it a spacious and luxurious midsize SUV.
In the U.S. market, the Polestar 3 is equipped with a dual-motor electric powertrain. The standard setup delivers an impressive 489 horsepower, while an available Performance Pack boosts the power to 517 horsepower. This powertrain enables the Polestar 3 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds in the standard configuration, and 4.6 seconds with the Performance Pack. Both versions have a top speed of 130 mph.
Long Range and Competitive Pricing
The Polestar 3 is powered by a 111-kWh battery, which is expected to deliver up to 315 miles of range on a full charge, according to Polestar’s estimates. This range is competitive within the midsize SUV segment, offering drivers the ability to travel long distances without frequent recharging.
U.S. customers can already place orders for the Polestar 3, with pricing starting at $74,800, including a $1,400 destination charge. This positions the Polestar 3 as a premium offering in the electric SUV market, competing with other luxury brands.
Future Plans and Expansion
In addition to the Polestar 3, the company is also producing the Polestar 4 compact crossover in China. However, to avoid steep tariffs on vehicles imported to the U.S., Polestar plans to begin production of the Polestar 4 in South Korea by mid-2025. Thanks to a free-trade agreement, the Korean-built Polestar 4s will be exempt from tariffs, making them more competitively priced for U.S. consumers.
