Polestar 3 officially debuts with 300-mile range for a whopping $84k, will be manufactured in the US
After months of anticipation, Polestar has pulled the entire sheet off its first-ever electric SUV, the Polestar 3. Today we have a multitude of new details surrounding the SUV to share, including estimated range, performance specs, and starting price. The Polestar 3 will also eventually be built in the US, begging the question whether some iteration of it will be able to qualify for federal tax credits.
Polestar is an EV-centric automotive brand launched in 2017 as a venture co-owned by Volvo Cars Group and Geely Holding. The automaker currently sells two electrified vehicles – the PHEV Polestar 1 and the all-electric Polestar 2 – but there are at least four more on the way.
The two EVs above share plenty of Volvo DNA, but Polestar has been working to deliver a new bespoke breed of EV models beginning with the Polestar 3 SUV. It will be followed by a Polestar 4 SUV in 2023 and the the Polestar 5 in 2024, based upon Polestar’s original concept EV, the Precept.
Most recently, Polestar revealed its O₂ roadster concept will also enter production as the Polestar 6, but enough about the future. Let’s focus on the here and now, and that includes the Polestar 3, its pricing, and our first look at its interior. Check it out.
Polestar 3 standard features and performance specs
According to its press release, the Polestar 3 will begin deliveries next year, beginning with a dual motor long range trim. For the first model year versions, Polestar will include the Plus Pack and Pilot Pack fitted as standard.
The Plus pack includes a 25-speaker audio system from Bowers & Wilkins with 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos capability, soft-closing doors, an electric steering column, and a heated steering wheel.
The Pilot pack includes a head-up display, Park Assist Pilot and the Pilot Assist driver assistance system. In Q2 of 2023, customers will also be able to order a Pilot Pack add-on that includes LiDAR and a control unit from NVIDIA, preparing the Polestar 3 for autonomous capabilities in the future.
For an additional $6,000, customers can add the Performance Pack, which ups the SUV’s torque and horsepower as you’ll see in the specs below. This pack also includes unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels, Pirelli P-Zero tires, and signature “Swedish gold” details. Here are those additional, pertinent specs.
| Polestar 3 | Long Range Dual Motor |
| Power | 489 hp (617 hp with Performance Pack) |
| Torque | 620 lb-ft (671 lb-ft with Performance Pack) |
| 0-60 mph (targeted) | 4.9 seconds (4.5 seconds with Performance Pack) |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Battery Capacity (nominal) | 111 kWh |
| Battery Type | 400V lithium-ion |
| Range (targeted) | Up to 610 km (WLTP), 300 miles (EPA) |
| Motor Configuration | Dual, front and rear |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.29 Cd |
| Drag Force | 0.78 CdA |
| Charging Capacity (DC) | up to 250 kW |
| Charging Capacity (AC) | up to 11 kW |
| Curb Weight | 5,696-5,886 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs, 350 lbs tongue weight |
| Starting MSRP | $83,900* |
Interior
Moving inward, the Polestar 3 boasts a level of awareness to sustainability its creators are becoming quite well known for. Interior materials include MicroTech upholstery, animal welfare-certified leather, and fully-traceable wool upholstery. Polestar states then when 3 production begins, it will complete a life cycle assessment to find additional ways to reduce its carbon footprint throughout.
The Polestar 3 will be the first vehicle to feature centralized computing from the NVIDIA DRIVE core computer, serving as its AI brain. Infotainment will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform to deliver high-definition displays, premium sound quality and “seamless connectivity.”
The SUV’s OS is Android Automotive evolving from software that debuted in the Polestar 2. It allows for OTA updates, enabling continuous software improvements and rollouts of new features. Five radar modules, five external cameras, and twelve external ultrasonic sensors to support numerous advanced safety features inside and out of the EV and are complemented by two closed-loop driver monitoring cameras that can trigger warning messages, sounds, and even an emergency stop when detecting a distracted, drowsy, or unconscious driver.
Polestar 3 to be built in US, but may not qualify for tax credits
Initial production of the Polestar is expected to begin at Volvo Cars’ facility in Chengdu, China beginning in mid-2023 – first deliveries are expected in Q4 of 2023, about a year from now. However, Polestar is planning additional Polestar 3 manufacturing on US soil, the automaker’s first model to be built outside of China. Per CEO Thomas Ingenlath:
Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics. It also takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.
Polestar states that US manufacturing will take place at Volvo Cars’ facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina toward the middle of 2024, with local deliveries expected soon thereafter. From that point onward, the automaker says all Polestar 3 production for North America and “select other markets” will originate from the US.
By being assembled on US soil, the Polestar 3 could eventually qualify for federal EV tax credits under revised terms of the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. However, its current MSRP of nearly $84,000 already surpasses the price threshold of $80k for electric SUVs that will kick in on January 1, 2023.
In a July interview, Ingenlath divulged that the automaker intended to price the Polestar 3 between $75,000 and $110,000. Its initial MSRP for the dual motor long range version certainly fits in that pricing frame, but with previous intentions to aim lower, could we see a lower priced version of the SUV that qualifies for tax credits? Perhaps a stripped down, single-motor version of the Polestar 3 can get down below $80k, potentially qualifying for up to $7,500 back from Uncle Sam.
For now, the automaker’s focus is on getting this initial dual motor version out into the world next year, but we’d surmise that additional versions, whether priced higher or lower, should emerge at some point. Our next task will be to get behind the wheel of Polestar’s first SUV and report back.
Until then, here’s the world premiere video of the Polestar 3:
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California-based B2U Storage Solutions is building a new battery energy storage facility east of San Antonio, Texas – and it’s going to be powered by used EV batteries.
The Bexar Corrilla project in Bexar County is B2U’s third grid storage site and its first in Texas. When complete later this year, it’ll have 24 megawatt-hours (MWh) of capacity and plug directly into San Antonio utility CPS Energy’s distribution system. B2U will repurpose around 500 end-of-life EV battery packs, housed in 21 modular cabinets, to store and dispatch power to the Texas grid.
The company has already deployed over 40 MWh of used EV batteries as battery storage in California. Its tech skips the expensive and energy-intensive remanufacturing process, thanks to a patented plug-and-play system that connects the batteries directly to the grid. The system’s certified to UL 9540 safety standards and uses AI to manage real-time power trading.
So why Texas? The state’s grid is notoriously volatile, and demand for backup is rising fast with more renewables and people plugging in. Batteries like these can help stabilize things when transmission can’t keep up.
B2U’s CEO Freeman Hall says the Texas expansion “is a significant strategic milestone” and shows how repurposed EV packs are becoming a go-to solution for grid and industrial-scale energy storage.
Over the next year, the company plans to build three more projects in Texas, bringing its total footprint in the state to 100 MWh. Add in its California solar + storage sites, and B2U expects to hit 150 MWh of repurposed EV batteries on the grid by mid-2026.
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Honda’s luxury brand is teaming up with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to electrify its fleet of vehicles. Acura donated 75 electric ZDX SUVs, its largest vehicle donation to date, to support the mission. The new EVs will be used to get to and from remote conservation sites.
Acura donated 75 ZDX EVs to The Nature Conservancy
Acura is donating 75 ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) this year through its dealership network across the US.
The fleet will be used to support the organization’s missions, including fieldwork, community engagement, and conservation efforts in rural and remote areas.
As part of their +30-year partnership, Honda is donating another $1 million to expand charging options and support TNC’s transition to EVs.
Over 30 years ago, Honda and TNC collaborated for the first time to preserve the Big Darby Creek. Since then, the automaker has invested over $1 million to protect the aquatic system.
“The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint and setting a powerful example of climate leadership,” Daniel Salzer, director of sustainability at The Nature Conservancy, said after receiving the donation.
The ZDX is the luxury brand’s first all-electric vehicle, and it’s been a surprise hit so far in the US. It’s currently one of the best-selling premium EVs in the US.
Through the first half of 2025, Honda has sold 10,355 Acura ZDX models, surpassing the Cadillac Lyriq, which is also based on the same Ultium platform.
The company is selling even more than it expected. Mike Langel, Acura’s president of national sales, told Automotive News earlier this year that the luxury brand expected to sell around 1,000 ZDX models a month in 2025.
Acura has offered some of the most generous discounts of any electric vehicle, reaching nearly $30,000 off in some states.
According to CarsDirect, the electric 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec AWD is available to lease for as low as $299 per month.
The offer is for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing, but is limited to California, New York, Oregon, and other select states. The A-Spec AWD variant offers a range of 313 miles, while the RWD model has an EPA range rating of 304 miles. Honda’s electric SUV, the Prologue, is listed for lease starting at just $259 per month.
Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links to find Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue models in your area.
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The new and improved IONIQ 6 is smarter, more stylish inside and out, and can drive even further. With nearly 350 miles of driving range, the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 now leads as Korea’s longest-range domestic EV.
Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 leads Korea’s longest-range EV
Hyundai’s electrified streamliner is back and better than ever. The IONIQ 6 has received its first refresh since its launch three years ago in September 2022.
The new IONIQ 6 features Hyundai’s 4th-generation batteries, unlocking nearly 350 miles (562 km) driving range on a single charge. That’s the longest among domestic electric cars in Korea, beating the Kia EV4, which has a range of up to 341 miles (549 km).
Hyundai fine-tuned the exterior fastback design for maximum efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21, it’s the most aerodynamic of any Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis vehicle.
Although still based on Hyundai’s “Mindful Cocoon” concept, the interior has been improved based on customer feedback. It now features a refined center console and incorporates “luxurious materials” into the three-spoke steering wheel and door trim.
Hyundai added new features, including a new Air Conditioning Occupancy Detection function. The system, a first for a Hyundai vehicle, can detect passengers and adjust the AC system.
Another new feature is Smooth Mode, designed to reduce motion sickness by providing less sensitive acceleration and deceleration.
The new IONIQ 6 is available with two battery options: 63 kWh and 84 kWh. With a range of up to 272 miles (437 km), the updated standard range model offers over 43 miles (70 km) more driving range. The extended-range battery is rated at 349 miles (562 km) range.
A Hyundai Motor Company official said, “The New Ioniq 6 is equipped with a 4th generation battery, securing the longest driving range among domestic electric vehicles.”
Despite the larger battery, the IONIQ 6 can still recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 350 kW fast charger.
Hyundai launched the updated EV in Korea on Monday, priced from 48.56 million won ($35,000). That’s for the base E-Value+ standard range model.
The long-range Exclusive trim starts at 55.15 million won ($40,000) while the flagship Prestige N Line variant will run you 61.32 million won (61.32 million won). With government and local subsidies, Hyundai said the actual purchase price will be lower.
To celebrate the ultra-long-range capabilities of the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai is launching an ad campaign titled “the beginning of a new trend” in Korea.
For those in the US, Hyundai is expected to launch the new IONIQ 6 in early 2026. The current model is already rated with an EPA-estimated range of 342 miles.
With the updates, we could see it top 350 miles EPA-estimated range. Like the 2025 IONIQ 5, it’s also expected to arrive with a built-in NACS port to charge at Tesla Supercharger.
What are your thoughts on the updated model? Do you like the changes or does the IONIQ 6 still need some tweaking? Let us know in the comments.
Looking to test out Hyundai’s EV for yourself? With new models on the way, Hyundai is offering some sweet deals on its current lineup. The 2025 IONIQ 6 is available for lease starting at $169 per month. The 2025 IONIQ 5 may be an even better bet at just $179 per month. You can use our links below to find Hyundai’s electric vehicles near you.
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