The Polestar 3 has long been promised to be the first true branded BEV from the Volvo- and Geely-owned automaker, and it has a lot riding on its success. After taking a trip out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to test drive both variants of the Polestar 3, I think this SUV is something pretty special inside and out.
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A quick background on the Polestar 3 SUV
The Polestar 3 is a new SUV from the EV brand that is majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding. It was initially announced in October 2022. In addition to being the first SUV from Polestar ($PSNY), it will also be the first model built on US soil in South Carolina.
The SUV was initially scheduled to launch in Q4 2023, but Polestar delayed its arrival to Q1 2024, citing the need for more time to develop the software used in its platform shared with Volvo Cars and the EX90.
The first deliveries of the all-electric SUV began in late June before the US builds commenced last month. My trip was a rare instance of test-driving an EV for the first time that’s already on the market, but I have been giddy about the opportunity to do so nonetheless and share my thoughts with you, so let’s dig in.
Specs of the first two Polestar 3 variants
At its initial US launch, the Polestar 3 SUV arrived in two dual-motor variants, including a Long Range version we referred to as the “basic” model during the drives and a Long Range 3 with Polestar’s Performance Pack, offering more horsepower and acceleration (plus sweet gold seatbelts you can peep below).
Polestar has since shared plans for a third, more affordable SUV variant, complete with a single RWD powertrain. However, that’s not coming to North America until later this year, so we will focus on the two versions I drove. Here’s how the specs stack up:
Polestar 3 Variant
Long Range Dual Motor
Long Range Dual Motor +Performance Pack
Powertrain
Dual Motor
Dual Motor
Power
489 hp
517 hp
Torque
620 lb-ft
671 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph)
4.8 seconds
4.5 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph
130 mph
Battery Size (NMC)
111 kWh (nominal) / 107 kWh (usable)
111 kWh (nominal) / 107 kWh (usable)
Energy Consumption (EPA)
38.9 kWh/ 100 miles
43.2 kWh/ 100 miles
Range (EPA)
Up to 315 miles
Up to 279 miles
Drag Coefficient
0.29 Cd
0.29 Cd
AC Charging
Up to 11 kW (0-100% in 11 hours)
Up to 11 kW (0-100% in 11 hours)
DC Charging
Up to 250 kW (10-80% in 30 mins)
Up to 250 kW (10-80% in 30 mins)
Source: Polestar
On paper, the Polestar 3’s specs are more than adequate but by no means blow you away. However, if you’ve ever driven the Polestar 2 BST or the RWD version, you can understand that these EVs are simply built differently and drive better than most vehicles out there today.
That’s partly due to Polestar’s mechanical engineer Christian Samson and his team at the design center in Gothenburg, who have once again put their tuning expertise into Polestar’s latest model. The result is noticeable but also quite unmatched. Here are my thoughts.
This SUV is amazing, even without the Performance Pack
During my day of driving up and around Wyoming and through Idaho, I took in some beautiful vistas around the Tetons despite the rain (and a little bit of snow). During that trek, I got time behind the wheel of both Launch Editions of the Polestar 3 SUV, including the Dual Motor version, which includes Polestar’s Plus and Pilot Packs (in the “Snow” exterior seen above), as well as the Performance Pack Version in “Thunder” down below.
My first impression, and something I’ll probably revisit several times as you read on, is how smooth of a ride this SUV delivers. As the Polestar team shared with us during a presentation before, the drive, handling, steering, and performance are at the core of its product identity, alongside other important factors such as range, efficiency, sustainability, U/X, and ADAS.
The design team put a lot of effort into the abundant and refined body control in the Polestar 3 SUV to deliver a playful but balanced ride it hopes will propel the young(ish) brand to status as the first choice for proper drivers due to its precision and distinct road contact.
After driving both these variants, I have to say Polestar knocked it out of the park. I don’t know if I’ve experienced a ride as smooth and as comfortable as the 3, whether I was behind the wheel or riding shotgun with my driving partner.
If you’ve read about my drive experiences in the past, you’ll know I’m a stickler for regen and love one-pedal driving, and the Polestar 3 is some of the best I’ve encountered to date. It’s perfectly calibrated and stiff as hell when you want it to be, yet its deceleration is so utterly smooth that you are never jerked forward. This is what one-pedal driving should be—Chef’s kiss.
I was a massive fan of the small driver’s display above the steering wheel. It remained in clear sight and perfectly displayed all the pertinent information right where I needed it and is a perfect example of Polestar’s nod to its Scandinavian roots with a minimalist yet functional design approach.
On the way back in the Polestar 3 with the Performance Pack, we encountered one software error in which the driver display malfunctioned (see error message below). The vehicle kept working perfectly, including Pilot Assist ADAS, although there were no indications it was on. Other metrics like speed went dark as well. The HUD still projected but didn’t show any information.
Once I pulled over and turned the SUV off (which required a quick Google search since this model doesn’t have a start/stop button), I could restart it, and everything booted up just fine. It was a minor bug with a quick solution, but it is worth mentioning.
I also found the HUD to be completely adequate during my drive time. It was nothing special as it only displays the speed limit and your current speed, but it was easy to see, even through all the elements outside.
Another feature I enjoyed was the 25-speaker system with Dolby Atmos from Bowers & Wilkins, which comes with the Plus Pack upgrade. The sound quality was incredible, and you can switch between different simulated environments, including “Stage” and “Room.” Dark Side of the Moon never sounded better.
While the Polestar 3’s acceleration specs may not blow you away on paper, don’t get it twisted; this SUV is sneaky fast. Again, I have to give credit to how well the EVs have been tuned because you can not only easily overtake a car whenever you want, but you also feel in complete control the entire time and always have an excellent feel for where the front wheels are.
I don’t want to incriminate myself here, but on the empty country roads in Wyoming, my driving partner and I were able to get the Polestar 3’s speed well into the triple digits, sometimes without even noticing. I experienced this sensation as both a passenger and a driver – you can easily be going 118 mph, and it feels as smooth and calm as if you were going 55 mph. It’s unreal.
The overall aesthetic of the Polestar 3 SUV is one of cleanliness and quality. The textiles, many of which are recycled materials, are comfortable and bring an feeling of premium quality to the vehicle. I preferred the interior of then Performance Pack version personally, but when it’s all said and done, I think the regular olf Dual Motor version is where it’s at
Final thoughts, pricing, and availability of the Polestar 3
Overall, I was quite impressed with the Polestar 3 and highly recommend taking the SUV for a test drive yourself to truly understand what I’m talking about when I describe how well it has been tuned. While I thoroughly enjoyed both variants, I personally would opt for the Launch Edition Dual Motor version with the Plus and Pilot Packs.
The Performance Pack does offer some extra oomph, but I don’t think it’s significant enough to herald the higher price tag unless you just have to have those gold seatbelts (understandable).
The Launch Edition Polestar 3 starts at an MSRP of $73,400 and costs $79,400 with the Performance Pack. Both options are on sale now, and if you buy one, you should get one of the early Polestar SUVs built here in the US.
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In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.
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Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal
Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.
The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.
The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.
By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.
But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.
The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all
The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.
When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.
You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.
Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.
Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.
The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.
With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:
10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200.“ That’s a $500 discount in total!
We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you.
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With up to 500 km (310 miles) of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for long-haul trucking – and now, it’s officially in production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria.
“The start of series production of our eActros 600 is a further proof of our ambition to transform the industry,” offers Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck. “With a range of 500 kilometers on a single battery charge, our eActros 600 is addressing the long-haul segment in Europe which is responsible for two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. Our battery-electric long-haul truck will therefore make a real difference.”
In addition to the 600’s additional range, the newest eActros marks another milestone by becoming the first electric Mercedes semi to be manufactured on a single line (the eActros 300/400 and eEconic leave their standard production lines to have their electric drive components installed at Mercedes’ Future Truck Center in Wörth).
“With the start of series production of the eActros 600, we are expanding our Wörth product portfolio with an important vehicle for the future,” says Andreas Bachhofer, Head of the Wörth site and Production at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Construction of this first battery-electric truck made in Wörth will be fully integrated into the existing assembly hall, flexibly alongside the manufacturing of combustion-engine trucks. This means that we are ideally positioned for the production of larger quantities. Our production team is well prepared for the successive ramp-up over the coming months.”
The new electric semi truck features a 600+ kWh battery (hence, eActros 600) that sends power to a new, highly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, good enough to “be able to travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt-charging.”
Ben Maclean is the 24-year-old owner of a land reclamation business called Down to Earth Developments that specializes in transforming unusable or degraded land into more productive plots that can be put to residential or agricultural use – and Ben is using these hybrid machines to make reclamation an even more sustainable enterprise.
Maclean is bucking the trend of young people avoiding construction and agriculture and making a name for himself throughout the UK. Soon after becoming the youngest customer to order one of Caterpillar’s first D6XE electric dozers earlier this year. Ben was so impressed with the big electric drive CAT that he ordered another one.
It’s just arrived – and Ben seems pretty excited about it.
“It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel, but the all-round technology package you get with CAT machines that saves costs in quite a few ways,” explains Maclean. “We also have two CAT 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker.”
“Sustainability is quite literally what they do,” says Ryan Trafford, manager at CAT’s UK distributor, Finning. “Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.”
Here’s hoping more young people bring their sustainable priorities to the various trades as they come up.