Polestar 3 Gets 800V Power for Faster Charging and Greater Range
The electric car world is evolving faster than ever, and Polestar is stepping up to make sure it doesn’t get left behind. With its 2026 Polestar 3, the brand has announced a huge technological leap: the adoption of an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture. This move not only puts Polestar in the same league as other luxury EV makers but also unlocks faster charging, better performance, and greater driving efficiency—all in one sleek SUV package.
Why the 800-Volt Shift Matters
Until now, many EVs, including the Polestar 3, relied on a 400-volt setup. While efficient, that system came with some limitations, particularly when it came to charging speeds and energy efficiency. By doubling the voltage, Polestar has opened the door to substantial improvements in how quickly the vehicle charges and how effectively it uses energy.
The company revealed that the Polestar 3 will now be capable of charging at up to 350kW, compared to the previous 250kW limit. In simple terms, this means you can now charge the SUV from 10% to 80% in just about 22 minutes. That’s around 25% faster than before—a game changer for long-distance travel where charging time often feels like the biggest compromise.
The science behind this is straightforward: higher voltage allows charging with lower currents, which generates less heat. Less heat means more stable charging at higher power levels, which in turn results in faster charging sessions without damaging the battery.
Efficiency and Range Improvements
Polestar isn’t just focusing on charging times—it’s also fine-tuning the overall performance of its flagship SUV. The new electrical setup, combined with fresh battery technology from CATL, means efficiency has increased by up to 6% on the WLTP cycle.
The 2026 Polestar 3 will come with two battery options depending on the trim level. The rear motor variant will use a 92kWh pack, while the Dual motor and Performance versions will be fitted with a larger 106kWh pack. Thanks to these upgrades, the driving range will now stretch between 593 and 635 kilometers (WLTP), giving drivers even more confidence on long journeys.
Power and Performance Redefined
Along with the improved charging and range, Polestar is also introducing a brand-new rear motor. This permanent magnet synchronous motor is designed to deliver greater responsiveness and efficiency. In the Performance model, when paired with the front motor, it pushes out an impressive 500kW of power, giving the SUV sports car-like strength while maintaining its luxury feel.
The SUV’s handling has also been reworked. New anti-roll bars and recalibrated steering bring sharper control and a smoother ride, ensuring the Polestar 3 is as enjoyable in city traffic as it is on the open road.
Smarter Technology at the Core
No modern electric SUV is complete without cutting-edge computing power, and Polestar is delivering in a big way. The 2026 Polestar 3 will now run on Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin chip. While the Volvo EX90 uses two of these chips, Polestar is sticking to one—yet it still manages an eightfold leap in performance compared to the older Xavier unit.
To put this into perspective, the Polestar 3 will now be capable of processing up to 254 trillion operations per second. That’s a dramatic jump from the previous 30 TOPS, meaning smarter active safety systems, faster data handling from sensors, and improved overall battery performance. Even better, Polestar confirmed that current Polestar 3 owners will be eligible for a free upgrade to this new chip starting in 2026, showing a real commitment to its customers.
Trims, Features, and Market Plans
The 2026 Polestar 3 lineup has been reshaped into three trims: Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance. Each offers a unique blend of range, power, and features. The Rear motor model now comes with the optimized battery system, while the Dual motor adds optional active air suspension. For those seeking the best of the best, the Performance variant includes both the advanced suspension and maximum power as standard.
Interestingly, Polestar has decided to launch the new model in the UK first. The company cited high demand and the fact that the previous model year had already sold out there. Other regions will follow soon after, although no specific rollout dates have been announced just yet.
A Step Into the Future of EVs
For Polestar, this upgrade isn’t just about keeping up with rivals like Volvo or Tesla—it’s about creating a more practical and exciting future for electric vehicles. By focusing on faster charging, improved range, greater efficiency, and smarter onboard computing, the Polestar 3 is shaping up to be more than just an SUV; it’s a statement of what modern EVs can achieve.
Drivers will no longer have to choose between long charging times and luxury features. Instead, the 2026 Polestar 3 promises to deliver both, all while maintaining a stylish, premium identity that Polestar has built its name on.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the latest available information regarding the 2026 Polestar 3 and its upcoming upgrades. Specifications, features, and availability may vary by market or change over time as the company continues development. For the most accurate and updated details, readers are encouraged to check official announcements from Polestar.
