Volvo’s Newest EV: Polestar 3 Electric SUV Is in the Works
Updated on 6/22/2023 for freshness.
Volvo’s Polestar has shocked the world. The Swedish automotive brand has been around since 1996. The company has made a huge impact on the automotive industry recently with the introduction of its recent hybrid and EV models. The automaker has received a lot of attention with the Polestar 2. Now, Polestar is prepping to add a new addition to its lineup of EVs with the Polestar 3 Electric SUV.
Polestar’s impact on the EV market
Polestar was originally a Swedish racing team that assisted Volvo in winning 1996’s Swedish Touring Car Championship. It achieved great success both individually and when partnered with Volvo on the racing scene. However, after many triumphant days at the track, Polestar decided to collaborate with Volvo in an entirely new way.
Volvo released its first Polestar vehicle, the S60, in 2014. The collaboration was so fruitful that Volvo decided to acquire Polestar, seeing a bright future for the company as a subdivision rather than a partner. Thus, Polestar became Volvo’s performance wing. However, what they would really become known for in the coming years was their production of EVs and hybrids.
The evolution of the Polestar 1
Though Polestar is Volvo’s performance division, its name instantly brings EVs and electric hybrids to mind thanks to the media attention gained by the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 models. They have not been without their issues, but the EVs have gotten so much attention that they are often compared to Tesla’s vehicles. The Polestar 1 is an electric hybrid that packs a punch.
Its original design was a concept coupe for Volvo in 2013. By 2017, The Polestar 1 was making its rounds at auto shows as an eight-speed automatic transmission luxury electric hybrid. The powertrain consists of two electric motors and an inline four-cylinder twincharged two-liter engine. The engine is both supercharged and turbocharged.
The Polestar 1 was causing quite the buzz as a hybrid sports car. The 2021 model can make 619 horsepower. Then Polestar really shocked the industry by bringing their EV, the Polestar 2, to market. It immediately began to receive Tesla comparisons.
The Polestar 2 even outperforms the Tesla Model 3 in certain EV categories. The Polestar 2 has experienced major recalls for dangerous shutdowns, but the vehicle is still wildly popular. At a starting price of $59,900, it’s also one of the cheapest luxury EVs on the market.
The Polestar 3: A new member of the family
Like any company focusing heavily on hybrid and electric models, Polestar has experienced hiccups. Some setbacks have been enough to deter consumers altogether. Drivers want to know what’s next for the Swedish company that has attempted to take the EV market by storm. Volvo has answered both the questions and prayers of many consumers.
Volvo has confirmed the 2022 production of an electric SUV. The Polestar 3 is competing with luxury electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X and Audi E-Tron. The success of Polestar’s next EV can make or break the company since it has been experiencing so many issues lately.
The Polestar 3 is the first model that will be manufactured in the U.S. by the Swedish automaker. With production set to begin in Volvo’s South Carolina plant in 2022, all eyes will be on the electric SUV in the coming years. One thing is for certain. Whether the Polestar 3 exceeds expectations or fails to impress, it will definitely make the news.
