Polestar 3 gets 800-volt DC charging
After about two years, Polestar is significantly upgrading the 3 SUV: DC charging is faster than before after switching to 800 volts.
The Polestar 3 has been sold since 2024. Now DC charging is significantly accelerated.
(Image: Polestar)
The decision by the Polestar brand to launch in the premium segment in 2024 with a 400-volt platform has certainly caused some surprise. Two years after the Polestar 3 went on sale, the brand, which belongs to Geely and thus also to Volvo, is switching to a modern 800-volt voltage level. This can significantly accelerate charging at DC stations in some cases. The Polestar 4 will also be slightly revised, but will remain based on a 400-volt system.
Previously, the Polestar 3 could theoretically charge at up to 250 kW. In Germany, this is only possible in exceptional cases because most charging stations, even if they provide at least 250 kW, are secured with 500 A. The calculation 400 volts times 500 amperes results in a maximum charging power of 200 kW. For 250 kW charging power at 400 volts, 625 amperes would be needed. This also exists in Germany, but is rare.
By switching to 800 volts, Polestar bypasses this limitation, and the usable charging power increases significantly. It is now over 300 kW. The charging station must also be able to provide this. Nevertheless, the charging time is reduced, especially if the driver only needs to charge 40 percent to reach their destination. The most important technical data can be found in the table on the next page.
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Free infotainment upgrade for existing customers
The Polestar 3 also gets a faster processor for the infotainment system. Unusual: Polestar is offering the hardware upgrade to the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin free of charge to existing customers as well. The rear motor is also new. In principle, power distribution is more concentrated on the rear wheels. Steering, stabilizers, and dampers have been revised. This also applies to the Polestar 4. Interested parties can order now. A Polestar 4 costs at least 61,900 euros, a Polestar 3 at least 78,900 euros. The brand also plans two more models. A Roadster (Polestar 6) is to be launched, and a compact SUV, which is to be built in Europe as the Polestar 7 from 2028.
