The electric SUV market just got a new benchmark. The Polestar 3 has officially entered the history books, covering an astonishing 935 km (581 miles) on a single charge — a feat now verified by Guinness World Records.
This record-breaking performance didn’t happen in a lab or on a closed track — it was achieved on real public roads, in real British weather, and without any special modifications. The result? A powerful statement about the future of long-range electric driving.
A Journey That Redefines EV Expectations
- Model Used: Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor (Rear-Wheel Drive)
- Conditions: Rainy UK roads, three professional drivers rotating every three hours
- Time Taken: 22 hours and 57 minutes
- Energy Efficiency: Just 12.1 kWh/100 km (19.5 kWh/100 miles) — efficiency levels usually seen in much smaller EVs
- Battery Used: 111 kWh NMC lithium-ion pack, built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform
- Finishing Capacity: 20% battery remaining, plus an extra 8 miles before reaching the charger
This was not just about range — it was about demonstrating efficiency, endurance, and everyday realism.
What Makes This Record Special
Unlike some range records achieved under unrealistic conditions, the Polestar 3’s attempt was refreshingly transparent:
- No modifications — standard 20″ wheels and Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres
- WLTP-rated range for this model is 438 miles, yet real-world performance beat it by a staggering 143 miles
- Rear-wheel drive powertrain delivering around 399 hp while still prioritising efficiency
- Guinness-certified with GPS tracking, video proof, and on-site verification
Industry Reaction
The automotive world has been quick to praise the achievement:
- Top Gear called it “a new Guinness World Record that rewrites the electric SUV rulebook.”
- Electrek described the drive as “burying the myth of range anxiety once and for all.”
- Autoevolution hailed it as “proof that electric luxury can be both powerful and long-legged.”
Enthusiast forums have been buzzing, with one user noting:
“That’s practically a month of around-town driving before you even think about plugging in.”
Another added a note of caution:
“These numbers are amazing, but replicating them in daily driving will still depend on your style and conditions.”
Why This Matters for the EV Industry
This achievement pushes the conversation beyond “Can an EV go the distance?” and into how far manufacturers can push efficiency without compromising luxury or performance. It also provides a counter-narrative to lingering consumer concerns about long-distance electric travel.
Polestar 3 Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Range Achieved | 581 miles (935 km) |
| Battery Capacity | 111 kWh NMC lithium-ion |
| Drive | Single Motor RWD (≈399 hp) |
| Energy Efficiency | 12.1 kWh/100 km |
| Time Taken | 22 hrs 57 mins |
| Record | Guinness World Record for Electric SUV Range |
Final Thoughts
With this record, Polestar hasn’t just extended the range bar for electric SUVs — it has chipped away at the last big hesitation many drivers have about going electric.
The Polestar 3’s record-breaking run proves that EVs are no longer just city-friendly commuters. They are now genuine long-distance cruisers, capable of delivering comfort, performance, and efficiency in one package.
If this is where the industry is now, the future of electric mobility looks unstoppable.
