Cheaper Polestar 3 Is Coming To America
With the electric SUVs becoming as commonplace as pumpkin spice lattes, Polestar decided to shake things up a bit. The new Polestar 3 is sleek, has plenty of power, and is cheaper than its siblings. Or rather, it was meant to be more affordable, but with the new tariffs announced by the Biden Administration, Polestar’s plan may fall apart before its latest SUV reaches our shores.
Range And Performance To Suit All Needs
Fresh off the production line, this dual-motor and all-wheel-drive SUV promises an impressive 315-mile range. That’s more than enough for everyday errands and for an occasional road trip. Those two motors are rated at 489 horsepower and catapult the Polestar 3 from a standstill to 60 mph in a relatively brisk 4.9 seconds. That’s enough to make any driver smile and enough to turn a school run for a giggle-inducing rollercoaster ride for the kids.
Interestingly, Polestar felt that the already more-than-average performance may not be enough for everyone’s tastes. For this specific group of customers, the company offers a $5,500 optional Performance Pack, which boosts the output to 517 horsepower. That’s enough to propel the Polestar 3 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds.
Here Comes The Twist
Polestar initially planned to sell its new electric SUV for $83,900, but after some market research, the company decided that $73,400 was a more appropriate price. Considering that the SUV comes with a 111 kWh battery pack, 21-inch wheels, a premium audio system, and all the driver assistance goodies you can think of, the Polestar 3 does look appealing. The company is planning to bring an even more affordable model to the U.S., with a single electric motor, at a later stage.
All those plans may have been in vain, courtesy of President Biden’s new sweeping tariffs on China-made electric cars. Polestar currently manufactures its cars in China, and the new tariff will simply double their price. The previously attractive Polestar 3 will have to retail for over $110,000, making the Polestar unintentionally a luxury brand.
It’ll be interesting to see how Polestar plays its hand. The company is planning to start manufacturing its electric vehicles in South Carolina, with the initial test production already completed. According to Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, the Ridgeville facility is ready to start manufacturing later this year. That means there’s every chance that after a slight delay, the new Polestar 3 might qualify for the Made In USA label, making it even more attractive and possibly worth the wait.