Who Makes Polestar Cars?

Polestar is a Swedish performance electric vehicle manufacturer focused on design, innovation, and sustainability. In 1996, Polestar and Volvo began their collaboration in motorsports. This partnership eventually led to Polestar performance versions of Volvo cars. Notable models included the Volvo S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar, which were the high-performance flagship editions of their model ranges. 

Polestar Ownership

Given Polestar’s close history with Volvo, it is important to know Volvo’s lineage first. Volvo was founded in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and has since become a leader in automotive safety innovation. Volvo was purchased by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010 after 11 years of ownership under Ford Motor Company. 

Volvo acquired 100% of Polestar in 2015 and continued to produce Polestar versions of its models as the company’s performance sub-brand — similar to Mercedes with AMG. In 2017, Polestar was officially spun off as a separate electric performance brand with an initial joint investment from Geely and Volvo of 640 million Euros. 

Geely is a Chinese automotive conglomerate that consists of several nameplates in addition to Volvo Cars and Polestar. Their other brands include Lotus Cars, Smart, ZEEKR, Proton Cars, Geely Auto, and LYNK & Co. 

Although Polestar produces its models under the Polestar marque, Volvo continues to produce “Polestar Engineered” models including the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 eAWD PHEV Polestar Engineered.

Brand Launch

Following its 2017 launch, Polestar began building prototypes of the Polestar 1 in 2018 and revealed its first EV, the Polestar 2, that same year.

The launch model for the brand was the Polestar 1, a performance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with 609 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Boasting an EPA-estimated electric range of 52 miles, Polestar only produced 1,500 examples of this all-wheel drive model from 2019 to 2022. Following its discontinuation, the brand only produces fully electric vehicles. 

Where Are Polestars Produced?

With a headquarters in Sweden, a Research and Development facility in the UK, and production lines in the US and China, Polestar reaches across multiple continents. One of the brand’s newest models, the Polestar 3, has started production in Chengdu, China. Polestar plans to expand production of the Polestar 3 to Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina plant where it will be built alongside the Volvo EX90, S60, and S60 Recharged. 

Polestar Lineup

Debuting for the 2021 model year and recently refreshed for 2024 is the Polestar 2. The marque’s first mainstream model, the 4-door Polestar 2 hatchback offers single-motor and dual-motor variants. For 2024, the single-motor version moves from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive to improve weight distribution for better handling capabilities. Horsepower ranges from 299 to 455 and torque from 361 lb-ft to 546 lb-ft. The 2 is priced from $51,300 to $64,400.

Model Naming Convention

Unlike other manufacturers, the model numbers are aligned with the sequence in which Polestar models have been released rather than to indicate a size or price differential. For instance, a BMW X1 is smaller than an X3, which is smaller than an X5. However, while the upcoming Polestar 4 is the fourth model released since the brand became a separate marque from Volvo, it is actually sized between the Polestar 2 and the Polestar 3. 

Upcoming Polestar Models

The Polestar 3 is expected to be released in 2024 and will be the brand’s first crossover. The 5-passenger 3 shares a platform with the new Volvo EX90 EV and delivers 489 hp with the base dual-motor powerplant. In the upgraded Performance Pack trim, the 3 features 517 hp along with a 111-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that, when using a 250 kW DC fast charger, can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. Starting prices for the 3 range from $73,400 to 78,900. 

Featuring up to 544 hp, Polestar leans into its racing pedigree with the new Polestar 4. In addition to its performance capability, the 4 offers generously sized reclining rear seats. Designed as a new interpretation of the sport utility coupe, one of the most unique elements of the Polestar 4 is the elimination of the rear window. Pricing starts at $54,900 for the rear-wheel drive Long Range Single Motor with 272 hp, 253 lb-ft of torque, and a range of 300 miles. The Long Range Dual Motor offers all-wheel drive, 544 hp, 506 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated range of 270 miles. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, this version starts at $62,900. 

Summary

Once a Volvo sub-brand, Polestar has grown into its own identity of producing performance EVs with a Scandinavian flare. Leveraging the global investment from parent company Geely, the brand has exciting upcoming models. From recent updates to the Polestar 2 to rethinking the coupe SUV to beginning American production, Polestar continues to innovate in the luxury EV market. 

Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.

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