Polestar 3 sets new unmodified range record

Polestar 3 Long Range beats official range on public UK roads with 581.3 miles, setting a new benchmark for unmodified EV SUVs.

Polestar 3 breaks unmodified EV SUV range record

The Polestar 3 Long Range, equipped with a 107 kWh battery and a single rear motor, covered 581.3 miles on public roads in the east of England. The test used the standard Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres and was not modified, beating the official WLTP figure of 438 miles and the previous unmodified record of 569.64 miles set by the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The run implied an efficiency of 19.5 kWh per 100 miles (5.13 mpkWh), in line with WLTP efficiency for a vehicle of similar weight around two tons.

Chevrolet’s Silverado EV recently posted a longer distance of 1060 miles on one charge, but only with light modifications and a much larger 205 kWh battery. Polestar argues its approach reflects real-world driving more closely, a claim reflected by the Guinness World Records record for unmodified EVs, currently held by the Lucid Air. The run involved three drivers, including Sam Clarke, and was framed as a practical benchmark for everyday use on public roads.

The event highlights a broader shift in how people judge EVs. Lab-based ranges are useful, but drivers want to know what they can expect on real trips, with varying speeds, weather, and terrain. By presenting an open-road test with standard gear, Polestar emphasizes practicality over lab numbers. This matters for consumer trust, especially as competitors push into longer, highway-heavy routes.

However, a single record cannot define a model’s value. Variability in temperatures, road grades, traffic, and tire wear can sway outcomes. More independent, transparent real-world tests from multiple brands would help buyers compare apples to apples and separate marketing from measurable performance.

Highlights

The road will decide which numbers matter in everyday trips, not a single record.