Polestar sets EV range record

POLESTAR’S large electric SUV, the Polestar 3, has broken the Guinness World Record for longest journey travelled by an electric SUV on a single charge.

Achieving 581.3 miles (935.44km), the recently launched Long Range Single Motor variant was pushed to its limits and well-beyond the published WLTP figure of 438 miles (706 km) by professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker in a test of man and machine. The SUV achieved an efficiency of 19.5 kWh/100 miles (5.13 m/kWh), or 12.1 kWh/100 km.

The production-standard large SUV was adjudicated by Guinness World Records’ own judge Paulina Sapinska with Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, providing meticulously documented and independently verified video footage, odometer readings, GPS readings and battery-level data. The car received zero modifications for the attempt, and was on standard 20-inch wheels fitted with standard Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres.

The attempt took 22 hours and 57 minutes to complete in mixed weather conditions including rain and the drivers switched every three hours to maintain alertness. The Polestar 3 achieved its WLTP figure of 438 miles with 20 per cent of its battery capacity still available and actually delivered eight further miles after showing 0 per cent battery — but the Polestar 3 reached a charger before ultimately stopping. The attempt was supported by the AA to ensure safety and to assist if the vehicle was not near a charger when the battery eventually ran out.

Matt Galvin, Polestar UK managing director, said: “While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years. For a large luxury SUV to go way beyond a London to Edinburgh distance is truly impressive.

“When this achievement is coupled together with real world independent tests such as Norway’s El Prix winter range test earlier in the year where the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor won against 23 other electric vehicles, it goes to show: long distances are perfectly achievable with minimal fuss.

“Add to this rapid charging with up to 250kW allowing a 10-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes, the adage that ‘EVs can’t go far’ has been very much consigned to the history books.”

Driver Sam Clarke said: “Since we first started setting records, we have noticed how much more driving it is taking to achieve them! While we aim to push the car to the limits the car is also pushing us to our limits. I am pleased to be setting the first electric SUV journey record.”