A remarkable development has taken place in the world of electric vehicles. The Polestar 3 set a new range record in the electric SUV segment by covering 936 kilometers on a single charge during a driving test conducted in the UK. This achievement surpassed the 916 kilometers set by the Ford Mustang Mach-E last year. Furthermore, the record was set entirely on public roads, using a standard vehicle.

New range record for electric SUVs

The driving test was conducted with the Long Range version of the Polestar 3. This version features a 107 kWh battery and a single 295 horsepower electric motor located at the rear axle. Data obtained during the test revealed a remarkable energy efficiency rating of 12.1 kWh per 100 kilometers. This figure is considered exceptional for a large and heavy SUV like the Polestar 3; in fact, this consumption level is quite close to official figures for smaller, lighter electric vehicles.

Although the vehicle’s instrument panel showed a zero percent battery charge at the time of the record, the Polestar 3 reportedly managed to reach the charging station with approximately 13 kilometers remaining.

This indicates that the vehicle’s range could potentially be even higher. It was also shared that the vehicle used in the test had no technical modifications, and even the tires were factory-fitted Michelin Sport 4 EV models.

The driving test was conducted on a route away from highways, encompassing a variety of road conditions, including single-lane rural roads, two-way arterial roads, and secondary roads. Average speed data was not disclosed, but it was stated that legal speed limits were adhered to throughout the drive. This detail demonstrates that the test was conducted not only under ideal conditions but also under conditions very similar to everyday driving scenarios.

This success of the Polestar 3 demonstrates that range anxiety, a common concern with electric vehicles, is becoming increasingly irrelevant. While the range performance of electric cars is rapidly increasing, attention is now turning to the widespread availability and speed of charging infrastructure.

This record clearly demonstrates the progress manufacturers are making in optimizing not only battery capacity but also energy efficiency.