Polestar 3 800 Volt technology is not just a small upgrade, it transforms the SUV into something sharper, quicker, and more efficient. The Swedish brand has reworked its flagship with faster charging, stronger motors, and a smarter computer system. For 2026, this isn’t a mild refresh but a significant leap forward.
800 Volt Charging Brings Faster Energy Top-Ups
The shift to an 800 Volt electrical architecture is the biggest step for the Polestar 3. With this change, peak DC charging rates now hit 350 kW. That means a 10 to 80 percent battery charge can take as little as 22 minutes, cutting time by more than a quarter compared with the earlier setup. The system also improves efficiency by up to six percent, extending real-world driving range.
New Battery Options for Greater Flexibility
Two new lithium-ion battery packs come with the update. The entry Rear motor version carries a 92 kWh pack, while the Dual motor and Performance models move up to 106 kWh. These packs deliver faster charging and consistent long-distance capability. The upgrades help position the Polestar 3 as a practical choice for those who want speed without losing efficiency.
Polestar 3 Powertrain Upgrades
The Performance version now produces up to 670bhp (500 kW) thanks to a new permanent magnet synchronous rear motor paired with an asynchronous front motor. The Dual motor offers 544bhp (400 kW), while the Rear motor variant provides 329bhp (245 kW). The SUV’s 0–100 km/h sprint ranges from 6.5 seconds in the base version down to just 3.9 seconds in the Performance.
A front motor disconnect system improves efficiency in everyday driving. The power balance also shifts more toward the rear, supported by updated anti-roll bars and refined steering software. Together, these changes sharpen handling and deliver a more engaging drive.
Smarter Computing for Safer Driving
The Polestar 3 now features the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor, replacing the older Xavier unit. Processing power jumps from 30 TOPS to 254 TOPS. This increase means quicker responses for safety systems, better battery management, and improved sensor integration. Importantly, this hardware upgrade will also be retrofitted to existing Polestar 3 owners from early 2026.
Trim Levels and Options
Polestar simplifies the structure with three clear variants: Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance. Each comes with distinct features, from solid black seatbelts in the base version to Swedish gold belts in the flagship. Standard equipment includes air suspension on higher trims, while new option packs, such as Climate and Prime, allow further personalization.
Performance and Range Figures
The Rear motor version delivers 329bhp and a 0–100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds with a range of 604 km WLTP. The Dual motor offers 544bhp and 635 km range with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The flagship Performance reaches 670bhp, accelerates in 3.9 seconds, and covers up to 593 km. All models reach top speeds of 210–230 km/h.
Summary
The Polestar 3 800 Volt upgrade demonstrates how EVs are evolving at speed. With faster charging, stronger motors, and computing power that rivals high-end tech devices, the 2026 Polestar 3 is less a refresh and more a step change. It sets a sharper, smarter direction for the brand’s electric future.
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Source: Polestar
