Electric SUV sets world record

The Polestar 3 has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric SUV on a single charge after covering 935.44km (581.3 miles).

Polestar says the recently launched long-range, single-motor variant was pushed to its limits in setting the new benchmark.

The record-breaking effort took 22 hours and 57 minutes to complete in mixed weather conditions, including rain, and the Polestar 3 achieved an efficiency of 12.1kWh/100km.

Professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker swapped places every three hours during the feat to maintain alertness. 

The Polestar 3 achieved its WLTP figure of 706km with 20 per cent of its battery capacity still available and delivered an extra 12.8km after showing 0 per cent battery.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar chief executive, says: “We are very proud to say we have a world record holder in the Polestar family.

“This official Guinness World Record for range is another proof point that Polestar 3 is setting new standards. We will continue to push the boundaries of technology and electric performance.”

Matt Galvin, Polestar UK managing director, adds that while the vehicle was pushed to its range capability, the journey showed how battery range has improved exponentially in recent years. 

“For a large premium SUV to go way beyond a London-to-Edinburgh distance is truly impressive and with this the adage that ‘EVs can’t go far’ has been very much consigned to the history books,” he says.

The production-standard car received zero modifications for the record attempt and was on standard 20-inch wheels fitted with standard Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres.