Polestar 3 2026: 800 Volt Upgrade Brings Faster Charging & More Power

New 800 Volt Polestar 3: Faster Charging, More Power, and Smarter Performance
Last updated: October 2025

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, is taking a major leap forward with the 2026 Polestar 3, introducing extensive hardware and software upgrades that redefine what an electric SUV can do. The new model boasts a cutting-edge 800 Volt electrical architecture, more powerful motors, and a massive increase in computing power—making it faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar’s CEO, said:
“The upgrades to Polestar 3 are so extensive, it’s like an entirely new car. With this upgrade, we continue to deliver on our commitment to add value for our customers through over-the-air software and hardware updates. The already amazing Polestar 3 is now better than ever.”

New 800 Volt Electrical Architecture

The 2026 Polestar 3 is the first model built on the SPA2 platform to feature an 800V system—a technology typically reserved for high-end performance EVs. This upgrade allows DC fast charging up to 350 kW, cutting charging time dramatically. Drivers can now charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes, over 25% faster than the previous model.

The 800V setup also boosts efficiency by up to 6% (WLTP) and introduces new CATL lithium-ion battery packs:

• 92 kWh for the Rear Motor version
• 106 kWh for Dual Motor and Performance variants

Together, these enhancements make the Polestar 3 one of the most capable long-distance electric SUVs in its segment, rivaling models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid and Tesla Model X.

Upgraded Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Polestar 3 gets a new in-house developed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor, paired with an asynchronous front motor for Dual Motor and Performance variants.

Key performance highlights include:

• Up to 500 kW total power (Performance variant)
• Rear-biased torque distribution for sportier handling
• Front motor disconnect function for improved efficiency
• Revised anti-roll bars and refined steering software for enhanced driving precision

The result is an SUV that feels more dynamic, confident, and engaging—whether cruising on Sheikh Zayed Road or carving through mountain routes in Hatta.

Smarter Than Ever: Massive Computing Power Boost

The 2026 Polestar 3 doesn’t just get faster—it gets smarter. Polestar replaces its previous NVIDIA Xavier processor with the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, increasing processing capacity from 30 TOPS to 254 TOPS (trillion operations per second).

This eightfold boost in computing power improves real-time management of:

• Advanced driver assistance and safety systems
• Energy and battery performance
• Sensor fusion for autonomous driving features

In a rare industry move, Polestar will also retrofit existing Polestar 3 owners with this new computing hardware free of charge, starting early 2026—underscoring the brand’s commitment to longevity and customer value.

Trim Levels, Design, and Options

Polestar simplifies its trim lineup for 2026 into three versions:

• Polestar 3 Rear Motor
• Polestar 3 Dual Motor
• Polestar 3 Performance

Each comes with distinctive design touches—like Swedish gold seatbelt stripes on Dual Motor and full gold belts on the Performance model.

Other notable updates include:

• New “Storm” exterior color replacing Thunder
• Upgraded Charcoal MicroTech interior with repurposed aluminum trim
• Optional Bowers & Wilkins audio with headrest speakers and active noise cancellation
• New Climate Pack with heated steering wheel, rear seats, and wipers
• Prime Pack combining multiple luxury and safety features

The first batch of upgraded Polestar 3 units will launch in the UK, with other markets, including the Middle East, following shortly after.

Why It Matters for the UAE Market

With Dubai’s growing infrastructure for 350 kW ultra-fast chargers, the 2026 Polestar 3 is perfectly positioned for the UAE’s EV evolution. Drivers can now enjoy the best of both worlds—luxury Scandinavian design and practicality suited for long-distance desert drives or city commutes.

The enhanced charging speed, power, and efficiency make it an attractive option for those considering switching from traditional combustion SUVs to high-performance electric mobility.

Final Thoughts

The new 800 Volt Polestar 3 signals a new chapter in electric SUV evolution—faster, more intelligent, and more sustainable. Polestar continues to prove that Scandinavian minimalism and cutting-edge performance can coexist seamlessly in the world of premium electric vehicles.

If you’re exploring options for used electric SUVs in Dubai, or looking to stay ahead of the EV trend, visit Auto Trader UAE to browse Polestar models and other premium used cars in Dubai.