Polestar 3 Model Year 2026 unveiled with 800V architecture and upgrades

Polestar introduces the 2026 Polestar 3 with 800V technology, up to 500kW power, faster 350kW DC charging, and an NVIDIA Orin upgrade for smarter systems.

Polestar has delivered a sweeping hardware update for its flagship electric SUV. For model year 2026, the Polestar 3 adopts an 800-volt electrical architecture, raises peak DC charging to up to 350 kW, and gains a notable performance boost. According to the company, the upgrade makes the car “feel like a completely new vehicle,” touching the powertrain, onboard electronics, and equipment.

The headline change is the 800-volt system. Polestar quotes a 10–80% charge in 22 minutes—more than 25% faster than before—alongside up to a 6% efficiency gain under the WLTP cycle. The battery lineup has been re-worked: 92 kWh for the Rear Motor version and 106 kWh for Dual Motor and Performance. Together with higher DC throughput, these steps are aimed at strengthening long-distance usability.

The drivetrain has been overhauled with a new in-house permanent-magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle. Combined with an asynchronous front unit, the Performance variant now delivers up to 500 kW (680 PS). The front motor can decouple automatically when not needed, improving efficiency in everyday driving. Chassis tweaks include revised anti-roll bars and steering software, promising a more immediate, engaging feel across the range.

The computing platform moves from NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier to DRIVE AGX Orin, boosting processing from 30 to 254 TOPS—more than an eight-fold increase. Polestar says this unlocks quicker, smarter control of active safety systems, battery management, and sensor fusion. Importantly for existing owners, the Orin hardware will be offered as a free retrofit via authorized service partners; customers will be notified once units are available. Specific scheduling details have not been announced.

The lineup is now simpler: Rear Motor, Dual Motor, Performance. Active air suspension is optional on Dual Motor and standard on Performance. Visual cues extend inside with color-coded seatbelts (black for Rear Motor, black with Swedish-gold accents for Dual Motor, full Swedish-gold for Performance). Packages have been streamlined: the Klima bundle (heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated wiper zones) complements Plus and Pilot within the new Prime package; a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with headrest speakers and active noise cancellation is available as a standalone option or as part of Plus.

Exterior updates include the new Storm metallic grey finish replacing Thunder, plus revised door scripts that add the variant name and a larger Polestar 3 mark. The base cabin now features bio-based MicroTech in Charcoal with aluminum inlays—previously an extra-cost option.

In context, an 800-volt architecture and up to 350 kW charging place the Polestar 3 among the fastest-charging entries in its class, comparable to leading systems already on the market. However, official WLTP/EPA range figures for the MY26 setup have not yet been provided. Sales of the updated Polestar 3 will begin at a later date, with local pricing to be announced at launch.

As background, Polestar 3 production is established on two continents, and initial deliveries began in Europe and the United States in 2024—an operational backdrop that should help the brand execute the promised free hardware retrofit program.