Can Polestar 3 Outpace Its Rivals With US Production?

Polestar has kicked off production of the long-awaited 3 at its plant in South Carolina, meaning it has become the brand’s first model to be built on two continents simultaneously. However, local production alone won’t be enough to ensure the car’s success.

The Polestar 3 has faced several delays since its 2022 unveiling. U.S. customers who lease the model are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. Although now manufactured locally, it remains unclear which versions qualify for the same tax credit when purchased outright (for example, SUVs with an MSRP over $80,000 don’t qualify) . We have contacted Polestar for clarification and will update this story accordingly.

Read: Polestar 3 Deliveries Begin After Delays As New RWD Variant Debuts

In the States, prices for the electric crossover start at $73,400 for the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot Pack. This version features a 111 kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors producing a combined 489 hp and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. It has a quoted range of 315 miles (507 km).

Those seeking some additional features can pay $78,900 for the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot and Plus Pack, rocking all the same specs but adding new interior upholstery, heated rear seats, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and 21-inch wheels.

Two slightly more powerful versions are also available, dubbed the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot and Performance Pack, and the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot, Plus Pack, and Performance Pack. Prices for these models start at $79,400 and top out at $84,900. These variants produce 517 hp and 671 lb-ft (910 Nm) and can travel 279 miles (449 km) on a charge.

Perhaps the most direct rival to the 3 is the new Porsche Macan Electric. It features a slightly smaller 100 kWh battery, which drives a single electric motor in entry-level guise, outputting 355 hp. The cheapest Macan Electric starts at $75,300, and prices increase to $78,800 for the dual-motor 402 hp Macan 4 Electric, $84,900 for the Macan 4S Electric, and $105,300 for the 630 hp Macan Turbo Electric.

Polestar 3s built in the U.S. won’t only be sold locally but will also be exported to Europe.

“Manufacturing Polestar 3 in the USA is a crucial step for us,” Polestar chief executive Thomas Ingenlath said. “Now we offer customers in America an electric SUV that is built in America. Exporting the South Carolina produced Polestar 3 to Europe will strengthen our business on a broader scope. Polestar 3 has received superb reviews from global automotive media, with strong customer test drive interest.”