The new Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor has driven 581.3 miles (935.44 km) on a single charge – the longest distance ever travelled by an electric SUV without plugging in, according to Guinness World Records.
The attempt, which took just under 23 hours to complete, was carried out on public roads across the UK. Starting near Norwich, the route covered mainly flat A and B roads, with some dual carriageways included when necessary. The car, a completely unmodified production model, managed to go well beyond its official WLTP range of 438 miles (706 km).
Behind the wheel were professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker, and Richard Parker, each rotating every three hours. The car reached its published range with 20% battery still remaining and continued for another 8 miles even after hitting 0%, eventually making it to a charger before finally stopping.
Efficiency averaged 19.5kWh per 100 miles (12.1kWh/100km), equivalent to 5.13 miles per kWh. The SUV ran on standard 20-inch wheels and Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres.
The journey was closely monitored by Guinness World Records judge Paulina Sapinska, with data independently verified by Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management platform. The AA also provided support throughout in case the vehicle ran out of power before reaching a charger.
“While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years. For a large luxury SUV to go way beyond a London to Edinburgh distance is truly impressive. When this achievement is coupled together with real world independent tests such as Norway’s El Prix winter range test earlier in the year where the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor won against 23 other electric vehicles, it goes to show: long distances are perfectly achievable with minimal fuss. Add to this rapid charging with up to 250kW allowing a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes, the adage that ‘EVs can’t go far’ has been very much consigned to the history books.”
Matt Galvin, Polestar UK Managing Director
From the Drivers:
Driver Sam Clarke said: “Since we first started setting records, we have noticed how much more driving it is taking to achieve them! While we aim to push the car to the limits the car is also pushing us to our limits. I am pleased to be setting the first electric SUV journey record, and to do it in such a capable EV like the Polestar 3 has been a real pleasure.”
Driver Kevin Booker said: “Setting this record alongside Sam and Richard is a great achievement – especially in a large SUV such as the Polestar 3. There’s always jeopardy, and our attempt could have been hampered by the adverse weather conditions and traffic we experienced – there was a lot of standing water during part of the day, meaning more resistance from the tyres and lower efficiency. But, finishing up on 0% at nearly one o’clock in the morning knowing we’d beaten previous records was a fantastic feeling!”
Driver Richard Parker said: “After the rain subsided, we had a few more challenges on our hands including some interest from the local constabulary! When they realised our official attempt was ultra-efficiency, and they had wished us good luck – we were back on track and getting into our routine of driving shifts until a last-minute road closure near Melton Mowbray was an additional test for us to face. It was another proof point that the record isn’t just down to the driver, but also the passenger – quick-thinking co-pilot navigation was just as vital as battery management for this attempt.”
Another milestone for EVs, and a big step forward for real-world electric range.
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