Polestar 3 updated with 800V charging and more power for NZ

Polestar has confirmed New Zealand pricing and availability for the upgraded Polestar 3 electric vehicle (EV) SUV, with orders open now and first customer deliveries scheduled from mid-August 2026.

The model is available from NZD $149,900 for the Rear motor variant, with the Dual motor priced from NZD $159,900 and the Performance variant from NZD $174,900, all plus on-road costs.

Bruce Fowler, Brand Manager for Polestar New Zealand, says the updated model represents a meaningful step forward. “The upgraded Polestar 3 is a major step forward for our brand in New Zealand. It combines the design, performance and technology expected of a flagship SUV with meaningful improvements in charging speed, computing power, and day-to-day usability. For customers seeking a premium electric SUV without compromise, Polestar 3 sets a new benchmark.”

800V architecture and faster charging

A central element of the upgrade is the move to an 800 Volt electrical architecture, enabling direct current (DC) fast charging of up to 350kW. Under optimal conditions, this allows a 10–80% charge in as little as 22 minutes — a notable improvement over the previous generation.

The higher-voltage platform also supports greater power outputs across the range, with the Performance variant reaching a peak of 500kW.

Powertrain and performance

All variants now feature a newly developed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor, while dual-motor versions add an asynchronous front motor that can automatically disconnect when not required, improving efficiency and extending range during everyday driving.

Polestar quotes a WLTP range of up to 647km, 0–100km/h in as little as 3.9 seconds, and torque of up to 870Nm for the range. A revised chassis with updated suspension and anti-roll bars on the front axle, along with retuned steering software, accompany the powertrain changes.

Computing power lifted eightfold

The Polestar 3 also receives a significant upgrade to its core computing hardware. The NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor replaces the previous Xavier unit, lifting processing capacity from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second — an increase of more than eight times.

Polestar says the additional processing power enables faster and more intelligent management of safety systems, battery performance and sensor data, and supports the brand’s approach to ongoing improvement through over-the-air software updates.

Specification and options

In New Zealand, the Polestar 3 is offered across three variants — Rear motor, Dual motor and Performance — with the Pilot pack and Plus pack included in the local configurator. Standard specification includes a panoramic roof and a minimalist cabin incorporating sustainable interior materials.

Buyers can further customise the model with options including an electrochromic glass roof, 1.3 megapixel high-definition LED headlights, active air suspension (optional on Dual motor, standard on Performance), a towbar, and a selection of interior and exterior finishes.

Sustainability credentials

Sustainability remains a stated priority for the model. Polestar publishes a cradle-to-gate carbon footprint for the Polestar 3, with figures of 24.5 tCO₂e for the Rear motor variant and 25.9 tCO₂e for the Dual motor. Materials used include traceable animal welfare-secured Nappa leather, traceable animal welfare-certified wool, and renewable electricity in manufacturing.

The upgraded Polestar 3 is available to order now in New Zealand, with first deliveries expected from mid-August 2026. Full specifications, pricing and configuration options are available at polestar.com/nz.