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Tesla proved that electric cars can be cool. And actually reliable. Now, several startup EV companies are trying to replicate its success and steal some of its thunder.
One of those up-and-comers is Polestar, a Swedish brand taking aim at Elon Musk with sleek, modern-looking cars. We’ve test-driven multiple vehicles from both brands, multiple times, and have covered both companies for years. Here’s how they compare.
What is Tesla?
Tesla was founded in the early 2000s and has become synonymous with electric cars across the globe. Its biggest sellers are the Model Y compact SUV and Model 3 sedan. It also sells bigger, higher-end vehicles: the Model S sedan, Model X SUV, and the latest release: the truly unique-looking Cybertruck.
The Tesla Model 3 is a direct competitor to the Polestar 2.
What is Polestar?
Polestar is an EV-only brand that spun out of Volvo in 2017. It’s owned by Volvo and Geely, Volvo’s Chinese parent company. It has the attitude of a startup with the infrastructure and financial support of a global automotive behemoth.
It kicked things off with the Polestar 1, a limited-run hybrid coupe. The Polestar 2, Polestar’s first EV and its first mass-market offering, is the car that really put the brand on the map.
In 2022, Polestar sold around 51,500 vehicles worldwide, handily beating out other newcomers like Lucid Motors and Rivian. And in 2023, the company delivered approximately 54,600 EVs to customers. While still an impressive number, the company could have sold even more had it not focused more on profitability than on expansion.
The Polestar 2 is built in China. Polestar also released the Polestar 3 in 2023, which is also built in China but is slated to move to production at a Volvo factory in South Carolina in 2024.
The Polestar 4, a smaller SUV without a rear window, is already available in Asia and Europe and is coming to North America in 2024. And the Polestar 5, a sleek, full-sized sedan that will rival the Tesla Model S, is expected to be released in 2025.
How do Tesla and Polestar cars compare?
Tesla was the first carmaker to use a big touchscreen and reject all buttons (save for the emergency flashers, windows, and lights, that is). Polestar is following suit while putting its own spin on things.
Inside and out, the Polestar 2 exudes Scandinavian minimalism. It’s uncluttered and features a big touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. We found its Android-based operating system super clean-looking and straightforward to use, and loved that it came loaded with Google Maps.
Tesla’s system is more complicated but also includes more functions like a digital whoopee cushion, games, a web browser, and a surveillance system. Both brands are more tech-heavy than your average car, providing regular software updates and offering paid upgrades like increased acceleration.
Both brands embrace simplicity in their interiors, but they may be too austere for some tastes.
Tesla sells some of the longest-range electric cars, but Polestar isn’t too far behind. The Model 3 earns an EPA rating of well over 300 miles in its Long Range trim. The 2023 Polestar 2 gets up to 270 miles, while Polestar says the 2024 model can go up to 320 miles on one charge in its longer-range model.
Tesla’s charging stations are also a big advantage for owners, as they benefit from the sprawling and mostly exclusive Supercharger network.
Both brands place an emphasis on performance and invite buyers to pay extra for sportier models and options.
Is a Polestar 2 bigger than a Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is actually larger than the Polestar 2. It is several inches longer at 185.8 inches to the Polestar’s 181.3, and it is wider at 82.2 inches to its counterpart’s 78.1 inches. The size difference is not massive, but it’s visually perceptible when the two cars are side by side.
How do you buy a Polestar or Tesla?
Some big pros of buying either a Tesla or a Polestar are online ordering and more transparent pricing. Both companies eschew traditional dealerships in favor of minimal showrooms and an online reservation system.
The Polestar 2 starts at $49,900, while the Polestar 3 SUV starts at around $78,900. A lower-priced Polestar 3 is on the way, too, along with more future models.
Tesla’s prices range from just over $40,000 for the entry-level Model 3 to just under $88,000 for a super-quick Model S Plaid. Bear in mind: Some Teslas qualify for the federal government’s $7,500 EV tax credit, while Polestars currently don’t, being manufactured overseas.
