The electric vehicle world has a new champion in long-distance efficiency — and it’s not a sedan. The Polestar 3, in its Long Range Single Motor configuration, has just set a Guinness World Record by traveling more than 580 miles (935 km) on a single charge.
This achievement not only breaks the record for the longest journey by an electric SUV without recharging, but also challenges the perception that large EVs can’t go the distance.
A Guinness Record for an Electric SUV
The record-breaking run took place on public roads in the UK, using a completely stock Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor — no special modifications, no hidden tricks. This model features:
- 111 kWh battery pack (same as the Dual Motor version)
- Single rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp (220 kW)
- Official WLTP range: 706 km (435 miles)
Yet, the test pushed far beyond those figures, logging exactly 935.44 km (581.3 miles) before the battery reached 0%. That’s 143 miles (230 km) more than its rated WLTP range.
Even more impressively, the SUV hit its official range rating with 20% battery still remaining, which allowed another 8 miles (12.8 km) before complete depletion.
Record Conditions and Verification
The journey lasted 22 hours and 57 minutes and was verified by Guinness World Records judge Paulina Sapinska. Three professional efficiency drivers — Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker, and Richard Parker — took turns at the wheel, swapping every three hours to maintain optimal focus and efficiency.
Key points from the setup:
- Standard 20-inch wheels
- Michelin Sport 4 EV tires
- No software tweaks or aerodynamic modifications
The Polestar 3 achieved an average efficiency of 12.1 kWh/100 km (or 5.13 miles/kWh), making it more efficient than the Lucid Air Pure, which was touted as the “world’s most efficient” with an EPA rating of 5.0 miles/kWh.
Official Reactions
Matt Galvin, Managing Director of Polestar UK, praised the result:
“While the drivers 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 premium SUV to go way beyond a London-to-Edinburgh distance is truly impressive.”
Galvin added that the long-standing notion of “EVs can’t go far” now belongs in the history books.
EV Record Battles Heat Up
Polestar isn’t the only automaker chasing distance records. Recent months have seen a surge in high-profile EV range achievements:
- Lucid Air Grand Touring — Drove 1,205 km (749 miles) through the Alps and into Germany, setting a Guinness record for the longest single-charge drive by any electric car.
- Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck — Logged 1,059.2 miles (1,704 km) on a single charge, a world record for electric pickups.
- Lucid Air Pure — Marketed as the “world’s most efficient car” with 5.0 miles/kWh EPA rating.
This arms race in efficiency reflects intense R&D in battery chemistry, drivetrain optimization, and aerodynamic design — with clear benefits for everyday drivers.
Hypermiling: The Secret to the Record
The driving technique used is known as hypermiling — an ultra-efficient style that maximizes range by:
- Maintaining a steady, moderate speed
- Avoiding unnecessary acceleration or braking
- Leveraging regenerative braking intelligently
- Using terrain and momentum to advantage
While not representative of everyday driving, hypermiling showcases the upper limits of what’s technically possible under ideal conditions.
What This Means for EV Drivers
Even though most owners won’t adopt full hypermiling tactics, this record sends several key messages:
- EVs can rival and surpass gas cars on long trips.
- Real-world range can exceed official estimates, offering a bigger comfort margin for travel.
- The pace of battery innovation means even greater distances are likely soon.
Polestar 3: Luxury Meets Efficiency
Launched in Europe in summer 2024 and rolled out to the US and other markets later that year, the Polestar 3 targets the premium SUV segment. Its design blends Scandinavian minimalism with high-end materials, advanced safety systems, and cutting-edge infotainment.
The Long Range Single Motor version is the most efficient in the lineup, while the Dual Motor variant offers all-wheel drive and greater performance at a slight cost to range.
Looking Ahead
This record will likely prompt Polestar — and its competitors — to highlight “maximum potential” range figures in addition to standard WLTP or EPA ratings.
With solid-state batteries and other high-density chemistries on the horizon, it’s conceivable we’ll see SUVs breaking the 1,000 km (620-mile) mark under realistic driving conditions within the next few years.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Electric SUVs
By covering 935 km (581 miles) without recharging, the Polestar 3 has redefined what’s possible for an electric SUV. It’s a statement to skeptics that EVs are no longer short-range city cars — they’re capable, long-distance machines ready to replace combustion SUVs in every respect.
As battery technology continues to evolve, the gap between EV potential and gas-car convenience is closing fast. And with results like this, it’s clear that the age of electric long-range travel is already here.
