Polestar might still be a relative newcomer, but it's moving at a serious pace. With a rapidly expanding line-up, bold design language and strong backing from Volvo and Geely, the Swedish EV brand is positioning itself as a genuine alternative to the established order. Our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay caught up with UK Managing Director Matt Galvin to talk new models, plans and why range anxiety should no longer be a deal-breaker.
Q: Polestar is a brilliant brand in many ways. What are you launching right now?
Matt Galvin: We're launching the latest iteration of the Polestar 3. It's what we call an "inside-out" car - it may not look dramatically different on the outside, but underneath it's been completely reworked. There are upgraded batteries, faster charging, a revised chassis and suspension, improved driving dynamics, and more power. It's a really exciting step forward for us.
Q: There's a lot of momentum around Polestar at the moment. What does the future look like?
Matt Galvin: We've got a huge amount going on. Over the next three years, we'll launch four new cars. The Polestar 5 arrives this summer, followed by a new variant of the Polestar 4 in the autumn. Then we've got the successor to the Polestar 2 coming next year, and finally the Polestar 7 - a compact SUV - in 2028. So yes, plenty to look forward to.
Q: There is growing competition, especially from newer electric vehicle brands. How does Polestar differentiate itself?
Matt Galvin: We stick to our core values: design, sustainability and performance. One of the key differentiators is our design language - Polestar cars look distinctive. Some EVs can feel a bit generic, but ours stand apart. And performance isn't just about 0 to 60mph - it's about how the car feels, how it drives, the overall experience. That's where we focus.
Q: For someone new to EVs who may not know Polestar - how would you sum up the brand?
Matt Galvin: We're still a young brand - just five years old, but we've got strong foundations. We're backed by Geely, one of the world's largest car manufacturers, and we work closely with Volvo. That gives us access to cutting-edge technology, plus trusted safety and reliability. We also benefit from Volvo's UK service network, which gives customers peace of mind. Ultimately, we build great-looking, high-quality electric cars - that's what we're about.
Q: Running costs are a big consideration. How does EV ownership stack up?
Matt Galvin: Charging at home can be extremely cost-effective - at times, it's cheaper than buying milk per kWh. Even before recent fluctuations in energy prices, EVs were significantly cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. That's a major benefit.
Q: What would you say to people still worried about range anxiety?
Matt Galvin: I always say, the car will outrun your bladder. Most people don't drive more than three hours without stopping. Charging infrastructure in the UK has improved massively. With the updated Polestar 3, for example, you can charge from 10-80% in around 22 minutes - just enough time for a coffee break. Range really isn't the issue anymore.
Q: Safety is key, especially for families. How do Polestars perform here?
Matt Galvin: Safety is fundamental. The Polestar 3 shares its architecture with the Volvo EX90, so it benefits from Volvo's renowned safety expertise. Our cars are among the safest on the road.
Q: Are people still buying cars outright, or is finance the norm now?
Matt Galvin: Many of our customers use some form of finance - whether that's leasing, PCP or a loan. It's all about manageable monthly costs. We work hard with finance partners to keep our offers competitive and accessible.
Q: Polestar feels like a 'cool' brand - is that fair?
Matt Galvin: I'd say so - my 17-year-old son told me it was cool, which is probably the best endorsement you can get. We combine striking design, strong performance and sustainability with the backing of respected names like Volvo and Geely. That mix gives us real credibility.
Q: Do Polestar cars have that emotional appeal people often associate with traditional cars?
Matt Galvin: Absolutely. People say EVs lack soul, but I think that's replaced by pride. Do you look back at your car after you've parked it? If you do, that emotional connection is there. That's what we aim for.
Q: Polestar is often compared with Tesla. How do you see that?
Matt Galvin: Tesla set the benchmark and helped shape the EV market - there's no denying that. But we're here to offer an alternative. We want to give people a reason to step out of a Tesla and into a Polestar.
Q: Finally, we’ve touched upon this already – but what should we be most excited about next?
Matt Galvin: The Polestar 5 this summer is a big one - a four-door grand tourer. Then the Polestar 4 update later this year, the next-generation Polestar 2 in 2027, and the Polestar 7 compact SUV in 2028. A lot is coming - it's a very exciting time for us.