If you think all-electric SUVs can’t stretch far enough, the Polestar 3 Long-range Single Motor variant has just proved otherwise. Over in the U.K., an unmodified, production-spec model covered 935.44 km (581.3 miles) on a single charge. That is an impressive 33 percent more than the rated WLTP range of 706 km (438 miles) on the European cycle. This epic run across the Pond has earned it a Guinness World Records official title, and for some context, imagine driving from Los Angeles to San Diego and back, with range to spare.
Let’s break down how it managed that. The run lasted 22 hours and 57 minutes, with three professional efficiency drivers, Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker, and Richard Parker, taking turns at the wheel, rotating every three hours to stay alert. They drove through mixed weather conditions, including rain, and the electric SUV averaged 12.1 kWh per 100 km (19.5 kWh per 100 miles). By the time the odometer hit its WLTP-rated 438 miles, the battery still showed 20 percent remaining. Even after reaching 0 percent, the SUV managed to squeeze out another 12.8 km (8 miles).
“We are very proud to say we have a world record holder in the Polestar family! This official Guinness World Record for range is another proof point that Polestar 3 is setting new standards. We will continue to push the boundaries of technology and electric performance.” – Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller
Officials verified every bit of data. A Guinness judge, Paulina Sapinska, oversaw GPS logs, battery state, odometer readings, and video data through Webfleet. The SUV was equipped with standard 20-inch wheels with original Michelin Sport 4 EV tires.
So how does that stack up against previous records? Well, Polestar’s record doesn’t beat that top EV car range. That honor goes to the Lucid Air Grand Touring. Earlier this year, in July, it set a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge, which is 749 miles. The Polestar 3, though, holds the title specifically for an electric SUV, with no modifications.
As for the overall longest EV distance on a single charge, regardless of type? The Guinness top spot goes to a student-built prototype. The TUfast Eco Team from Germany drove their specially engineered electric vehicle, muc022, an academic prototype, for 2,573.79 km (1,599.3 miles) on a single non-solar-powered charge in September 2023.
That’s not relevant to your typical EV ownership, but it shows how far the envelope can be pushed when teams optimize efficiency above all else. So what does all this mean for you and your range expectations? First, if you drive a large EV, this record shows just how far modern batteries and systems can stretch in real-world conditions. Ambient temperatures in particular have an impact on range, and earlier this year, the Polestar 3 won the EI Prix 2025 Range Test.
Second, even in less extreme scenarios like long road trips, a combination of careful speed choices, efficient driving habits, and optimal route planning can considerably extend your range. And yes, half-a-thousand or more miles between charges is closer than ever to a practical reality.
Thought-provoking question for you: If you are an EV driver, would you adjust your driving habits like slowing down slightly, planning elevation-friendly routes, or timing preconditioning to squeeze more miles per charge?
Source: Polestar
