Polestar has officially announced the production of the Polestar 7, a compact electric SUV that will be the brand’s first European-made model. This new addition to the Polestar lineup will share its platform with the Volvo EX60 and is set to enter production in 2028.
Volvo will be responsible for building the Polestar 7 at its upcoming plant in Kosice, Slovakia. This facility is expected to have an annual manufacturing capacity of 250,000 units and will focus solely on producing electric vehicles. The Polestar 7 will be the first model to be manufactured in Europe by the Swedish automaker.
Polestar, Volvo’s premium and performance-focused EV spinoff, has faced challenges in the past with disappointing sales and declining revenue. However, after a strategic reset and management shakeup, the brand has seen a resurgence, with a 76% year-over-year growth in global sales in the first quarter of this year. The current Polestar lineup includes the Polestar 2 crossover, the Polestar 3 SUV, and the Polestar 4 coupe-crossover.
The Polestar 7 will ride on Volvo’s next-generation software-defined vehicle platform, which it will share with the upcoming Volvo EX60. This new platform will enable the Polestar 7 to incorporate giga casting, cell-to-body battery packs, and in-house developed motors. The model will also feature Volvo’s Superset software stack, allowing for over-the-air updates to enhance performance and functionality.
In addition, the Volvo EX60, which will be the electric alternative to the popular XC60 SUV, is confirmed to use Nvidia’s newest Drive Thor system on a chip (SoC) capable of 1,000 trillion operations per second. This advanced technology will support high levels of autonomous driving features in both the Polestar 7 and the EX60.
The decision to manufacture the Polestar 7 in Slovakia will help Polestar avoid the tariffs associated with Chinese manufacturing, making it a strategic move for the brand. The model is expected to launch in the U.S. by 2028, providing Polestar with a fresh and compelling offering as it looks to stay competitive in the evolving EV market.
Overall, the Polestar 7 represents a significant step for the brand as it expands its European production capabilities and continues to innovate with cutting-edge technology and design. With its unique features and European manufacturing, the Polestar 7 is poised to make a mark in the electric SUV segment and contribute to Polestar’s growth and success in the coming years.