Polestar Q3 Sales Rise Slightly as US Sales Ban Looms
Polestar reported a small increase in global retail sales during the third quarter of 2026, even as the electric carmaker faces major challenges in the US market.
The Swedish EV brand delivered an estimated 14,371 cars globally between July and September, up 1% from 14,222 units in the same period last year.
However, Polestar’s sales outside the US fell 8% during the quarter. The company now faces restrictions on selling new vehicles in America from the 2027 model year because of new US rules targeting China-linked connected-vehicle technology.
Polestar Q3 Sales Increase 1%
Polestar delivered 14,371 cars globally in the third quarter of 2026. The figure represents a 1% increase over the 14,222 cars sold during the same quarter in 2025.
The company also reported estimated retail sales of 44,790 cars during the first nine months of 2026. That represents a 0.6% increase compared with 44,511 units during the same period last year.
However, the overall growth masks weaker sales in markets outside the US. Polestar recorded 12,211 sales outside the US during Q3, down 8% from 13,256 units a year earlier.
Polestar US Sales More Than Doubled
The US market delivered a stronger result for Polestar during the quarter. The company sold around 2,160 cars in the US, compared with 966 units during the same period last year.
Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said the strong US performance came as the company sells its remaining 2026 model-year vehicles. The automaker is now close to selling out its remaining 2026 inventory in the US.
Polestar plans to continue servicing vehicles in the US after the new-car sales restrictions take effect. It will also maintain its used-car business in the country.
Why Polestar Faces a US Sales Ban
Polestar faces a major change in its US business because of new rules from the US Commerce Department. The rules target connected vehicles linked to China and restrict certain vehicles and related technology from entering the American market.
Polestar has strong ties to China through its majority owner, Geely Holding. The company therefore expects the restrictions to prevent it from selling new vehicles in the US from the 2027 model year.
The company will focus on selling its existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory before the restrictions affect new-vehicle sales.
Polestar Focuses More on Europe
With its US business facing restrictions, Polestar is increasing its focus on Europe. The company plans to produce the upcoming Polestar 7 compact SUV at a Volvo Cars factory in Slovakia.
Polestar has also started customer deliveries of the Polestar 5. Meanwhile, Polestar 4 SUVs have reached European ports and are moving towards retailers.
The company reported weaker European sales during the third quarter but expects performance to improve as its newer models reach customers. Polestar said the Polestar 5 has attracted strong interest in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia.
Polestar 5 and Polestar 7 to Support Future Growth
New models will play an important role in Polestar’s future sales strategy. The Polestar 5 has now entered customer deliveries, while a new station-wagon/SUV version of the Polestar 4 is scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter.
The company also plans the Polestar 7 compact SUV, which will enter production in Slovakia. Polestar expects these models to help expand its presence in the European premium EV market.
Polestar reduced its full-year volume growth guidance in September and expects competition to remain strong. The company is scheduled to report its full third-quarter financial results on November 5, 2026.
Also Read: Why EV Sales Are Weak in America but Strong in Europe?
