Record First-Half Sales for Polestar

Polestar has announced record sales for the first half of 2026, delivering 30,423 vehicles globally. The Swedish electric performance car brand reported 17,296 sales in the second quarter, following 13,127 in the first quarter. This marks a significant milestone for the company amid a challenging automotive landscape.

CEO Michael Lohscheller commented on the achievement: "Delivering record sales in the first half of the year, despite regulatory and market headwinds, is a significant achievement. We continue to make progress across the business, delivering strong growth in several key markets, especially in the UK, Germany, South Korea and the Iberia region."

Expanding Retail Network and New Models

Polestar's retail network has grown to 235 sites, a 39% increase compared to the previous year. This expansion supports the company's focus on execution as it enters a crucial phase of new model launches. The first customer deliveries of the Polestar 5 are set to begin, and production of the Polestar 4 SUV has started, with first deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Triple-junction solar cell performance boosted to record 27.3%
More in Energy

Triple-Junction Perovskite Solar Cell Hits 27.3% Efficiency, 770-Hour Lifespan

German researchers achieve 27.3% efficiency with a new triple-junction perovskite solar cell that maintains 80% output after 770 hours, marking a leap in stability and performance.

Read article

The US Market Challenge

Despite the strong sales performance, Polestar faces a significant hurdle: it is being effectively barred from the US market. Because the company is majority-owned by Chinese parent Geely and its vehicles use connected car software, the US Commerce Department has not granted Polestar an exemption from new regulations prohibiting such vehicles from being sold in the US starting with the 2027 model year.

While the US market has been useful for the brand, Polestar's sales data suggests the company can thrive without it. In its announcement, Polestar provided a breakdown of global sales excluding the US, indicating that the US accounts for a relatively small portion of total sales. The company appears confident that it can continue to set sales records even without US customers.

Regional Growth Highlights

Polestar has seen particularly strong growth in the UK, Germany, South Korea, and the Iberia region. These markets have helped offset potential losses from the US. The company's focus on expanding its retail presence and launching new models positions it well for future growth.

BYD's first pickup goes on sale for $63,000 in the UK, with more EV range than the Ford Ranger
More in Energy

BYD Shark Pickup Launches in UK at $63,000 with 56 Miles EV Range, Outruns Ford Ranger

BYD's first pickup, the Shark, goes on sale in the UK at about $63,000, offering 56 miles of pure-electric range—more than the Ford Ranger PHEV. The plug-in hybrid targets European buyers with its Super Hybrid

Read article

Looking Ahead

As Polestar prepares for the launch of the Polestar 5 and Polestar 4, the company remains focused on execution and expanding its global footprint. The record sales in the first half of 2026 demonstrate the brand's resilience and appeal, even as it navigates regulatory challenges in one of the world's largest auto markets.

This article is based on reporting by CleanTechnica. Read the original article.

Originally published on cleantechnica.com