The guiding star in electric mobility

9 January 2025

As the UK accelerates towards an all-electric future, the demand for sustainable, innovative vehicles has never been greater. At the forefront of this shift is SCC UK Member Polestar, a Swedish brand named after the guiding star – leading the way in electric mobility with bold ambitions.

Since its arrival in the UK in 2019, Polestar has made a name for itself with electric vehicles that not only promise a commitment to sustainability and performance but deliver it with style. The Polestar 2 fastback hit UK roads in August 2020, marking the start of the brand’s expansion to the British isles. This was soon followed by the Polestar 3 luxury SUV and the Polestar 4 SUV coupé - each model showcasing the brand’s focus on innovative design and high-performance electric mobility.

“We’re the car brand for people with a conscience,” says Matt Galvin, Managing Director of Polestar UK & Ireland. “For people to want to buy our cars, they have to look good, perform well, have the latest technology, but they also want to feel good about their purchase,” he explains.

Transparency is central to Polestar’s ethos. Matt highlights how the brand isn’t just focused on delivering electric vehicles but on pushing the industry towards more sustainable solutions overall. “We’re not perfect, but we’re pushing both ourselves and the rest of the industry to do better when it comes to more sustainable, personal transportation,” he says. 

Polestar’s commitment to innovation is driving the brand forward, exemplified by the Polestar 3’s Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology. This cutting-edge feature allows the car to not only charge itself, but also potentially power homes. In Sweden, Polestar is a key player in the PAVE project, one of Europe’s largest V2G pilot schemes. It’s another example of how the brand is using its technology to lead by example, demonstrating a clear commitment to the future of mobility.

This project is part of Polestar’s broader vision for sustainability, which includes partnerships with academia, charging providers, and Sweden’s electrical grid infrastructure to create meaningful societal change.

Where design meets performance
Polestar’s Scandinavian roots go beyond sustainability and innovation. With clean lines and functional beauty, Polestar’s cars are a salute to the Nordic principle of simplicity.

“We’re minimalist, but recognisable,” Matt claims. “We want to be the most driver-focused electric car brand globally.” This emphasis on the driving experience has resonated with UK car enthusiasts, earning Polestar rave reviews. One UK critic described Polestar vehicles as being “built for drivers who demand more than just a car – they want an experience.”

Polestar’s design aesthetic also reflects the brand’s Nordic origins, capturing the essence of a crisp winter day – striking, refined, and functional.

The Swedish connection
Scandi-design isn’t the only Swedish influence on Polestar; the brand’s engineering is also shaped by the country’s driving culture. Known for their love of winter sports and challenging conditions, Swedes bring that same approach to their vehicles. Every Polestar is built to perform in all terrains, making it well-suited for the UK’s varied landscape.

“The UK loves its cars, and we’ve got the right fit here with our long-range electric vehicles that can go over 400 miles on a single charge,” says Matt. Whether it’s city streets or rural lanes, Polestar is designed to meet the needs of drivers across the UK.

SCC UK membership
Now a proud Member of the SCC UK network, Polestar is strengthening its ties with the Swedish-British business community. “As a Swedish brand with a UK presence, it makes perfect sense to be a member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK. We’re really looking forward to working with the best businesses and entrepreneurs in the country to fly the flag for Sweden here,” says Matt.

And with a guiding star such as Polestar leading the way, the path ahead sure looks bright for electric mobility in the UK – proving that a more sustainable future can be as stylish as it is innovative.