Polestar has announced its upcoming compact electric SUV, the Polestar 7, will be built at Volvo’s new Slovakia factory in 2028, marking the first European-manufactured Polestar vehicle and leveraging advanced shared technology from Volvo’s cutting-edge SPA3 platform.
The automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and the latest development comes from Polestar’s strategic partnership with Volvo for the upcoming 2028 Polestar 7.
This compact electric SUV represents a significant milestone for both brands, combining Polestar’s performance-focused DNA with Volvo’s advanced technological foundation to create what promises to be a game-changing vehicle in the premium compact SUV segment.
Strategic Partnership and Manufacturing Revolution
Slovakia Factory: A European Manufacturing Hub
Polestar and Volvo have signed a memorandum of understanding for the Polestar 7 to be produced at Volvo’s upcoming factory in Kosice, Slovakia, which represents a significant shift in Polestar’s manufacturing strategy. The new facility represents a substantial investment in European manufacturing capabilities, addressing both strategic and economic considerations for the Geely-owned brands.
The Kosice plant, costing 1.2 billion euros to develop, will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 250,000 units and offers excellent logistical connections to European markets along with a developed supplier base. This strategic location provides several advantages beyond mere production capacity.
Avoiding Trade Barriers Through Local Production
One of the most significant benefits of European manufacturing is circumventing trade complications. Producing the vehicle in Europe means it won’t be subject to tariffs imposed by the European Union on Chinese vehicle imports. This positioning gives Polestar a competitive advantage in pricing and market accessibility across European markets.
This will be Polestar’s first European-built car, as previous models have been manufactured in Asia and North America. The diversification of manufacturing locations demonstrates Polestar’s commitment to global market expansion and supply chain resilience.
Revolutionary Technology Integration
SPA3 Platform: The Foundation of Innovation
The technological heart of the Polestar 7 lies in its platform sharing with Volvo. The vehicle will utilize Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, designed from the ground up for electric vehicles rather than being adapted from an internal combustion engine architecture. This represents a significant advancement over previous generation platforms.
The SPA3 platform offers significantly greater scalability than its SPA2 predecessor and is designed to develop future models faster and more cost-effectively. This scalability allows both brands to leverage shared development costs while maintaining their distinct identities and performance characteristics.
Advanced Battery and Motor Technology
The Polestar 7 will feature cell-to-body construction methods, next-generation battery density and performance, and in-house developed electric motors, benefiting from Geely’s most advanced battery technology. The integration of these technologies promises exceptional efficiency and performance capabilities.
The battery technology draws inspiration from some of the fastest-charging electric vehicles in the world. Geely brands in China have developed some of the fastest-charging EVs globally, like Zeekr’s 007 that can charge from 10% to 80% in 10.5 minutes. This technological foundation suggests the Polestar 7 could inherit remarkable charging capabilities.
Design Philosophy and Market Positioning
Compact SUV Segment Strategy
The Polestar 7 represents a strategic positioning within the compact SUV market. Rather than competing with luxury sedans, it’s positioned as a compact electric SUV and likely a corporate cousin to models like the Volvo EX30, Smart #3, and Zeekr X from elsewhere within the Geely empire.
Unlike the swoopy, four-door coupe style of the Polestar 4, the Polestar 7 appears more upright, boxier, and traditional SUV-like in its design approach. This differentiation allows Polestar to address different market segments with distinct vehicle characteristics while maintaining brand coherence.
Performance and Design Heritage
Despite sharing significant technology with Volvo, Polestar emphasizes its unique identity. CEO Michael Lohscheller has stated that regardless of shared components, the 7 will “behave totally like a Polestar,” with R&D teams working to ensure Polestar DNA in chassis tuning, behavior, look and feel.
Polestar promises “adaptations will be made to create the driving experience and performance characteristics that Polestar is known for,” ensuring the vehicle maintains the brand’s sporty driving characteristics that are instantly recognizable.
Manufacturing Excellence and Innovation
Advanced Production Techniques
The Slovakia facility will incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing processes. The plant will utilize giga casting for large aluminum body parts, similar to Tesla’s approach, creating lighter, stronger components while reducing manufacturing complexity. This technique represents a significant advancement in automotive manufacturing efficiency.
The megacasting process can produce components in 120 seconds versus an hour for traditional methods, while being up to 20 percent lighter and offering equal or better crash performance. These improvements translate directly into vehicle performance, safety, and production efficiency benefits.
Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture
The Polestar 7 will feature Volvo’s Superset software stack, which consists of standardized modules, hardware and software, representing a Tesla-like software-first approach that allows constant vehicle upgrades through over-the-air updates. This capability ensures the vehicle remains current with technological developments throughout its lifecycle.
Market Impact and Future Implications
Competitive Positioning
CEO Michael Lohscheller stated that with “design and sporty driving characteristics that are instantly recognizable, Polestar 7 will set new standards in the premium compact SUV segment.” This ambitious positioning suggests significant confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities and market potential.
The strategy of utilizing group architectures gives Polestar access to the best, latest technologies in a cost-efficient manner. This approach allows the relatively small brand to compete effectively against larger, more established competitors by leveraging shared development costs and advanced technologies.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2028 |
| Manufacturing Location | Kosice, Slovakia |
| Platform | Volvo SPA3 |
| Factory Capacity | 250,000 units annually |
| Investment | €1.2 billion |
| Vehicle Type | Compact Electric SUV |
| Technology Base | Shared with Volvo EX60 |
| Key Features | Cell-to-body construction, giga casting, OTA updates |
The 2028 Polestar 7 represents more than just another electric SUV launch; it symbolizes the successful integration of advanced manufacturing, shared technological development, and strategic market positioning. By leveraging Volvo’s cutting-edge SPA3 platform and establishing European manufacturing capabilities, Polestar positions itself for significant growth in the competitive compact SUV segment while maintaining its performance-focused brand identity.
The Strategic Takeaway: This collaboration demonstrates how automotive partnerships can accelerate innovation while reducing development costs, potentially setting a template for future industry collaborations in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Polestar 7 be available for purchase? A: The Polestar 7 is scheduled to enter production in 2028 at Volvo’s new Slovakia factory, with market availability expected shortly after production begins.
Q: How does the Polestar 7 differ from other Polestar models? A: The Polestar 7 is a compact SUV with a more traditional, upright design compared to the swoopy Polestar 4, and will be built on Volvo’s advanced SPA3 platform rather than Polestar-specific architecture.
Q: Will the Polestar 7 be available globally? A: While initial production focuses on European markets due to the Slovakia manufacturing location, Polestar typically launches models globally, though specific market availability hasn’t been confirmed yet.
