'We drove nearly 600 miles on a single charge in standard EV - here's how'

A team of drivers have smashed the world record for the longest distance travelled by an electric SUV on a single charge. The Polestar 3, a large electric SUV from Polestar, clocked up an impressive 581.3 miles (935.44km), easily surpassing its advertised range.

The recently launched Long Range Single Motor model was put through its paces and exceeded the stated figure of 438 miles (706 km) by professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker in a gruelling test of endurance. The SUV achieved an efficiency of 19.5 kWh /100 miles (5.13 m/kWh) (12.1 kWh/100 km).

Guinness World Records' own adjudicator, Paulina Sapinska, oversaw the event, with Webfleet, Bridgestone's fleet management solution, providing meticulously documented and independently verified video footage, odometer readings, GPS readings and battery level data.

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The car underwent no modifications for the attempt and was equipped with standard 20-inch wheels fitted with standard Michelin Sport 4 EV tyres. The attempt took 22 hours and 57 minutes to complete in mixed weather conditions, including rain, and the drivers rotated every three hours to maintain alertness.

The Polestar 3 managed to achieve its WLTP figure of 438 miles with 20% of its battery capacity still intact, and even delivered an additional eight miles after indicating a 0% battery level - but it made it to a charger before ultimately coming to a halt. The AA was on hand to ensure safety and provide assistance if the vehicle wasn't near a charger when the battery finally depleted.

Polestar UK's managing director, Matt Galvin, said: "While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years. For a large luxury SUV to go way beyond a London to Edinburgh distance is truly impressive.

"When this achievement is coupled together with real-world independent tests such as Norway's El Prix winter range test earlier in the year where the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor won against 23 other electric vehicles, it goes to show: long distances are perfectly achievable with minimal fuss.

"Add to this rapid charging with up to 250kW allowing a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes, the adage that 'EVs can't go far' has been very much consigned to the history books."

Sam Clarke said: "Since we first started setting records, we have noticed how much more driving it is taking to achieve them! While we aim to push the car to the limits the car is also pushing us to our limits. I am pleased to be setting the first electric SUV journey record, and to do it in such a capable EV like the Polestar 3 has been a real pleasure."

Kevin Booker said: "Setting this record alongside Sam and Richard is a great achievement – especially in a large SUV such as the Polestar 3. There's always jeopardy, and our attempt could have been hampered by the adverse weather conditions and traffic we experienced – there was a lot of standing water during part of the day, meaning more resistance from the tyres and lower efficiency.

"But, finishing up on 0% at nearly one o'clock in the morning knowing we'd beaten previous records was a fantastic feeling!"

Richard Parker said: "After the rain subsided, we had a few more challenges on our hands, including some interest from the local constabulary. When they realised our official attempt was ultra-efficiency, and they had wished us good luck - we were back on track and getting into our routine of driving shifts until a last-minute road closure near Melton Mowbray was an additional test for us to face.

"It was another proof point that the record isn't just down to the driver, but also the passenger – quick-thinking co-pilot navigation was just as vital as battery management for this attempt."