Volvo Cars and Polestar have announced the new Polestar 7. An all-electric compact SUV, will be manufactured at Volvo’s newest state-of-the-art factory in Košice, Slovakia. The July 3, 2025, announcement is a major milestone in Polestar’s plan. To increase its European manufacturing base and decrease dependence on Chinese production as global tariffs rise.
Polestar 7: Production Timeline and Facility Facts
- Market Launch: 2028
- Plant: Volvo’s Košice plant, currently being built since 2023
- Capacity: 250,000 electric cars per year
- Sustainability: The factory will be climate-neutral, reflecting Volvo’s aim to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The Polestar 7 will be the second production model from the Košice factory. After an as-yet-unannounced next-gen Volvo model. Production at the factory will commence in 2026.
Polestar 7: Key Features and Technology
- Platform: Common Volvo technology foundation. Including next-generation cell-to-body battery architecture for enhanced energy density and performance.
- Motors: Internally developed Volvo e-motors.
- Software: Common cloud infrastructure and over-the-air update functionality, permitting long-term feature development.
- Design: Teaser shots indicate a premium compact SUV with Polestar’s characteristic design language and athletic driving characteristics.
Strategic and Industry Context
This action is being viewed as a reaction to the 28.8% duty on Chinese-assembled EVs. These are imported to Europe and even greater duties for the United States. Which have made Polestar considerably less competitive in the markets. Local production in Slovakia is intended by Polestar to:
- Escape punitive tariffs.
- Take advantage of Europe’s mature automotive supply chains and experienced labor force.
- Enhance logistics and access to critical markets.
Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars’ President and CEO. Underscored the significance of the partnership. “This partnership follows on from the success of our combined work on Polestar 2 and 3. Combining synergies in order to bring outstanding vehicles designed specifically to meet unique market demands.”
Polestar focused on the fact that, although technology will be shared with Volvo. The Polestar 7 will maintain the brand’s signature design and driving behavior. Thus enabling differentiation in the premium EV market.
ELCTRIK Speaks
The European production of the Polestar 7 marks a new beginning for the automaker. Which has relied on Chinese, South Korean, and American manufacturing in the past. The 2028 launch will put Polestar directly in the ring with other premium electric SUVs. Drawing on Volvo’s engineering prowess and manufacturing capabilities while retaining its own identity.
