Electric car smashes world record for longest distance travelled on a single charge - 'Fantastic!'

This is well beyond the tested WLTP battery range of 348 miles (706km) and represents a significant breakthrough for the capabilities of electric vehicles.

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Professional drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker helped the SUV achieve an impressive efficiency of 19.5kWh per 100 miles.

The car was not modified in any way prior to the attempt, and was on standard 20-inch wheels with standard Michelin Sport 4 tyres designed for electric vehicles.

In total, the attempt took 22 hours and 57 minutes. The drivers switched every three hours to maintain alertness and had to deal with varying types of weather.

The Polestar 3 managed to retain a staggering 20 per cent of its battery when the drivers reached 20 per cent of its battery capacity.

Even when the SUV reached zero per cent, the car still delivered an additional eight miles.

Although the AA was present to support the drivers if they could not reach a charger before running out of battery, the Polestar managed to reach a public charger before coming to a stop.

Matt Galvin, Polestar UK's managing director, highlighted how impressive the feat was for an electric SUV to travel from the distance of London to Edinburgh and beyond on a single charge.

He noted that the drivers, Kevin, Sam and Richard, managed to push the Polestar 3 beyond its advertised capabilities.

Galvin stated that the Guinness World Record success was clear evidence that the battery range of electric vehicles had come on leaps and bounds in recent years.

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He added: "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 per cent charge in 30 minutes, the adage that 'EVs can't go far' has been very much consigned to the history books."

One of the drivers, Sam Clarke, said the Guinness World Record attempt pushed the three motorists to their limits, but praised the Polestar 3 for being a "real pleasure".

Kevin Booker, who holds multiple driving world records, added that the attempt could have been ruined by weather conditions or traffic, but said it was a "fantastic feeling" once they continued driving after reaching zero per cent battery.

"After the rain subsided, we had a few more challenges on our hands including some interest from the local constabulary," Richard Parker said.

He added: "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."

The luxury Polestar 3 starts from £69,910 and has a 0-60mph acceleration speed of 4.7 seconds. For a limited time, drivers can save up to £2,000 off the vehicle list price.

Polestar describes the model as being an SUV but "driving like a sports car", with the EV helping the Swedish brand sell 30,319 cars in the first year of 2025.

Compared to the same period in 2024, Polestar has seen an impressive 51 per cent growth in new registrations, with CEO Michael Lohscheller, describing it as "another strong quarter of growth".