Polestar 7 to Roll Off European Assembly Lines in Slovakia
Polestar is stepping up its game. The Swedish electric performance brand has just confirmed that its upcoming premium compact SUV, the Polestar 7, will be built in Europe. More specifically, the sleek all-electric model will be manufactured at Volvo Cars’ new plant in Kosice, Slovakia. This is no minor decision—it marks a pivotal moment in Polestar’s push to widen its manufacturing footprint across continents.
In a recent memorandum of understanding inked between Polestar and Volvo Cars, both companies have agreed to manufacture the Polestar 7 at the Slovakian facility ahead of its scheduled 2028 launch. The move puts Europe right at the heart of Polestar’s strategic roadmap, tapping into logistical and supply chain efficiencies that only a well-placed European site can offer.
Leveraging Group Strengths with Geely and Volvo
Polestar 7 isn’t being developed in a silo. It will be built on a technology foundation drawn from the broader Geely Holding Group, especially leveraging platforms and innovations from Volvo Cars. That means the new SUV will feature next-gen cell-to-body battery integration, upgraded e-motors, and an architecture designed to streamline production while enhancing performance.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, was clear on the importance of this move: “Working with Volvo Cars to develop and manufacture Polestar 7 in Europe is a unique opportunity that will strengthen our position in our home market. Our strategy of utilising Group architectures as the base for our future model line-up gives us access to the best, latest technologies, in a cost-efficient manner. With a design and sporty driving characteristics that are instantly recognisable, Polestar 7 will set new standards in the premium compact SUV segment.”
The collaboration also exemplifies the ongoing synergy between Volvo Cars and Polestar. As Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, put it: “Our collaboration with Polestar on the development and manufacturing of the Polestar 7 underscores how Volvo Cars and Polestar continue to leverage synergies to efficiently deliver outstanding vehicles built for our distinct customer segments.”
Why Kosice? The Location Advantage
Volvo Cars broke ground on its Kosice factory in 2023. Nestled in the eastern part of Slovakia, Kosice offers far more than just geographic centrality. The region boasts an already-established supplier base, robust infrastructure, and proximity to key European markets. That makes it a prime location not just for logistics, but also for tapping into skilled labour and automotive know-how.
Slovakia itself is no stranger to auto manufacturing. Home to plants operated by Volkswagen, Kia, and Stellantis, the country has earned a reputation as the Detroit of Europe. Polestar’s decision to assemble its future models here reinforces that reputation, while also anchoring itself closer to its European customer base.
A Future-Ready SUV
Polestar 7 is more than just a new vehicle—it represents a shift in how premium EVs are designed, engineered, and brought to market. Set to debut in 2028, the compact SUV is being developed with sustainability, performance, and design all baked into its DNA.
The vehicle will feature:
- Cell-to-body battery integration for better energy density
- High-performance in-house electric motors
- Lightweight yet rigid structural architecture
But it’s not just about what’s under the bonnet. Polestar is putting its distinctive design language front and centre, ensuring the Polestar 7 delivers the same sporty driving experience the brand is known for.
Polestar’s Expanding Global Strategy
Polestar’s manufacturing has so far spanned Asia and North America, but with the Polestar 7, Europe joins the fold. This isn’t just about expanding production for the sake of it. It’s about localising supply chains, cutting emissions from transport, and bringing the brand closer to its customers.
Here’s a quick look at the current and future Polestar line-up:
- Polestar 2 – Performance fastback currently on sale
- Polestar 3 – Electric SUV designed for family and long-range travel
- Polestar 4 – Sporty coupe-SUV with no rear window
- Polestar 5 – Luxury four-door GT coming in 2025
- Polestar 6 – Electric roadster due soon
- Polestar 7 – Premium compact SUV slated for 2028
This strategic progression is aimed at covering all major EV segments, and the decision to build Polestar 7 in Europe signals just how serious the brand is about reaching scale and staying relevant in a competitive market.
Sustainability at the Core
It would be remiss not to mention Polestar’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. The company isn’t just talking the talk—it’s walking it with measurable targets:
- Halve greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle by 2030
- Achieve climate-neutral operations across its value chain by 2040
- Enhance supply chain transparency
- Promote circularity and inclusion
With Europe tightening regulations on vehicle emissions and lifecycle carbon footprints, producing the Polestar 7 in Slovakia fits neatly into this sustainability framework. Reduced transport emissions, better control over regional sourcing, and access to renewable energy grids are all factors playing into this environmentally-conscious approach.
Designing for Tomorrow
At its core, Polestar has always prided itself on good design. The Polestar 7 will stay true to that ethos, combining form and function in a body style that’s both practical and aspirational. Early indications suggest a clean, minimalist design language, sharp lines, and a tech-forward cockpit. Given Polestar’s track record, the 7 is expected to blur the lines between utility and high performance.
And with the added benefit of cutting-edge Volvo and Geely tech under the skin, the driving experience promises to be just as refined as the aesthetics.
A Milestone in European EV Development
Polestar’s announcement is a vote of confidence in Europe’s manufacturing capabilities and a signal of its long-term ambitions. By locating production in Slovakia, Polestar isn’t just following a trend—it’s setting the stage for sustainable, high-performance electric mobility right in the heart of Europe.
The Polestar 7 isn’t just another SUV in a crowded market. It’s a carefully considered step forward in a brand journey that’s not afraid to take risks, break norms, and deliver innovation on four wheels.
