Polestar engineers and tests EVs for icy conditions

In March 2025, a journalist traveled to Jokkmokk, Sweden, to participate in winter testing of electric vehicles from Polestar. This location, situated above the Arctic Circle, provided the unique opportunity to drive Polestar EVs on an icy lake called Stor-Skabram, where the frozen surface was approximately one meter thick. Despite the challenges cold weather poses to electric vehicles, such as battery performance issues and the need for precise responsive software engineering, Polestar has successfully created cars capable of performing confidently in these harsh conditions. The experience was enhanced by the company’s focus on winter weather adaptability. The vehicles utilized by Polestar are equipped with NMC battery cells, allowing them to operate more efficiently than some other EVs that rely on cheaper LFP batteries. During the test, the reporter noted that driving these performance-oriented vehicles in extreme cold temperatures was an exhilarating experience. Polestar's approach to handling cold weather involved maintaining optimal battery temperatures as well as using advanced software systems to ensure steady performance despite the challenges presented by icy roads. Polestar also emphasizes its Scandinavian heritage in its engineering and design philosophy. Head of Product Beatrice Simonsson explained how the company’s history positively influences its commitment to sustainability and innovative technology, particularly in addressing the impacts of climate change. However, there was an intriguing contradiction in the sustainability narrative, such as the carbon footprint associated with flying journalists to such remote locations for testing. Participants were reminded of these complexities even as they celebrated the vehicles' adeptness on ice. As the testing progressed, the journalist experienced firsthand the balance Polestar strives to achieve between performance and energy efficiency in its electric vehicles. Although it is known that cold weather challenges battery efficiency, the engineering team at Polestar seemed to be fortified by their expertise, confidently demonstrating how their electric vehicles could handle adverse conditions. This winter testing serves as a hallmark of Polestar's commitment to producing robust and fun electric vehicles capable of excelling in some of the world's harshest environments.