Polestar's US Sales Die in 2027 as Commerce Blocks Chinese-Linked Imports

Polestar will not sell a single new car in the US after model year 2026. The Commerce Department formally declined to authorize imports from model year 2027 onward, citing a rule that bans connected cars from automakers with Chinese links.

Chinese Ownership Kills the Future Lineup

Polestar is wholly owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding, a Chinese company that also owns Volvo, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. The connected-vehicle rule, finalized under the Biden administration, targets any vehicle with Chinese ownership or supply chain ties to the point of barring import.

Existing stock of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 SUVs can still be sold. Polestar says it "will continue to support customers, including providing access to its service network." But the Polestar 5 sedan, the Polestar 6 roadster, and any future models never reach US showrooms.

Volvo Gets a Pass, Polestar Does Not

Just weeks ago, Commerce authorized Volvo to import model year 2027 vehicles. Both are under Geely, but Volvo's deeper US manufacturing and supply chain integration likely swayed the decision. Polestar told Ars it was "continuing to work with US authorities" - that work evidently failed.

What This Means for US EV Buyers

The ruling effectively eliminates a niche EV brand from the US market. Polestar had carved out a small but loyal customer base with its design-forward approach and Android Automotive infotainment. Without new models, the brand fades into a service-and-support skeleton after existing inventory runs out.

Expect other Chinese-linked automakers to face similar scrutiny. The Commerce Department's interpretation of the rule leaves little room for Geely-owned brands, even when one (Volvo) slips through the crack. Polestar's US chapter ends in 2026.

Source: Feds deny Polestar authorization to sell cars in US from model year 2027
Domain: arstechnica.com