Polestar exits U.S. market over new connected‑vehicle safety rules

U.S. regulators have refused Polestar’s request for a special authorization that would allow the Swedish electric‑vehicle brand to continue selling new models in the United States after the 2027 model year. Citing concerns that software and data systems originating from China could pose national‑security risks, the Bureau of Industry and Security concluded that the company’s connected‑vehicle technology does not meet the new safety standards.

Polestar announced it will withdraw from the U.S. market, discount its remaining inventory of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 units, and concentrate future growth on Europe, where the brand already accounts for roughly 80 % of its sales. The decision follows a similar situation for Volvo, also owned by China’s Geely, which secured the required permission, highlighting the inconsistent regulatory treatment of the two sister brands. The pull‑out is expected to affect the resale value of existing Polestar vehicles in the United States.