Polestar is banned in the US, but we still want its latest concept car
Concept car previews future Polestar designs, yet US buyers face a ban on new models starting in 2027
Quick Look
- Polestar unveiled the Formula 2030 concept EV, previewing design elements for future production models including the Polestar 2 successor and Polestar 7 SUV.
- However, starting in 2027, the US Bureau of Industry and Security will block Polestar from selling new models in the United States under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts vehicles with Chinese or Russian software or hardware unless authorized.
- Polestar, majority-owned by China's Geely, has not received authorization, while Volvo under the same parent company has.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Polestar is majority-owned by China's Geely. The US Bureau of Industry and Security enforces the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts sale of cars with software or hardware from China or Russia unless automakers receive authorization. Volvo, also under Geely, has received authorization.
Polestar's new concept EV understands the assignment: build hype for the brand by showcasing a futuristic car that gets auto enthusiasts drooling. But if you live in the US, you can't buy the Formula 2030. To be fair, nobody can buy it, since it's a concept. However, unless something changes, Americans won't be able to buy the future EVs it inspires, either.
Starting in 2027, the US Bureau of Industry and Security won't let Polestar sell new models. The decision stems from the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts the sale of cars with software or hardware from China or Russia. The only exception is if automakers get authorization, which Polestar hasn't received. Polestar is majority-owned by China's Geely; Volvo falls under the same parent company, but it received authorization.
That said, if you're the type to get excited about a car you know you'll never own, the Formula 2030 offers plenty of eye candy. The low, compact four-door sports car stands just 53 inches tall and measures 184 inches long. It has Polestar's Dual Blade headlights, a wraparound windshield and what Polestar describes as a "UFO-esque" rear.
Polestar skipped the full-width light bar common on EVs in favor of Single Blade rear lights, which the company says will appear on future production models. There's even a concealed LiDAR sensor that only appears when the car switches to autonomous mode.
On the inside, there's a 20-inch curved driver display mounted on the steering column, with customizable physical controls (real buttons!) below a 12.2-inch center screen. Four individual seats have inflatable bolsters that adjust to whoever's sitting in them, and the seat backs are made from a combination of European flax and bio-based polypropylene. The car uses Google Gemini for voice control.
Polestar says elements of the design will appear on the Polestar 2's successor (coming in 2027) and the Polestar 7 SUV (expected in 2028).
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Polestar will seek authorization from the US Bureau of Industry and Security before 2027
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Why has Polestar not received authorization while Volvo has?
- What specific Chinese software or hardware in Polestar vehicles triggers the restriction?
- Will Polestar seek authorization before 2027?
