Polestar Denied U.S. Authorization for 2027 Models, Owners Fear Service Disruptions
PSNY•Polestar was denied U.S. authorization to sell its 2027 model year vehicles under a federal rule targeting Chinese-connected vehicle technology, jeopardizing future sales. Dealers and owners warn of falling resale values and potential service network disruptions despite guaranteed support for pre-2027 models.
1. Authorization Denial
Polestar received notification that its 2027 model year vehicles cannot be sold in the U.S. under a federal rule enacted in January 2025 that restricts cars with Chinese-linked connected-vehicle technology. The company, majority-owned by Geely Holding, planned to launch the Polestar 4 SUV and Polestar 7 compact SUV in the U.S. market in 2027.
2. Owner and Dealer Concerns
Prospective buyers who ordered 2024 and later models are now questioning long-term warranty coverage and software updates beyond 2027, while dealers face uncertainty over used-car inventory and service revenue. Several Polestar dealerships built capacity for new models and are now assessing how to sustain operations with only pre-2027 vehicles.
3. Polestar Response
The company confirmed it will continue to sell and service all model years prior to 2027 and maintain its existing U.S. service network. Polestar has not specified plans to modify its connected-vehicle architecture or pursue internal technology changes to meet the rule’s requirements.
4. Industry Context
Volvo Cars, Polestar’s former parent and Geely affiliate, secured U.S. authorization for its Chinese-imported models in May, highlighting an uneven exemption process. Other automakers, including Ford Motor, are seeking narrow carve-outs for specific China-sourced models under the same federal regulation.
