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Charging Comparison

Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y

Updated March 2026

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Data shown is approximate and based on publicly available specifications and real-world estimates. Actual performance varies with driving conditions, temperature, state of charge, and charger hardware. Always check your vehicle's manual for official specifications. EVcourse is not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer.

Quick verdict

Both cars peak at 250 kW DC charging. The Tesla Model Y is more efficient at 165 Wh/km. The Polestar 3 offers more WLTP rated range at 631 km.

Side-by-Side Specs

Spec Polestar 3 Tesla Model Y
Battery (approx.) ~107 kWh ~75 kWh
WLTP range (rated) ~631 km ~586 km
Efficiency (approx.) ~202 Wh/km ~165 Wh/km
Max DC charging up to 250 kW up to 250 kW
10-80% charge time (approx.) ~30 min ~27 min
Max AC charging up to 11 kW up to 11 kW
DC connector CCS2 CCS2

Charging Speed

The Tesla Model Y has a peak DC charging speed of 250 kW, which is comparable to the Polestar 3 at 250 kW. In practice, peak speed only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

For the 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the Tesla Model Y finishes in about 27 minutes, which is 3 minutes quicker than the Polestar 3 at 30 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The Polestar 3 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 631 km, which is roughly 45 km more than the Tesla Model Y at approximately 586 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Tesla Model Y consumes 165 Wh/km, compared to 202 Wh/km for the Polestar 3. That means the Tesla Model Y uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Polestar 3 has approximately 107 kWh of useable battery , while the Tesla Model Y has approximately 75 kWh.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both cars offer similar DC fast charging at 250 kW peak. For road trips, the one with more range between stops may be more practical.

Both cars support 11 kW AC charging, so home and workplace charging speeds will be similar.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Tesla Model Y is the more efficient choice at 165 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the Polestar 3 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 631 km, which is roughly 45 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.

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From Finn, engineer: Charging specs alone do not tell the full story. Real-world charging speed depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the charger itself. These comparisons use manufacturer-published data. Approximate values only.

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