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
The Polestar 5 charges faster with a peak of 370 kW DC, while the Tesla Model 3 is more efficient at 147 Wh/km. The Polestar 5 offers more WLTP rated range at 660 km.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Polestar 5 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (approx.) | ~106 kWh | ~57.5 kWh |
| WLTP range (rated) | ~660 km | ~513 km |
| Efficiency (approx.) | ~183 Wh/km | ~147 Wh/km |
| Max DC charging | up to 370 kW | up to 175 kW |
| 10-80% charge time (approx.) | ~18 min | ~24 min |
| Max AC charging | up to 22 kW | up to 11 kW |
| DC connector | CCS2 | CCS2 |
Charging Speed
The Polestar 5 has a peak DC charging speed of 370 kW, which is roughly 111% faster than the Tesla Model 3 at 175 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 Polestar 5 finishes in about 18 minutes, which is 6 minutes quicker than the Tesla Model 3 at 24 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.
Range and Efficiency
The Polestar 5 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 660 km, which is roughly 147 km more than the Tesla Model 3 at approximately 513 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 3 consumes 147 Wh/km, compared to 183 Wh/km for the Polestar 5. That means the Tesla Model 3 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 5 has approximately 106 kWh of useable battery , while the Tesla Model 3 has approximately 57.5 kWh.
Which One Should You Choose?
If fast charging speed is your priority, the Polestar 5 wins on both peak power (up to 370 kW) and time at the plug (approximately 18 minutes from 10-80%). For long road trips with multiple charging stops, that faster turnaround makes a real difference.
For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the Polestar 5 supports up to 22 kW, compared to 11 kW for the Tesla Model 3. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can mean charging roughly twice as fast at those locations.
If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Tesla Model 3 is the more efficient choice at 147 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.
For maximum range between charges, the Polestar 5 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 660 km, which is roughly 147 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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