Polestar 3 Production Now 100% Made in South Carolina

A South Carolina car factory is getting a major vote of confidence as all Polestar 3 electric SUVs will now be built exclusively in the United States.

Volvo and Polestar announced that their Charleston, South Carolina plant will become the sole production site for the Polestar 3, a midsize electric SUV. Until now, the vehicle was also being manufactured in Chengdu, China.

The consolidation makes sense when you look at the numbers. Polestar saw sales surge 34% in 2025, while parent company Volvo faced a tougher year with sales down 7%. Shifting more production to the successful electric brand's vehicles is a smart business move.

The Charleston factory has already transformed in recent years. It once built the Volvo S60 sedan, but now focuses on building big electric SUVs including the Volvo EX90 and the closely related Polestar 3.

The plant isn't slowing down anytime soon. The midsize electric Volvo EX60 will also start rolling off the line later this year, with a hybrid Volvo model planned for 2030.

The Ripple Effect

This production shift means more than just cars changing assembly locations. It represents growing confidence in American manufacturing for electric vehicles and creates stability for the Charleston workforce.

The move also comes with financial restructuring that strengthens both companies. Volvo extended part of a shareholder loan to Polestar and converted portions into stock, while Polestar raised $1 billion through new investments since December.

For customers, nothing changes except where their car was built. Polestar buyers still get access to Volvo's extensive service network across the country, making ownership easier no matter where they live.

The Charleston plant now stands as a hub for electric vehicle innovation, proving that American factories can compete globally in the rapidly growing EV market.