The Polestar 3 has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest journey travelled by an electric SUV on a single charge.

The brand’s largest SUV was put to the test on a real-world journey and achieved 581.3 miles compared to an official WLTP figure of 438 miles.

The model tested was the recently launched Long Range Single Motor variant, which was pushed to its limits by professional efficiency drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker.

The production-standard large SUV – which received no modifications whatsoever for the attempt – was adjudicated by Guinness World Records’ own judge and the attempt was supported by Webfleet and the AA.

The record-breaking run took 22 hours and 57 minutes to complete in mixed weather conditions including rain – and the drivers switched every three hours to maintain alertness.

The Polestar 3 achieved its WLTP figure of 438 miles with 20% of its battery capacity still available and actually delivered 8 further miles after showing 0% battery – and reached a charger before ultimately stopping.

The journey began near Norwich and took in mostly flat A- and B-roads as well as dual carriageways when required.

The attempt was supported by the AA to ensure safety and to assist if the vehicle was not near a charger when the battery eventually ran out.

Webfleet also provided support with its fleet management solution, delivering meticulously documented and independently verified third-party data verification including video footage, odometer readings, GPS readings and battery level data to enable official record validation.

Matt Galvin, Polestar UK managing director said: “While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years. For a large luxury SUV to go way beyond a London to Edinburgh distance is truly impressive.

“When this achievement is coupled together with real-world independent tests such as Norway’s El Prix winter range test earlier in the year where the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor won against 23 other electric vehicles, it goes to show: long distances are perfectly achievable with minimal fuss.

“Add to this rapid charging with up to 250kW allowing a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes, the adage that ‘EVs can’t go far’ has been very much consigned to the history books.”

Driver Sam Clarke said: “Since we first started setting records, we have noticed how much more driving it is taking to achieve them! While we aim to push the car to the limits the car is also pushing us to our limits. I am pleased to be setting the first electric SUV journey record, and to do it in such a capable EV such as the Polestar 3 has been a real pleasure.”