The Polestar electric roadster is a two-seater convertible planned for release in the mid-2020s

Polestar, the electric vehicle brand owned by Volvo, announced plans for an open-top electric roadster that will sit above its current lineup. The car is designed as a high-performance convertible with two seats, targeting drivers who want sports car handling in an electric package. Polestar has not yet released a firm launch date, though the company has indicated the roadster will arrive sometime between 2026 and 2027.

This is a vehicle still in development, so many specifications remain subject to change. Polestar has shared design sketches and performance targets, but final pricing, battery range, and charging speed have not been confirmed. If you are considering a Polestar roadster, understanding what the company has committed to versus what remains uncertain will help you decide whether to wait or explore other options now.

Key Takeaways

  • The Polestar roadster is a two-seater convertible electric car expected to launch in 2026 or 2027, not available for purchase today.
  • Polestar has stated the roadster will use a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive and performance-focused handling, though exact horsepower and acceleration figures have not been finalized.
  • The company has not yet announced the battery size, driving range, or charging specifications, so real-world performance remains unknown.
  • Pricing has not been disclosed, but Polestar roadsters typically cost more than the brand's sedan models, which currently start around $50,000 to $60,000.

What Polestar has confirmed about the roadster's design and performance

Polestar released design renderings showing a low-slung convertible with a long hood and short rear overhang, styled to evoke traditional sports cars. The company emphasized that the roadster will prioritize driving dynamics—the way the car handles and responds to steering—rather than maximum range or cargo space. This means the roadster is being engineered for twisty roads and track days, not long highway trips.

The roadster will use two electric motors, one at each axle, giving it all-wheel drive. Dual motors allow independent control of front and rear wheels, which Polestar says will improve cornering grip and stability. The company has not released final power figures, but early statements suggest the roadster will be one of Polestar's most powerful models. For comparison, the current Polestar 3 (an SUV) produces around 510 horsepower; the roadster is expected to match or exceed that output.

Polestar has also confirmed the roadster will use a platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, not adapted from a gas-powered car. This allows the battery to sit low in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity and improves handling. The company has not disclosed the battery size or whether it will offer multiple battery options at launch.

Battery range and charging details remain unconfirmed

Polestar has not released official range estimates for the roadster. The company's current models—the Polestar 2 sedan and Polestar 3 SUV—achieve between 260 and 315 miles of range depending on the battery and driving conditions. The roadster's range will likely fall somewhere in that window, but a lighter two-seater body could potentially extend range compared to heavier models, or the focus on performance could reduce it.

Similarly, charging speed has not been announced. Polestar's current vehicles support DC fast charging at speeds up to 200 kilowatts on some models, allowing a 10 to 80 percent charge in roughly 30 minutes at a compatible charger. The roadster may offer similar or faster charging, but this remains speculation until Polestar releases official data.

If you are deciding whether to wait for the roadster or purchase an electric vehicle now, the lack of range and charging details makes it difficult to compare directly to competitors. You may want to test-drive current Polestar models or other electric roadsters (such as the Tesla Roadster, also in development) to understand what performance and range matter most to you.

Pricing and availability timeline

Polestar has not announced a price for the roadster. Current Polestar models start around $50,000 for the Polestar 2 sedan and climb to $70,000 or more for the Polestar 3 SUV, depending on options and battery size. A high-performance convertible typically commands a premium, so the roadster will likely start above $70,000, but this is not confirmed.

The roadster is not available to order or reserve through Polestar's website as of now. The company has indicated it will open reservations or pre-orders closer to the launch window, likely in 2025 or early 2026. Polestar typically requires a deposit to reserve a vehicle, though the amount and refund policy have not been detailed for the roadster.

If you want to stay informed about the roadster's development, Polestar publishes updates on its official website and social media channels. Signing up for Polestar's newsletter or following the brand directly is the most reliable way to learn when reservations open and when final specifications are released.

How the Polestar roadster compares to other electric sports cars

The electric roadster market is small but growing. Tesla announced a new Roadster in 2017 with a planned launch in 2025, though that timeline has shifted multiple times. Tesla's Roadster is expected to be a high-performance two-seater with acceleration in the low two-second range (0 to 60 mph), making it significantly faster than most production cars. Pricing for the Tesla Roadster is expected to start around $200,000, substantially higher than typical Polestar models.

Porsche offers the Taycan, a four-seater electric sports car starting around $80,000. The Taycan prioritizes track performance and handling similar to Polestar's stated goals for the roadster, though it seats four instead of two. BMW's i8 (a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric) and the upcoming BMW i Vision Next concept suggest the traditional luxury brands are exploring electric sports cars, though none have launched a direct competitor to the Polestar roadster yet.

The Polestar roadster will likely position itself between the Porsche Taycan (in price and performance focus) and the Tesla Roadster (in brand prestige and acceleration). If you prioritize handling and design over maximum speed, the Polestar roadster may appeal to you more than the Tesla. If you want the fastest acceleration possible, the Tesla Roadster will likely remain the leader.

What you should consider before waiting for the roadster

Waiting for a vehicle that is still in development carries real risks. Polestar could delay the launch further, change the specifications significantly, or price the roadster higher than expected. Development timelines for electric vehicles often slip, and market conditions (battery costs, supply chain disruptions, demand) can shift between now and 2026.

If you need an electric vehicle now, waiting two or more years is not practical. Current Polestar models and competitors like the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model 3, and Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (a plug-in hybrid) are available today and offer proven performance and range. If you are straightforward curious about the roadster or enjoy following automotive news, tracking its development is harmless, but do not assume it will launch on schedule or meet every stated goal.

Consider your actual driving needs: Do you need a convertible, or would a coupe or sedan serve you better? Do you drive long distances regularly, or mostly around town? Do you prioritize acceleration and handling, or range and practicality? Answering these questions honestly will help you decide whether the Polestar roadster is worth waiting for or whether another vehicle would better suit you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve or pre-order the Polestar roadster now?

No. Polestar has not opened reservations or pre-orders for the roadster. The company typically opens pre-orders closer to launch, likely in 2025 or early 2026. Check Polestar's official website or sign up for their newsletter to learn when reservations become available.

Will the Polestar roadster be faster than the current Polestar 3?

Likely yes, though Polestar has not released exact acceleration figures. The roadster is designed as a performance-focused sports car, while the Polestar 3 is an SUV. A lighter body and dual-motor setup suggest the roadster will accelerate faster, but final numbers depend on battery size and motor tuning.

How does the Polestar roadster compare to the Tesla Roadster?

Both are electric two-seater convertibles in development, but they target different buyers. The Tesla Roadster emphasizes extreme acceleration and is expected to cost around $200,000. The Polestar roadster will likely focus on handling and design at a lower price point, though exact specifications remain unconfirmed.

What if the Polestar roadster is delayed past 2027?

Delays are common in automotive development. If the roadster slips beyond 2027, Polestar will likely announce the new timeline on its website. There is no penalty to you for a delay since you cannot reserve the car yet; you straightforward wait longer or choose a different vehicle.

Will the roadster be available outside the United States?

Polestar sells vehicles globally, so the roadster will likely be available in Europe, Asia, and other markets where Polestar operates. Pricing and launch timing may vary by region. Polestar's regional websites will have market-specific information once the roadster is closer to launch.