Polestar 2 vs Tesla Model 3: charging compared
Charging curves overlaid, time-to-charge at every common UK charger speed, and per-network cost — modelled on each car's actual charging behaviour.
At a 150kW UK rapid (10% → 80%): the Tesla Model 3 finishes in 24m, around 3 minutes ahead of the Polestar2 at 27m.
The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor and Tesla Model 3 Long Range are the obvious Scandinavian-vs-Californian comparison. Same price bracket, similar 400V architecture, both saloons (the Polestar is technically a fastback) and both aimed at the same buyer.
Charging: the Tesla peaks at 250kW on a Supercharger and holds it well; the Polestar peaks at 205kW and tapers earlier. On a 250kW charger the Model 3 finishes 10-80% in about 22 minutes; the Polestar takes about 30. At 150kW (more common in the UK) the gap is smaller because both are charger-limited.
Real-world efficiency favours the Tesla (~270Wh/mile vs ~290Wh/mile for the Polestar), and the Model 3 has the larger usable battery too. Cost per mile is meaningfully better on the Tesla on any tariff. At home both charge at 11kW AC.
Choose the Tesla for charging speed, range and Supercharger access; choose the Polestar for materials quality, design and the more European feel — but expect to pay slightly more per mile.
Charging behaviour
- Polestar 2
- Tesla Model 3
Time to charge by charger speed
SOC range 15% → 80%. Cells softer where the charger speed exceeds the car's peak DC — higher chargers deliver the same time.
| Car | 7kW | 22kW | 50kW | 100kW | 150kW | 250kW | 350kW | 400kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar 2 | 7h 20m avg 7kW | 4h 40m avg 11kW | 1h 2m avg 50kW | 32m avg 95kW | 25m avg 121kW | 23m avg 131kW | 23m avg 131kW | 23m avg 131kW |
| Tesla Model 3 | 6h 58m avg 7kW | 4h 26m avg 11kW | 58m avg 50kW | 30m avg 98kW | 22m avg 132kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW |
Public network cost
15% → 80% session at PAYG rates, cheapest 5 rapid networks.
| Network | 2 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger 58.0p/kWh | £29.78 | £28.27 |
| Pod Point 62.0p/kWh | £31.84 | £30.23 |
| Believ 66.0p/kWh | £33.89 | £32.17 |
| SWARCO eVolt 75.0p/kWh | £38.51 | £36.56 |
| Allego 78.0p/kWh | £40.05 | £38.02 |
Home charging cost
Full 0% → 100% on each common UK tariff, cheapest rate slot.
| Tariff | 2 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas Electric Driver 9.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.50 | £7.13 |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.11 | £6.75 |
| E.ON Next Drive 6.7p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.29 | £5.03 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go 6.9p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.45 | £5.17 |
| Octopus Go 8.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.71 | £6.38 |
| OVO Charge Anytime 7.0p/kWh (EV charging slot) | £5.53 | £5.25 |
| Standard Variable Price Cap 27.8p/kWh (Standard) | £21.96 | £20.85 |
Cost per mile
Real-world Wh/mile efficiency × representative tariffs.
| Scenario | 2 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Home smart off-peak | 1.9p/mile | 1.8p/mile |
| Tesla Supercharger | 16.8p/mile | 15.7p/mile |
| BP Pulse PAYG | 25.8p/mile | 24.0p/mile |
Considering any of these cars?
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Common questions
Can the Polestar 2 use Tesla Superchargers in the UK?
Yes — most UK Supercharger sites are now open to non-Tesla CCS vehicles via the Tesla app. The Polestar charges at its own 205kW peak there.
Why is the Tesla cheaper per mile?
Better real-world efficiency (around 270 vs 290 Wh/mile) and a marginally larger usable battery. Same kWh in, more miles out.
Which has more interior space?
Both are similar — the Polestar has a marginally smaller boot but slightly more rear legroom. Body shapes are very similar.