Polestar Posts Record First-Half Sales Ahead of U.S. Sales Ban

Polestar has reported its strongest first half of the year on record, delivering 30,423 vehicles globally during the first six months of 2026.

While the gain over last year was modest, it comes at a time when the Swedish EV maker is navigating regulatory hurdles, slowing demand in some markets, and a looming ban on future vehicle sales in the United States.

The automaker said first-half retail sales increased 0.4% compared to the same period in 2025, when it delivered 30,289 vehicles. Excluding the U.S. market, sales grew by 3.1% to 28,562 vehicles.

Second-quarter deliveries totaled 17,296 vehicles, down 4.0% year-over-year. Sales outside the U.S. followed a similar trend, declining 3.9% to 16,175 units.

The results come just weeks after Polestar confirmed it would effectively exit the U.S. new vehicle market beginning with the 2027 model year.

The decision follows the implementation of the U.S. Connected Vehicle Rule, which prohibits the sale of new vehicles incorporating certain Chinese-connected hardware and software. Since Polestar’s current lineup relies heavily on manufacturing in China and Chinese-developed technology, the company acknowledged it will no longer be able to sell new vehicles in the U.S. once the regulation takes effect.

While the U.S. remains part of Polestar’s business through the end of the 2026 model year, the company has already begun separating U.S. sales from its global reporting, highlighting retail deliveries both including and excluding the American market.

Outside the U.S., Polestar continues to expand its retail footprint. The company now operates 235 retail locations worldwide, a 39% increase compared to a year ago, as it focuses on growing sales in Europe and Asia.