How to Charge a Polestar 2, 3, or 4 at Tesla Superchargers

What You'll Need

• A NACS → CCS1 adapter — All Polestar models (2, 3, and 4) use a CCS1 inlet. Tesla Superchargers use NACS connectors. The Velectr NACS to CCS1 Adapter bridges the connection.
• The Tesla app installed and set up — Download the Tesla app, create an account, and add a valid payment method before arriving at the Supercharger.
• The Polestar app (recommended) — Useful for monitoring charging status alongside the Tesla app.

Step-by-Step: Charging a Polestar at a Tesla Supercharger

1. Set up the Tesla app before your first session.
   Download the Tesla app, create a Tesla account, and add a payment method. You do not need to own a Tesla vehicle.
2. Bring a NACS → CCS1 adapter.
   All Polestar models use a CCS1 inlet for DC fast charging. A NACS → CCS1 adapter is required to connect the Supercharger handle to your vehicle.
3. Navigate to a supported Tesla Supercharger.
   Use the Tesla app or your vehicle's Google-based navigation to find Superchargers enabled for non-Tesla vehicles. These are typically V3 and V4 sites.
4. Park with cable reach in mind.
   The charge port for Polestar 2, Polestar 3, Polestar 4 is located on the rear driver side (left). Back-in stalls work well for all Polestar models. End stalls provide additional cable clearance. The driver-side rear position may require more careful alignment at some stalls compared to passenger-side rear-port vehicles.
5. Attach the adapter to the Supercharger handle first.
   • Seat the adapter fully onto the Tesla NACS handle.
   • Confirm it locks securely.
   • Then insert the CCS1 side into the vehicle's charge port.
6. Open the Tesla app and start the charging session.
   • Open the Tesla app on your phone.
   • Tap "Charge Your Non-Tesla".
   • Select the Supercharger location.
   • Select the stall number you're plugged into.
   • Confirm to start charging.
7. Monitor charging from the vehicle or apps.
   Charging status appears on the vehicle display, the Polestar app, and the Tesla app.
8. Once charging is complete.
   Stop the session via the Tesla app, vehicle screen, or charge port button. Disconnect the adapter from the vehicle first, then remove the adapter from the Tesla handle, then replace the Tesla handle in the charging station.

Why the Tesla App Is Required (And How Billing Works)

Polestar vehicles in the US currently require the Tesla app at Tesla Superchargers (Plug & Charge is available in Europe and expected to arrive in the US soon). The Tesla app handles authentication and payment:

• The Tesla app identifies which stall you're connected to
• Your Tesla account payment method is charged directly
• Session details appear in the Tesla app after each session

What Charging Speeds to Expect

Polestar 2 (Long Range, Single/Dual Motor)

• Peak charging power: approximately 155 kW
• Architecture: 400V
• Optimal range: 10–50% state of charge
• Typical 10–80% time: approximately 28–34 minutes
• Battery capacity: approximately 78 kWh (usable, Long Range)

Polestar 3 (2024–2025, 400V)

• Peak charging power: approximately 250 kW
• Architecture: 400V
• Optimal range: 10–50% state of charge
• Typical 10–80% time: approximately 28–32 minutes
• Battery capacity: approximately 107 kWh (usable)

Polestar 3 (2026+, 800V)

• Peak charging power: up to 350 kW (310 kW on rear-motor variant)
• Architecture: 800V
• Optimal range: 5–50% state of charge
• Typical 10–80% time: approximately 22 minutes
• Battery capacity: approximately 106 kWh (Dual Motor) or 92 kWh (rear-motor)

The 2026 Polestar 3 received a major update to 800V architecture, significantly improving charging speed. At Tesla V3 Superchargers (250 kW max), the 2026 Polestar 3 will be charger-limited rather than vehicle-limited.

Polestar 4 (400V)

• Peak charging power: approximately 200 kW
• Architecture: 400V
• Optimal range: 10–50% state of charge
• Typical 10–80% time: approximately 30 minutes
• Battery capacity: approximately 100 kWh (total)

All Polestar models taper charging speed above 50% state of charge, with significant slowdowns above 80%. The Polestar 2 uses a 400V architecture and delivers solid, predictable charging. The Polestar 3 offers the fastest charging of the lineup—especially with the 2026 800V update. The Polestar 4 sits between the 2 and 3 in charging speed.

For road trip planning: Charge from approximately 10% to 75–80% for the fastest turnaround across all models.

Tesla Supercharging Membership (Optional Cost Savings)

Non-Tesla EV owners typically pay a higher per-kWh rate at Superchargers compared to Tesla vehicle owners. However, you can unlock Tesla owner pricing by purchasing a Supercharging Membership through the Tesla app.

What it does:
A Supercharging Membership allows non-Tesla EV owners to Supercharge at the same per-kWh price as Tesla vehicle owners—often a significant discount depending on location.

Key details:

• One membership covers all your vehicles—you don't need to buy one per vehicle.
• Monthly subscription fee applies (pricing is set by Tesla and varies by region).
• Savings depend on how frequently you use Superchargers.

How to sign up:

1. Open the Tesla app
2. Tap the menu in the top-right corner
3. Tap "Charging"
4. Tap "Membership"
5. Tap the "Sign Up" button

Is the membership worth it?
If you road trip frequently and rely on Tesla Superchargers regularly, the membership typically pays for itself within a few charging sessions. If you only Supercharge occasionally—say once or twice a month—pay-per-use pricing may be more cost-effective. The break-even point depends on your region's pricing and how many kWh you charge per session.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Set up the Tesla app before you need it.
  Create your account and add payment at home before a road trip.
• Double-check the stall number.
  Selecting the wrong stall is the most common reason sessions fail to start.
• Adapter seating matters.
  Confirm the adapter is fully seated and locked before plugging in.
• Precondition the battery.
  All Polestar models support battery preconditioning when navigating to a fast charger. Use it for optimal speed, especially in cold weather.
• Expect tapering.
  Slower charging at higher state of charge is normal and protects battery longevity.
• Idle fees apply.
  Disconnect promptly when charging completes.
• Session won't start?
  Try a different stall. Close and reopen the Tesla app. Verify your payment method.

Where the Velectr NACS → CCS1 Adapter Fits

At Tesla Superchargers, the Velectr NACS → CCS1 Adapter enables the physical and electrical connection between the Supercharger cable and your Polestar's CCS1 inlet. Charging power is negotiated directly between the vehicle and the charger—the adapter supports that process by providing a stable, safety-focused connection under real-world DC fast-charging conditions.