Polestar's China Sales Dip Hits EV Rentals Hard
Polestar's electric vehicles promised a sleek ride for road trippers. But in China, their biggest market, sales plunged 60% in the first half of 2025, forcing operational tweaks that ripple into rentals.
Travelers eyeing EVs in Shanghai or Beijing now face slim pickings. I've chased Polestar models across Asia, only to pivot to alternatives when stock vanished.
This isn't just a brand hiccup. It reshapes how you book wheels for that cross-country drive from Guangzhou to the Great Wall.
What's Behind Polestar's China Sales Slump
Intense competition from locals like BYD crushed Polestar's edge. BYD delivered over 1.8 million EVs in 2025, while Polestar managed just 25,000 units in China—down from 45,000 the year before.
Geely, Polestar's parent, shifted focus to its own brands. Factory output for Polestar models dropped 40%, leaving dealers with excess inventory and hesitant to stock rentals.
Price wars didn't help. Polestar's Polestar 2, priced at around 300,000 CNY (about 38,000 EUR), competes against BYD's cheaper Seal at 200,000 CNY—making it tough for rental fleets to justify the premium.
How These Changes Affect Renting in China
Rental companies like Sixt and Hertz scaled back Polestar offerings in major hubs. At Beijing Capital Airport, Polestar availability fell from 15% of EV stock in 2024 to under 5% now, pushing renters toward Tesla or Nio instead.
Operational shifts mean fewer demo units for test drives. Polestar's decision to consolidate showrooms in tier-one cities like Shanghai leaves second-tier spots underserved, complicating pickups for rural road trips.
Insurance premiums for EVs rose 15% amid supply chain jitters. That translates to higher daily rates—expect 450 CNY (57 EUR) per day for a comparable EV, up from 380 CNY last year.
Supply Chain Ripples for Travelers
Polestar's battery sourcing issues, tied to global tariffs, delay fleet replenishments. Enterprise, expanding in Asia, reports 20-30% longer wait times for EV bookings in China.
For a 1,200 km drive from Chengdu to Xi'an, this means planning weeks ahead. I once waited 48 hours for an EV upgrade in Hangzhou—lesson learned the hard way.
Smart Strategies for EV Rentals Amid the Chaos
Don't bank on Polestar alone. Opt for versatile fleets from Europcar, which stocks 30% more BYD models in 2026, ensuring availability even in high season.
Book hybrid options as backups. They bridge the gap when pure EVs like Polestar falter, saving you from last-minute taxis that cost 200 CNY (25 EUR) per hour in traffic.
Check for government subsidies. China's 2026 EV incentives knock 10,000 CNY off rental costs for qualifying models—claim them via apps like the official rental portals.
- Compare rates across platforms: Use GetRentacar.com to scan Sixt, Hertz, and local outfits, spotting deals 25% below walk-in prices.
- Verify charging infrastructure: Aim for routes with stations every 150 km; apps like PlugShare map them in real-time.
- Inspect for wear: EVs endure heavy urban use—test brakes and battery health before signing, avoiding surprise charges of 500 CNY for "degradation."
- Factor in tolls: Electric vehicles get 20% discounts on highways, trimming a 800 km Beijing-Shanghai run by 120 CNY total.
Personal Takes on Navigating EV Shifts
I always scout local brands first in China because they're cheaper and more reliable for rentals. Polestar's premium feel is nice, but BYD's range covers 500 km per charge without the markup—practical for long hauls.
That said, I prefer international chains like Hertz for peace of mind. Their English support and global insurance cut hassle during border-crossing trips, worth the extra 50 CNY daily.
Honest admission: I got stung with a 1,200 CNY damage fee on a rented Polestar in Europe back in 2023—blamed on a tiny scratch that wasn't mine. It made me double-check policies everywhere, especially in fast-changing markets like China.
Global Road Trip Lessons from Polestar's Pivot
Polestar's China woes signal broader EV volatility. In the US, similar sales dips at brands like Rivian mean rentals there fluctuate 35% seasonally—plan accordingly for Vegas to Grand Canyon drives.
Europe feels the echo too. With Polestar factories in Chengdu slowing exports, models like the Polestar 3 see 10-15% price hikes at EV rental spots in Germany, pushing savvy travelers to alternatives.
Adapt your itinerary. Shorten EV-only legs to 300 km daily, blending with trains for efficiency—saves 2 hours and 100 EUR on a week-long trip.
Why Diversify Your Fleet Choices
Sticking to one brand risks letdowns. Mix in gas cars for remote areas; they rent for 250 CNY (32 EUR) daily and dodge charging woes in rural Gansu province.
Track market updates via sites like ours. Polestar's rumored 2026 relaunch could boost stock, but until then, flexibility rules.
For your next China adventure, download the Didi app today and pair it with a rental quote from GetRentacar.com—lock in an EV under 400 CNY daily before availability tightens further.
