As dificuldades de vendas da Polestar na China: um ponto de viragem para a marca?

Polestar's sales in China plunged 60% in the first half of 2025 due to intense competition from local brands like BYD, which delivered over 1.8 million EVs compared to Polestar's 25,000 units. Geely, Polestar's parent company, shifted focus to its own brands, reducing factory output by 40% and leaving dealers with excess inventory. Price wars also hurt, as Polestar's Polestar 2 at 300,000 CNY competes against cheaper options like BYD's Seal at 200,000 CNY.

Rental companies like Sixt and Hertz have scaled back Polestar offerings, with availability at Beijing Capital Airport dropping from 15% of EV stock in 2024 to under 5% now. This pushes renters toward alternatives like Tesla or Nio, and operational shifts mean fewer demo units and longer wait times for bookings. Insurance premiums for EVs rose 15%, leading to higher daily rates of around 450 CNY per day, up from 380 CNY last year.

With Polestar's reduced availability, opt for versatile fleets from companies like Europcar, which stocks 30% more BYD models in 2026 for better reliability. Tesla and Nio are popular alternatives in major hubs like Shanghai and Beijing. Hybrid options serve as backups when pure EVs are scarce, avoiding costly last-minute taxis.

EV rental daily rates in China have increased to about 450 CNY (57 EUR) from 380 CNY last year, driven by a 15% rise in insurance premiums amid supply chain jitters. Polestar's battery sourcing delays and global tariffs contribute to 20-30% longer wait times for bookings. Travelers should plan weeks ahead for routes like Chengdu to Xi'an to avoid disruptions.

Don't rely solely on Polestar; use platforms like GetRentacar.com to compare rates from Sixt, Hertz, and local providers for deals up to 25% below walk-in prices. Check for government subsidies in 2026 that can knock 10,000 CNY off qualifying models via official rental apps, and book hybrids as backups. Verify charging infrastructure with apps like PlugShare to ensure stations every 150 km on your route.