A growing number of Tesla drivers in the UK are trading in their electric vehicles (EVs) for Polestar models, with Polestar’s UK managing director reporting conversions at a “fairly high rate.” This shift comes as Tesla faces a steep 36% drop in May sales compared to the same month last year, while Polestar registrations have surged by over 273% year-on-year, according to a recent report from The Independent.

Polestar Gains Traction with Tesla Drivers

Polestar, a Swedish EV brand owned by Chinese automaker Geely, has made significant inroads in the UK market. The company, which now offers three models—Polestar 2, 3, and 4—saw 1,774 new registrations in May 2025, with the Polestar 4 leading as its most popular vehicle. In contrast, Tesla registered 2,016 cars in the same month, a decline from 3,152 the previous May.

Polestar’s UK managing director, Matt Galvin, told The Independent, “We’re getting a lot of Tesla drivers coming into our Polestar showrooms to drive our product and we’re converting them at a fairly high rate as well.”

Galvin attributes this trend to a mix of factors, including the appeal of Polestar’s fresh designs and the potential fatigue among Tesla owners. “Tesla has been around a long time, hasn’t it? I think people have had maybe one or two of those products already, and there’s something new and alternative on the scene with Polestar for them,” he said.

Tesla Owners Switch To Polestar In Record Numbers As Sales Shift In The Uk

He also noted that while some Tesla owners might be disillusioned due to controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk—described by former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer as causing “a bit of brand damage”—Galvin believes Polestar’s appeal stands on its own. “I don’t know whether that’s because of the Elon factor or what, but I think we’re just a very attractive car brand right now,” he added.

Tesla Sales Dip Amid Delivery Delays

Tesla’s sales slump in May 2025 reflects broader challenges for the EV giant. The company has narrowed its UK offerings to the Modèle 3 et Modèle Y, discontinuing the Modèle S et Modèle X. Additionally, Tesla is grappling with delays in delivering the new Model Y, with production ramping up after a decline in April and May. However, Tesla anticipates a recovery in June as deliveries of the updated Model Y begin to stabilize.

Meanwhile, Polestar’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing. The brand, which launched in the UK in 2021, is expanding its lineup with the Polestar 5 luxury saloon set for release in 2026, followed by the European-built Polestar 7 in 2027. This diversification contrasts with Tesla’s more focused approach, potentially giving Polestar an edge in appealing to a broader range of EV buyers.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

The UK EV market is witnessing a dynamic shift as competition intensifies. Polestar’s 273% year-on-year registration growth highlights the increasing demand for alternatives to Tesla, which has long dominated the EV space. For EV enthusiasts, Polestar’s offerings bring sleek Scandinavian design and competitive performance, with the Polestar 4 boasting a range of up to 385 miles (620 kilometers) per charge, rivaling Tesla’s Model Y.

This trend could signal a broader diversification in the EV market, where brand loyalty is tested by innovation and variety. As Polestar continues to expand its portfolio and Tesla works to recover from its sales dip, UK consumers are likely to benefit from more choices and advanced EV technology in the coming years. For now, Polestar’s ability to convert Tesla drivers underscores its rising prominence in the electric vehicle landscape.

Photos courtesy of Polestar.