Polestar’s American adventure is heading for an unexpected pit stop. The electric carmaker is close to selling out its remaining 2026-model-year vehicles in the US, as buyers rush to get behind the wheel before new regulations potentially slam the brakes on sales.

The numbers tell the story. Polestar shifted 2,160 vehicles in the US during the third quarter, more than double the 966 sold during the same period last year. Globally, deliveries rose by a modest 1 per cent to 14,371 cars.

The trouble comes from a US Commerce Department rule targeting connected-car technology linked to China or Russia.

With Polestar majority-owned by Geely and its manufacturing tied to China, the restrictions threaten sales of connected vehicles from the 2027 model year.

Chief executive Michael Lohscheller says the clearance push has been good for business, with reports suggesting only around 150 new cars remained available nationwide when the figures were published.

Polestar says it won’t challenge the ban, although it has sought clarification from regulators. Existing owners can still expect servicing and certified pre-owned support.

There is hope elsewhere, with the forthcoming Polestar 5 attracting interest in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia, while the compact Polestar 7 remains in development.

Polestar’s American future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: right now, the best way to sell electric cars is apparently to tell customers they might soon be unavailable.