Polestar Claims Misled by Trump Administration Over EV Sales Ban
Polestar, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely, claims it was misled by the U.S. Commerce Department into believing its application to continue selling electric vehicles in the United States would be approved under new connected-vehicle regulations. The company says that despite assurances from officials and similarities with its sister brand Volvo—which received approval—Polestar’s request was rejected without explanation. The rejection, which came after Polestar had already applied for authorization in May 2025, has forced the automaker to halt sales of new vehicles in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year under a rule banning imports from hostile countries like China. The company offered mitigation measures such as audits and data restrictions but says these were ignored by regulators. Polestar is now seeking clarity on its rejection, while also facing legal action from one of its dealers who claims it engineered an exit strategy.
Topics: connected vehicle regulations electric vehicles U.S.-China trade relations