The new Polestar 5 EV Lease is here - is this setting a standard for charging speed with our EVs?

Is this setting a standard for charging speed with our EVs - The new Polestar 5 EV Lease is here 

New and exciting EVs, like this amazing Polestar 5, are now pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible with our EV technologies. There are various dynamics and facets on our electric vehicles which need to be properly understood in order to keep the uptake at a financially healthy and sustainable level.

This isn’t about the ZEV Mandate (which we do not believe will be anywhere near possible to attain on current levels); this is about our battery market flourishing in a manner which enables new and used all-electric cars to be procured via leasing and purchase schemes in a harmonious manner. The continuous circulation of “new to used” transactions is what enables RVs to be more robust and affordable.

So the reports in the Motor Trader  about increasing RV values and confidence is not altogether that surprising. Between August and October, the average values rose in the region of £1,300 which is a great upturn on a segment which has previously seen declining values as dealerships / car supermarkets struggle with the concept of a used-EV solution.

Stability and confidence, underpinned with solid education and advice are key to any of this working. The so called “turning-point” in the article is perhaps recognition that more customers are becoming attune and familiar with these vehicle options.

One of the points being noted in the media, like this piece in Auto Express  relates to the charging times / speeds of our EVs. The article discusses how Hyundai are investing in a new development centre, with one of the aims being to ensure that the charging experience for EV drivers mirrors that of a combustion customer.

In many instances, a UK driver will take circa 5 - 10 minutes to fill up their vehicles. But, as the article notes, this is after some 100+ year of development and evolution with significant investment. Comparing that to EVs, which have only been in mass-adoption for just over 5 years, there needs to be some patience and understanding.

However, with Hyundai now looking into battery options which can achieve around 400kW DC, the fact that brands are now addressing this aspect is certainly heartening. With this being something drivers do want, according to research in “The Balancing Act” whitepaper, having enough charge points available (and which are quick enough) is a key part of this transition.

The obvious point is that drivers with longer commutes, or who lack home charge points, need to be able to access a charging solution without queues or delays. When they do connect, they need the charging solution to operate quickly enough to minimise any downtime. Whilst this relies on the vehicle being capable of rapid charging beyond 150kW DC, the charge points themselves need to have a corresponding ability to quickly charge.

The new Polestar 5, a blend of sports car and GT, is almost certainly one for our electric car customers who prioritise their charging experience. The Performance model has a 350kW DC max charging power, making this one of the quickest options to lease in 2026 and beyond. To help our e-car customers, our website provides an amazing tool - Rapid Charge Capability - which highlights the best DC capabilities in the UK. 

Just to explain to any customers new to EVs, the rapid charging or DC capability will vary from car to car. Not all EVs are built equally and each manufacturer, or model, will have differing capabilities. Before you lease or buy, simply ascertain from your sales team or the website the DC capability on your car.

This will be anywhere between 50 - 400kW DC, representing the highest possible power your vehicle can take. While you need to consider the battery size (shown as kWh) to ascertain the actual times, the general rule of thumb is that any vehicle with 250kW DC is going to be incredibly quick (sub-20 minute top-up) and anything beyond 350kW DC is lightning quick (sub-10 minute top-up).

So while the Polestar 5 Performance shows a 22 minute charging time, this is for the vehicle to go from 10 - 80%, which is actually quite a big jump in charge, especially with this being a 106kWh battery with a 330 mile real world range. In reality, the rapid charging is about a more nominal 25 - 50% top-up. As such, the Polestar 5 will easily do this in 10 minutes akin to a petrol or diesel pump experience.

The “pure performance GT” is some machine to behold. Thank you to both the Polestar team and Fleet Procure  for hosting an event where we had the opportunity to witness this for ourselves. The new Polestar 5 is everything you could expect from a luxury performance car and more.

For any business or personal contract hire customers replacing a Mercedes EQS, Porsche Taycan or Audi e-Tron GT, add this to your list. The pinnacle is the Performance model which arrives in a Launch Edition specification for Spring 2026.

The Launch Edition will start from £104,900 and will add 21” alloys, Polestar Engineered chassis tuning with MagneRide dampers, Bowers & Wilkins audio and the Swedish gold brake and seatbelts above the entry Dual Motor options.

Other key specification PPA, electric power steering with 3 modes, dual blade headlights, Pixel LED headlights, soft close doors, power-operated tailgate, flush door handles, panoramic glass sunroof, full power seats with 12-way adjustment and memory, heated front seats, 4-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, 9” driver display, 14.5” centre screen, 8.9” digital rear view mirror, digital key, connected services for 12 months (with Google Play apps), 360 degree camera, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 4 short-range HD cameras, Pilot Pack, Climate Pack, ADAS with a whole host of assists and semi-autonomous functions and 5G.

Colours include Magnesium, Snow, Storm and Space metallic paint or the Magnesium or Storm matte. You can upgrade with options like the 22” alloys, Bridge of Weir leather and the semi-electric towbar.

Configure your Polestar 5 at the Polestar website.

Is the Polestar 5 Performance a good EV?

•  This AWD GT Saloon will have a 106 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.2 seconds,155 mph top speeds and 650kW (or 872hp). Expect a combined winter range of 280 miles with warmer weather allowing for 375 miles – a 330 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 350 kW DC maximum allowing 22 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 365L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 126 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 180kg (Braked). The new Polestar 5 has no confirmed Bidirectional Charging. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option.

Want to know more about going into the Polestar 5?

Head to our dedicated Polestar special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]