PLUG ’N ’ SLEIGH

Polestar has made a 3 Arctic Circle special edition. Taking it to herd reindeer was the logical thing to do

- WORDS OLLIE MARRIAGE PHOTOGRAPHY JONNY FLEETWOOD

I think this might be hasty. For starters I don't believe Ollie the reindeer's future prospects extend to 'named pet'. And I think his recent bout of affectionate behaviour has less to do with my Sami tendencies than a peculiar hypnosis with the colour of my jacket. Not for the first time, I wonder if Rickard is teasing me.

Rickard Länta is a Sami reindeer herder. It's tough up here, up above the Arctic Circle. Sure it looks pretty and bright, a friendly wilderness of trees and snow that I'm sure offers up enough sustenance and protection to be survivable if you know what you're doing. Yeah, about that. All I've done is apply technology to this situation: GPS mapping, technical fabrics, electric motors, phone signal and so on. What I'm lacking is knowledge. Meanwhile, the only technology Rickard appears to have at his disposal are the three knives worn at the waist of his heavy, tough clothing. I don't believe his knowledge is lacking.

The standard Polestar 3 is technology turned up to 10. It's a connected car that successfully channels cutting edge solutions, while also being a beautifully designed, clean driving and thoroughly useful SUV. That's why we've chosen it as EV SUV of the Year. But up here I need more, which must be why Polestar created the 3 Arctic Circle, adding the studded tyres, snow ladders, shovel and extra spotlights that turn this car into more of a survival cell. All of which might just come in very handy.

The plan is to use the 'Arctic Circle' to herd reindeer within the Arctic Circle. It didn't have to be this Arctic Circle mind you: Polestar has built three Arctic Circle cars, the others predictably based on the 2 and 4. All have been treated to suspension lifts, OZ rally wheels with studded tyres, custom Öhlins dampers, Recaro bucket seats, mud flaps, tow hooks and so on. So you, like me, are imagining they're trite nonsense, mere show ponies.