Not having inventory to sell from could put dealers at a competitive disadvantage, the startup concluded.
"The inability to have a product available for immediate delivery was hampering dealers," U.S. boss Gregor Hembrough told Automotive News on the sidelines of a press event here to showcase the latest variants of the brand's Polestar 2 fastback.
"Our Space partners were very clear that they're losing opportunities by a customer having to call up a car from the port."
In response, Polestar adjusted its strategy — furnishing its retailers with five to seven cars for spot deliveries.
"It's been one of the biggest catalysts to really get consumers to start converting to the cars quicker," Hembrough said, adding that Polestar continues to carry those vehicles on its books.
Having inventory at his Polestar Space showroom available for immediate delivery has been helpful, said Nicholas Long, dealer principal at Polestar Princeton in New Jersey.
"The American customer, they want the car now," Long said. "So it is nice having the five to seven for those customers that are ready to go at that moment."
Hembrough admitted it's been a steep learning curve as Polestar establishes a foothold in the U.S.
"You've got to have this open-mindedness to listen to people and navigate the marketplace," he said.
Polestar has also struggled with getting its China-made EVs to U.S. customers in a timely fashion. That's a problem that could worsen as the automaker expands its retail network and moves deeper into the U.S. hinterland.
Polestar plans to have 35 stores in 17 states by the end of next year.