Silent Speed: Driving Electric in the Mille Miglia

The journey began not on the starting line, but with a flight from Los Angeles to Milan. This transatlantic trip was the first step in a unique automotive adventure: participating in the Green Mille Miglia. For the past five years, this event has sought to inject a message of sustainability into one of the world's most celebrated and historic races.

Arriving in Italy, the mission was clear. Over the next four days, a Polestar 3 would trace a route from Brescia to Rome and back, covering more than 1,200 km. This was not a race for outright speed, but a regularity rally where precision and consistency are paramount. The goal was to compete against a field of other electric vehicles while navigating the beautiful, and sometimes challenging, Italian countryside.

On the first day, the electric vehicle's quiet nature became immediately apparent. As the Polestar 3 navigated the shores of Lago di Garda, a voice rose from the gathered crowd, shouting a pointed critique: “no sound, no feeling!”. This reaction encapsulated the core challenge of the event. For many Italian car enthusiasts, the visceral roar of an internal combustion engine is an essential part of the automotive experience.

Over the following days, this sentiment was repeated. The crowds that gathered to watch the procession of vehicles revealed a clear preference for traditional, fuel-powered cars. The sea of modern Ferraris and world-class vintage racers drew the most enthusiastic cheers, while the electric vehicle often found itself an object of curiosity rather than adoration.

“no sound, no feeling!”

Despite this, the reaction was not entirely negative. Many spectators smiled and waved, and some performed a double-take upon seeing an electric vehicle integrated into such a historic and prestigious event. The Polestar 3 became a rolling conversation piece, challenging preconceptions with its silent, emission-free presence.

The Polestar 3 was not alone in its electric endeavor. The rally featured a diverse lineup of modern EVs, each representing a different approach to sustainable performance. The team included a Polestar 2 and a Polestar 4, showcasing the brand's expanding electric portfolio.

They were joined by a competitive field of other electric vehicles, creating a unique spectacle on the historic route. The competition was fierce, with each team vying for points based on time, distance, and average speed. The participating electric fleet included:

• A Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
• An Abarth 600e
• A Lotus Eletre
• A BYD Denza Z9GT saloon

This collection of high-performance EVs demonstrated the growing diversity and capability within the electric vehicle market, each tackling the same challenging route as the vintage racers.

The route itself was a journey through history. The rally was designed to trace the trail of the original Mille Miglia's first 12 outings, winding through the picturesque Italian countryside. This presented a unique set of challenges for an electric vehicle. While the vintage racers were built for endurance, modern EVs require careful planning around charging infrastructure.

Logistical hurdles added complexity to the regularity road rally. Beyond the challenge of finding charging stations along a route not originally designed for electric cars, the team also had to contend with the physical toll of long-distance travel. The combination of jet lag from the transatlantic flight and the strategic demands of managing battery range added layers of complication to the five-day event.

Yet, the Polestar 3 proved to be a capable partner on this journey. It handled the varied terrain and long distances with composure, demonstrating that electric vehicles are more than capable of meeting the demands of a classic road rally, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

The Green Mille Miglia serves as a fascinating cultural intersection. It places the silent, futuristic technology of electric vehicles directly within a celebration of automotive history, sound, and mechanical passion. The event is not about replacing the old with the new, but rather about introducing a new chapter into a storied legacy.

The mixed reactions from the Italian crowds highlight this tension. While some remain loyal to the traditions of engine noise and mechanical feeling, others are open to the new possibilities that electric mobility represents. The presence of the Polestar 3 and its competitors acts as a bridge, sparking conversations and challenging the status quo in one of the world's most car-centric cultures.

Ultimately, the experience is about more than just driving. It is about participating in a dialogue about the future of mobility, proving that performance and sustainability can coexist on the same iconic route.

The journey of the Polestar 3 through the Mille Miglia was a testament to the evolving landscape of the automotive world. It demonstrated that electric vehicles are ready to take on historic challenges, even when facing skepticism and logistical hurdles.

The event proved that electric vehicles can successfully compete in a traditional road rally format, navigating over 1,200 km of Italian roads. Cultural acceptance of EVs remains varied, with traditionalists valuing the sensory experience of combustion engines. Logistical planning is crucial for long-distance electric travel, especially in regions with developing charging infrastructure. The Green Mille Miglia continues to be a vital platform for raising awareness about sustainability in the automotive world.